Measured response

We first rode Bajaj's value-for-money performance streetfighter in May 2024, and now there's an update. Is the 2025 NS400Z still maximum bang for your buck? Are the changes skin-deep, or is this the motorcycle we should've had in the first place?

- Abhinav Jakhar

It’s rare to ride a bike that feels like a reply. The 2025 NS400Z can be categorised as one such machine. Bajaj’s response to every forum post, rider rant, and reviewer nitpick is here, and boy, have they listened to us. When I first rode the biggest Pulsar yet, back in 2024, I was impressed, just like I am now. Yes, there were some niggles, and it could use some more work, but the mouthwatering price made me overlook most of these downsides. However, I feel Bajaj learned in this process that the Indian consumer has evolved. We want the right equipment, and it can’t just be about saving money. I also feel that the homegrown giant showed class with this move, showcasing respect for the Pulsar brand name. On the surface, it’s hard to tell that the 2025 NS400Z has changed. That’s certainly how I felt when I arrived at the dealership. Bajaj has gone for refinement over reinvention, and I’m all for it. The real question is to what degree the riding experience has been altered due to the incremental changes.

From a design standpoint, the only thing that sets it apart is the redesigned radiator cowl, which, according to the folks at Bajaj, has improved heat dissipation and drives hot air away from the rider’s legs. There are no new colours, no new graphics, just the same in that regard, and honestly, that feels like a bit of a letdown. I would’ve loved the Pulsar NS400Z to get the same shade of blue as the N160. Let’s kick vanity aside for a minute and talk about the real meaty stuff. Bajaj has opted for sintered pads this time around to improve brake feel and durability, and the rear tyre is now wider, 150-section to be exact.