Many two-wheeler manufacturers are now replacing the 400cc engines in favour of lower capacity ones to avail of tax benefits
The new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z now comes with a potent 349cc engine instead of the larger 373cc. In recent weeks, we have witnessed two-wheeler companies downsizing the engines on some of their models to reap the benefits of lower taxes associated with engines under 350cc capacity. In today’s era, where inflation is going up like anything, buyers appreciate any efforts a company makes to bring down costs. For now, let us take a look at the details of the Pulsar NS400Z with a new engine.
New Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
Bajaj Auto has launched the new Pulsar NS400Z in India with a smaller 349 cc engine. This move makes the flagship naked bike more affordable for buyers. Despite the change, Bajaj says the bike still offers strong performance. The new engine produces 40.6 PS of power. The biggest benefit comes in pricing. The bike now falls under the lower 18% GST slab. As a result, the ex-showroom price stands at Rs 1.80 lakh (Delhi). This also reduces the overall cost of ownership. Buyers can save up to Rs 24,500 in total. This includes lower price, reduced insurance cost and cheaper registration. Bajaj is clearly targeting riders who want performance without spending too much.
In terms of features, the NS400Z remains well-equipped. It gets four ride modes, a quick shifter and traction control. There is also dual-channel ABS and radial tyres. The bike continues to offer a Bluetooth-enabled console for connectivity. The NS400Z is built on the familiar Pulsar NS platform. It carries forward the aggressive design and sharp handling. Bajaj says it is suitable for both city use and highway rides. The focus is on offering a balance of power and practicality. With this update, Bajaj is trying to make performance bikes more accessible in India. The new NS400Z looks like a strong option for riders who want a powerful yet affordable motorcycle.
Speaking on this occasion, Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycles Business Unit, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “The Pulsar NS has always stood for accessible performance and bold riding experiences. With the new Pulsar NS400Z powered by a 349cc engine, we are taking a significant step towards making high-performance motorcycling more attainable. By passing on the benefits of lower ownership costs, including the 18% GST advantage, we are delivering the same thrilling NS experience with a more compelling value proposition. This reinforces our commitment to making Pulsar more inclusive, relevant, and ‘Definitely Daring’ for today’s riders.”
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Having tracked the Indian two-wheeler market for years, I see this move as a smart and timely response to rising price sensitivity among buyers. Downsizing to a sub-350cc engine to benefit from lower GST is a clear indication of how manufacturers are adapting to cost pressures without diluting performance too much. What stands out to me is that Bajaj has managed to retain the core appeal of the NS400Z while making it significantly more accessible. In today’s market, where value plays a decisive role, this strategy is likely to resonate strongly with performance-oriented yet budget-conscious riders.
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