Bajaj Auto has a long and glorious history with the Pulsar brand. The Pulsar 150 (2001) created the performance commuter segment. The Pulsar 220 F (2007) was India’s first affordable 200cc+ bike. The Pulsar NS200 (2012) introduced liquid cooling to the masses. But Bajaj has never successfully cracked the 400cc+ performance naked segment – the space dominated by the KTM Duke 390 (Bajaj’s own partner brand) and the Triumph Speed 400.
Enter the Bajaj Pulsar NS400. First teased in early 2026, the NS400 is Bajaj’s most powerful Pulsar ever, using a detuned version of the 373cc engine that powers the KTM 390 series. But with great power comes great internal competition – the NS400 directly cannibalises sales from the KTM Duke 390, a bike Bajaj co-manufactures in India.
In this detailed article, we analyse the NS400’s engine, chassis, features, pricing, and whether it will kill the Duke – or coexist with it.
The Engine – KTM’s 373cc, Retuned for Bajaj
The NS400 uses the 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine from the KTM 390 platform (also used in the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401). However, Bajaj has not simply dropped the KTM engine into the Pulsar chassis. There are significant differences in tuning, compression ratio, and exhaust.
Engine Specifications Compared
| Parameter | Bajaj NS400 | KTM Duke 390 Gen 3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 373.2 cc | 373.2 cc | Identical |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled | Identical |
| Power | 40 bhp @ 8,800 rpm | 45 bhp @ 9,000 rpm | -5 bhp |
| Torque | 35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 39 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | -4 Nm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.6:1 | Lower (pump fuel friendly) |
| Bore x stroke | 89 mm x 60 mm | 89 mm x 60 mm | Identical |
| Valves | 4-valve DOHC | 4-valve DOHC | Identical |
| Fuel system | Bosch EFI (38mm throttle body) | Bosch EFI (42mm throttle body) | Smaller throttle body |
The NS400 is detuned from the KTM engine in three ways:
- Lower compression ratio (11.5:1 vs 12.6:1) – allows the engine to run safely on 91-octane petrol (common in India) without knocking. The KTM requires 95-octane for full performance.
- Smaller throttle body (38mm vs 42mm) – reduces top-end power but improves low-end throttle response and fuel efficiency.
- Revised camshaft profile – milder valve lift and duration, shifting the power band lower.
Real-World Performance
| Metric | NS400 | Duke 390 | Triumph Speed 400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 kmph | 2.8 sec | 2.5 sec | 2.9 sec |
| 0-100 kmph | 6.4 sec | 5.8 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top speed | 155 kmph (limited) | 170 kmph | 160 kmph |
| Fuel efficiency | 28 kmpl | 25 kmpl | 27 kmpl |
The NS400 is slower than the Duke 390 across every performance metric – deliberately, to create differentiation. But it is also smoother at low rpms (less vibration than the Duke, which is notoriously buzzy) and more fuel-efficient.
Chassis & Handling – Pulsar Heritage Meets 400cc Power
The NS400 uses a modified version of the Pulsar NS200’s perimeter frame, strengthened to handle the 400cc engine’s additional torque and weight.
| Component | NS400 Specification |
|---|---|
| Frame type | Perimeter (steel twin-spar) |
| Front suspension | 41mm USD fork (KYB) – adjustable for preload |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock with nitrox gas (7-step preload adjustable) |
| Front tyre | 110/70-17 (radial) |
| Rear tyre | 150/60-17 (radial) – same as Duke 390 |
| Front brake | 320mm disc (Brembyo caliper) |
| Rear brake | 230mm disc (Brembyo caliper) |
| ABS | Dual-channel with off-road mode (rear ABS off) |
| Kerb weight | 175 kg |
How Does It Handle?
The NS400 is heavier than the Duke 390 (169 kg) and the Speed 400 (176 kg) is comparable. The extra weight (6 kg over the Duke) is noticeable in quick direction changes – the NS400 feels slightly less agile during rapid left-right transitions.
However, the softer suspension setup (compared to the Duke’s stiff track-focused suspension) makes the NS400 more comfortable on Indian roads. The USD fork absorbs potholes without transmitting a jolt to the rider’s wrists.
Verdict: The Duke handles better (lighter, stiffer suspension), but the NS400 rides better for daily commuting.
Design – Pulsar NS Styling with 400cc Aggression
Bajaj has stuck to the Pulsar NS design language (first seen in 2012) but added 400cc-specific styling cues:
| Element | Design |
|---|---|
| Headlamp | Twin-projector LED with “cheetah face” DRL signature (similar to NS200) |
| Fuel tank | 14 litres, sharp knee recesses, “400” decal prominently |
| Tail section | Sharp, upswept LED taillamp – new design (not shared with NS200) |
| Exhaust | Underslung (similar to Duke) but with Pulsar-branded heat shield |
| Colour options | Gloss black with red accents (standard), Matte silver with blue accents, All-black “Dark” edition |
The NS400 looks like a grown-up NS200 – muscular, aggressive, and distinctly Bajaj. It does not look like a Duke copy, which is important for brand identity.
Features – Segment-Best, But Missing a Few
Bajaj has loaded the NS400 with features typically found on premium segment bikes.
| Feature | NS400 (Standard) | NS400 (Dark Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| LED lighting | All lights LED | All lights LED |
| Digital instrument cluster | Yes (new 5-inch TFT) | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No (surprising) | No |
| Navigation (turn-by-turn) | No | No |
| Ride-by-wire | No (cable throttle) | No |
| Riding modes | No (not even Eco/Sport) | No |
| Slipper clutch | Yes (standard) | Yes |
| Quick shifter | No (accessory for ₹8,000) | No |
| USB charging port | Yes (1-port, under seat) | Yes (2-port) |
The lack of ride-by-wire is the biggest omission. Without it, the NS400 cannot offer riding modes, traction control, or cruise control. The Duke 390 has ride-by-wire (and thus offers Rain, Street, Sport modes). The Triumph Speed 400 also has ride-by-wire.
Bajaj’s justification: Keeping the cable throttle reduces cost (by approx ₹15,000) and complexity (fewer electronics to fail). For a budget-conscious 400cc buyer, this may be acceptable.
Pricing – The NS400’s Killer Advantage
Bajaj has priced the NS400 aggressively – lower than every 400cc competitor.
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar NS400 | ₹2,19,999 | 40 bhp | 175 kg |
| KTM Duke 390 | ₹3,12,000 | 45 bhp | 169 kg |
| Triumph Speed 400 | ₹2,40,000 | 40 bhp | 176 kg |
| Harley-Davidson X440 | ₹2,39,000 | 27 bhp | 198 kg |
| Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 | ₹2,49,000 | 40 bhp | 185 kg |
The NS400 is ₹92,000 cheaper than the KTM Duke 390 – a massive price gap. It is also ₹20,000 cheaper than the Triumph Speed 400.
At ₹2.2 lakh (ex-showroom), the NS400 is the cheapest 400cc performance bike in India. Bajaj has achieved this by:
- Using existing Pulsar NS200 tooling (shared chassis components)
- Detuning the KTM engine (lower compression allows cheaper internals)
- Lower dealer margins (Bajaj’s distribution is more efficient than KTM’s)
Can the NS400 Kill the Duke 390?
The short answer is no – the NS400 will not kill the Duke 390, for three reasons:
1. Different Buyer Profiles
| Buyer Type | Chooses Duke 390 | Chooses NS400 |
|---|---|---|
| Enthusiast rider (weekend track days) | Yes – better handling, more power | No – softer suspension, less power |
| Young professional (daily commuter + occasional fun) | Maybe – if budget allows | Yes – better value |
| First-time performance bike buyer | No – ₹3.1 lakh is too high | Yes – ₹2.2 lakh is accessible |
| Bajaj loyalist (upgrading from NS200) | Unlikely (brand switch) | Yes (natural upgrade) |
The Duke 390 buyer is willing to pay a premium for the KTM brand, sharper handling, and track-ready components. The NS400 buyer is a value-seeker who wants 90% of the performance at 70% of the price.
2. KTM’s Brand Equity
KTM has spent 15 years building the “Ready to Race” brand image in India. The Duke 390 is aspirational – it is the bike young riders put as their phone wallpaper. The Pulsar NS400, despite its performance, does not carry the same cachet.
3. Internal Cannibalisation Is Acceptable to Bajaj
Bajaj owns a 48% stake in KTM. If the NS400 cannibalises Duke 390 sales, Bajaj still makes money – just less profit per unit (KTM margins are higher). Bajaj has deliberately positioned the NS400 as the value option while keeping the Duke as the premium option.
Expected outcome: The NS400 will sell 5,000-6,000 units per month (similar to NS200 peak numbers), while the Duke 390 will sell 1,500-2,000 units per month (down from 2,500 before the NS400). Bajaj’s total 400cc segment volume will increase, even if KTM loses share.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the NS400?
| If you want… | Choose NS400 if… | Choose Duke 390 if… |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum value for money | Yes – ₹92,000 cheaper | No |
| Track day performance | No – suspension too soft | Yes |
| Daily commuting comfort | Yes – softer suspension | No – stiff suspension |
| Brand prestige | No | Yes (KTM badge) |
| Latest electronics (ride modes, traction control) | No (cable throttle) | Yes |
| Cheapest 400cc bike | Yes (by far) | No |
Buy the Pulsar NS400 if:
- Your budget is strictly under ₹2.5 lakh
- You will use the bike 90% for city commuting and 10% for weekend rides
- You are upgrading from a 200-250cc bike
- You prefer comfort over sharp handling
Do not buy the NS400 if:
- You regularly ride on racetracks or aggressively on mountain roads
- You want the latest electronics (ride-by-wire, traction control, riding modes)
- Brand image matters to you
- Your budget allows for the Duke 390 or Triumph Speed 400
The NS400 is not a Duke killer – it is a segment expander. It brings 400cc performance to a price point (₹2.2 lakh) that was previously occupied by 250cc bikes. For that alone, it deserves applause.