The moment Indian biking enthusiasts have been waiting for is finally here. Bajaj Pulsar NS400 — the most powerful Pulsar ever made — has officially launched, and it’s making serious waves across the performance motorcycle segment. With an aggressive design, a powerful 373cc engine borrowed from the Dominar, and streetfighter-style performance tuning, Bajaj has dropped a bombshell that could shift the game for riders looking for raw value and real muscle.
But here’s the big question on everyone’s mind — can the NS400 really take on the KTM Dukes in 2025? Or is this just another sibling in the Pulsar family wearing a bigger jacket?
Let’s break down what the NS400 brings to the street — and whether it can truly rattle the orange giant.
The NS DNA, Evolved and Amplified
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 doesn’t stray far from its NS lineage when it comes to design — but it amplifies everything to the next level. The muscular fuel tank now wears sharper extensions. The stance is more aggressive. The LED headlamp setup is brand new and sports a DRL signature that sets it apart even at a glance. The tail section is lean, sporty, and built to scream speed.
The overall design says one thing clearly: this isn’t just a Dominar in a Pulsar outfit. It’s a streetfighter crafted for attitude, and it wears its NS badge with pride.
Dominar Engine, Pulsar Character
At the heart of the NS400 sits a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that Bajaj fans already know well. It delivers around 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque, which may not seem drastically different from what we’ve seen in the Dominar 400. But here’s the twist — the NS400 is tuned for a sharper throttle response, quicker revs, and a lighter feel overall.
That makes a huge difference on the street. It’s built for nimble, aggressive riding, especially in urban chaos and twisty backroads — not just for long touring stretches.
The 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch adds to its quick-shifting character, while the optional ride modes (yes, ride modes on a Pulsar!) offer Rain, Road, and Sport presets. You don’t usually expect this level of refinement and tech in this price bracket — and that’s where Bajaj surprises you.
Lightweight and Ready to Hustle
One major advantage the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 has over its rivals, including the KTM Duke 390, is weight. It’s lighter than the Dominar and more flickable in real-world riding. The new chassis has been designed for better mass centralization, while the riding posture hits that perfect sweet spot — sporty without being punishing.
With a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear, the NS400 balances comfort and agility well. Braking duties are handled by petal discs on both ends with dual-channel ABS — and for those keeping score, it even gets switchable traction control.
Yes, the Pulsar just got smarter. And faster.
Feature-Rich Without Being Overkill
Bajaj knows its audience well. So the NS400 doesn’t overdo it with gadgets but still brings in the essentials: a new full-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and ride stats. It even offers a gear-position indicator and dual trip meters.
But unlike the flashy displays of KTMs, this one’s more subtle, focused, and practical — exactly what a street-focused rider needs.
So, Can It Beat the KTM Duke 390?
Now to the big question.
Performance-wise, the KTM Duke 390 still edges ahead on outright acceleration, aggressive throttle response, and premium components like the USD forks and ride-by-wire throttle. It’s a pure-bred performance machine — no doubt about it.
But here’s where the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 pulls a curveball: value.
At a significantly lower price point, the NS400 offers 90% of the Duke’s performance, enough usable tech, and a more street-friendly character. It’s less intimidating, more forgiving for daily use, and backed by a wider service network.
In 2025, as prices soar and practicality matters more than ever, the NS400 offers something KTM can’t — true bang for your buck. For the rider who wants power without the badge premium, it’s a genuine rival. Maybe not a full-blown Duke killer, but definitely a new benchmark for performance under budget.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 isn’t here to play safe. It’s here to remind everyone why the Pulsar badge became iconic in the first place — raw power, no-nonsense design, and real-world performance that thrills without emptying your wallet.