2026 Bajaj Pulsar NS 400 Z & Dominar 400 Ride Review: Smaller Heart Same Soul !

Recently the automotive industry has been seen following a trend of downsizing the motorcycle engine above 350 cc. It’s a smart move by the manufacturers, allowing them to avoid 40 percent GST applicable to motorcycles that houses an engine above 350cc. However, due to this middle ground solution the Indian automarket had witnessed some good machines from either vanishing from the market or becoming significantly more expensive. 

Bajaj has also adopted this approach and introduced the Pulsar 400Z and Dominar 400 with new 350cc engine. Having ridden both the bikes, I was curious to see if the new 350cc engine makes any difference to the overall riding experience. In this article, we will discuss how the downsized powertrain feels on the road and whether the reduction in displacement has any noticeable impact on overall performance.

Design

From the design perspective Pulsar 400 Z carry forward similar design, nothing has changed either its styling, proportion or the overall visual appearance. The motorcycle's design is centred around sportiness and performance, with sharp body lines and angular panels that contribute to its aggressive stance and youthful appeal. Besides that there isn’t much that has changed or any highlights in terms of design. 

The case is no different with the Dominar 400. On the design front, Bajaj has made no changes, allowing the motorcycle to retain its distinctive blend of adventure-touring practicality and muscular street-bike appeal. Even today, its muscular proportions and imposing silhouette give it a strong visual presence on the road.

Overall, both motorcycles remain visually identical to their previous 400cc version. There are no design changes to distinguish them from the earlier models. However, this appears to be an intentional choice from the brand as introducing cosmetic updates would have increased costs and undermined the purpose of the exercise.

Engine and Performance 

Now, this is where things start to get interesting. While the design remains unchanged, the mechanical package underneath has undergone a significant transformation.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Z

The Pulsar NS400 Z is now powered by a new 349cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, replacing the larger 373.3 cc unit from the previous model. The motor now generates a peak power of 40.6 PS and 33.8 Nm of torque, compared to the earlier 400cc engine the power drop is 2.6 PS and torque is dropped by 1.8 Nm.  The engine is still mated to a six-speed gearbox and also has slipper and assist clutch.

Now, coming to how this dip in powertrain translates on the road, so if you have ridden the previous Pulsar NS400 Z you will hardly notice any significant difference in performance. This is largely because Bajaj has kept the engine’s core character intact despite the reduction in displacement.

The power delivery continues to feel smooth and linear, particularly in the low and mid-range, making the motorcycle easy and fun to ride in city conditions. However, once the RPM goes beyond 6,500 mark it feels noticeably more eager and responsive, delivering its performance in a stronger and more enthusiastic manner. This has been made possible with the help of redesigned crankshaft, which has been specifically engineered to enhance high-rpm performance. As a result, the engine not only retains its familiar character but also feels more refined while encouraging riders to explore the upper end of the rev range.

Dominar 400

The Dominar 400 also gets power from a 350cc engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. The motor produces 40.6 PS of peak power and 33.8 Nm of torque. In comparison, the previous 373.3cc engine delivered 40 PS and 35 Nm. Interestingly, despite the reduction in displacement, power output has increased by 0.6 PS, while torque has registered a decline of 1.2 Nm.

Now, talking about how this 350cc engine feels while riding, the Dominar 400 offers a very impressive initial surge. In the mid-range, the bike delivers strong acceleration and gives riders the confidence to overtake on highways with ease. However, the power delivery becomes more linear once it crosses the 6,000rpm mark, and this is where you will notice the slight difference compared to the previous Dominar. Apart from that, gear shifts are smooth and seamless, with no noticeable jerks or lag. You also get the added benefit of a slipper and assist clutch, which makes clutch action lighter and gear changes effortless.

Riding Dynamics 

Bajaj Pulsar NS 400 Z 

The Pulsar NS400Z stays true to the NS DNA with a riding experience that feels sporty, engaging and confidence inspiring. Its wide handlebar and slightly forward-leaning riding posture strike a fine balance between aggression and everyday comfort, allowing riders to enjoy spirited riding without feeling overly committed. With 174kg (kerb), the motorcycle feels easy to manage, whether you're navigating city streets or cornering. The overall package feels agile yet reassuring, which is exactly what you would expect from a modern streetfighter.

Apart from that, braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends. While the front brake offers good stopping power, the rear brake could have offered better stopping power, as it requires more pedal pressure than expected. That said, the overall braking performance remains adequate for everyday riding as well as occasional spirited runs.

Dominar 400

At 193kg the Dominar 400 is undeniably heavier, and you will feel that weight at low speeds or in traffic conditions. However, its upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and well-cushioned seat lend it a touring-friendly character that remains comfortable over long-distance touring. Beside that once the bike moves it remains planted at highway speeds and offers excellent straight-line stability. That said, navigating through dense city traffic requires a bit more effort, with the large fuel tank and overall bulk making tight manoeuvres slightly demanding. Overall, the Dominar rewards riders with a reassuring sense of stability and confidence when the roads are open. 

Moreover, braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, and both units offer good stopping power. The front brake provides strong bite, while the rear brake complements it well, resulting in a braking setup that feels confidence-inspiring and predictable.

Feature and Technology 

When it comes to features, both motorcycles are well-equipped with modern amenities.The Pulsar NS400Z comes with Bluetooth-enabled LCD instrument cluster that supports turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, music controls, and a host of ride-related information. The all-LED lighting setup, adjustable levers, USB charger, and hazard lamp switch further add to its appeal. 

The Dominar 400, meanwhile, takes a more practical approach with its digital console, gear position indicator, trip information, LED lighting, and USB charging port. While it may not offer as many connected features as the NS400Z, everything on board serves a useful purpose and complements its touring-focused character. Overall, both motorcycles deliver a feature set that feels adequate for their respective roles.

Conclusion

The transition to a 350cc engine has had a surprisingly limited impact on the overall riding experience of both motorcycles. While there are minor differences in power delivery at higher revs, neither the Pulsar NS400Z nor the Dominar 400 feels significantly compromised in real-world conditions. Bajaj has managed to preserve the core character of both machines while benefiting from a more favourable tax structure. For most riders, the downsizing is unlikely to be a deal-breaker, making both motorcycles as appealing as they were before.