Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z: If you’ve been dreaming of a motorcycle that blends raw power, cutting-edge tech, and everyday usability-without burning a hole in your pocket-the Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z is about to become your new obsession. Bajaj has taken everything riders love about the Pulsar family and dialed it up to eleven, offering a 400cc-class sportbike that’s both thrilling and practical. Whether you’re a seasoned sport rider, a highway cruiser, or a tech enthusiast, the RS400Z is designed to make every ride unforgettable.
Design & Styling: Aggression Meets Everyday Comfort
A Sporty Stance with Pulsar DNA
The Pulsar RS400Z carries the unmistakable Pulsar silhouette but with a sharper, more aggressive twist. Up front, the bike features a brand-new LED projector headlamp with Z-shaped DRLs, giving it a menacing look that stands out day or night. The muscular tank extensions, chiseled fairing, and sculpted tail section scream speed, while the split seat and hydroformed tubular streetfighter handlebar offer a blend of comfort and control.
Available in striking colors like Brooklyn Black, Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, and Pearl Metallic White, the RS400Z is as much a head-turner as it is a performer. The graphics and decals are bold but tasteful, ensuring you look fast even when you’re standing still.
Ergonomics for Real-World Riding
Despite its sporty looks, Bajaj has engineered the RS400Z for everyday usability. The seat height of 807 mm is approachable for most riders, and the 174 kg kerb weight strikes a balance between stability and agility. The upright handlebar and slightly rear-set footpegs provide a sporty yet comfortable riding posture, making it easy to tackle city commutes or long highway runs.
Engine, Performance & Ride Modes: Power You Can Actually Use
Heart of a Beast: The 373cc Engine
At the core of the RS400Z is a 373.27cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with DOHC and 4 valves, borrowed from the acclaimed Dominar 400. This powerhouse churns out 40 PS at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, paired to a slick 6-speed gearbox with an assist & slipper clutch for smooth, confident shifts. The result? Explosive acceleration, effortless highway cruising, and enough grunt to leave traffic in your dust.
Ride Modes & Traction Control
The RS400Z isn’t just about brute force-it’s about smart performance. Bajaj has equipped the bike with four ride modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road. Each mode tweaks throttle response and ABS intrusion to suit different riding conditions, so you’re always in control. Traction control comes standard and is switchable in Sport and Off-road modes, giving you confidence on slippery surfaces or when pushing the limits.
Braking & Suspension
Stopping power is handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, both with dual-channel ABS for maximum safety. The 43 mm USD front forks and 6-step adjustable monoshock at the rear soak up bumps and keep the bike planted, whether you’re carving corners or tackling city potholes.
Tech & Features: A Sports Bike for the Connected Generation
Digital Console & Connectivity
The RS400Z is loaded with tech to keep you informed and connected. The color LCD console features a dot matrix inset for turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for call/SMS alerts, music control, and even phone battery/signal indicators. There’s also a USB charging port to keep your devices juiced up on the go.
Lighting & Safety
All-LED lighting ensures you’re visible in all conditions, with projector headlights for a crisp, uniform beam and aggressive Z-shaped DRLs for unmistakable road presence. The bike also features span-adjustable brake and clutch levers, a pass switch, engine kill switch, and a mobile application for added convenience.
Comfort & Practicality
Despite its sporty focus, the RS400Z doesn’t skimp on comfort. The split seat is well-padded for long rides, and there’s plenty of room for a pillion. With a 12-liter fuel tank and a real-world mileage of 27-34 kmpl, you can cover serious ground between fuel stops.
Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z: Key Specifications Table
| Feature | Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z |
|---|---|
| Engine | 373.27cc, Liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Max Power | 40 PS @ 8800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 35 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed, Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Ride Modes | Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road |
| Traction Control | Yes, Switchable |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | 6-step Adjustable Monoshock |
| Front/Rear Brakes | 320 mm Disc / 230 mm Disc |
| ABS | Dual Channel |
| Tyres | 110/70-17 (Front), 140/70-17 (Rear) |
| Wheels | 17-inch Alloy, Tubeless |
| Fuel Tank | 12 Liters |
| Kerb Weight | 174 kg |
| Seat Height | 807 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 168 mm |
| Top Speed | 154 km/h |
| Mileage (Real World) | 27-34 kmpl |
| Console | Color LCD, Bluetooth, Navigation |
| Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹1.85 – ₹2.20 lakh (approx.) |
How Does the RS400Z Compare to Rivals?
| Model | Engine (cc) | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Price (₹ lakh) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z | 373 | 40 | 35 | 174 | 1.85-2.20 | Ride Modes, Traction Ctrl, TFT, ABS |
| KTM 390 Duke | 398 | 45 | 39 | 168 | 3.11 | TFT, Quickshifter, LED, Ride Modes |
| TVS Apache RTR 310 | 312 | 35 | 28.7 | 169 | 2.43 | TFT, Ride Modes, LED, Bi-directional QS |
| Triumph Speed 400 | 398 | 40 | 37.5 | 176 | 2.33 | Ride-by-wire, LED, ABS |
| Hero Mavrick 440 | 440 | 27 | 36 | 191 | 1.99 | TFT, LED, ABS |
The RS400Z undercuts most rivals on price while offering a similar or better feature set, making it a value-packed proposition for Indian riders.
Real-World Experience: What Owners Say
Riders praise the RS400Z for its punchy acceleration, comfortable ergonomics, and feature-rich package. The bike is smooth at high speeds, handles city and highway duties with ease, and offers impressive stability. Some users note minor vibrations at certain RPMs and a display that can be hard to read in direct sunlight, but these are small trade-offs for the performance and value on offer.
Long-distance riders appreciate the RS400Z’s ability to cruise at 100-120 km/h without breaking a sweat, and the adjustable levers and riding modes make it adaptable for different conditions. The bike’s fuel efficiency-averaging 27-34 kmpl depending on riding style-means you won’t be stopping at the pump too often.
Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z is a game-changer for Indian sportbike enthusiasts. It delivers genuine 400cc performance, a rich suite of modern features, and everyday usability at a price that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re carving up twisty roads, commuting through city traffic, or heading out on a weekend tour, the RS400Z is ready to thrill and impress. If you want a bike that offers the best of all worlds-power, tech, comfort, and value-the Pulsar RS400Z deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
FAQs
1. What is the real-world mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z?
Riders report a mileage of 27-34 kmpl, with city riding yielding closer to 27 kmpl and highway cruising achieving up to 34 kmpl.
2. Does the RS400Z have advanced rider aids?
Yes, it offers four ride modes, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS, and a slipper clutch for enhanced safety and control.
3. Is the RS400Z comfortable for long rides?
Absolutely! The upright handlebar, well-padded split seat, and adjustable suspension make it suitable for both city commutes and highway touring.
4. How does the RS400Z compare to the KTM 390 Duke?
While the 390 Duke offers more power and a few extra features, the RS400Z is significantly more affordable and still packs a punch with its 40 PS engine and comprehensive tech suite.
5. What is the price range of the Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z?
The ex-showroom price ranges from ₹1.85 lakh to ₹2.20 lakh, making it one of the most affordable 400cc sportbikes in India.