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After Triumph, KTM, Bajaj joins 350cc shift: Pulsar NS400Z gets new engine
ET Online | April 21, 2026 10:19 PM CST

Synopsis

Bajaj Auto has updated the Pulsar NS400Z with a new 350cc engine, aligning with industry trends driven by GST benefits. This move, following similar updates from KTM and Triumph, aims to make performance motorcycles more accessible. The revised 349cc engine offers slightly reduced power but maintains the bike's existing features and pricing.

File photo: Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
KTM on Monday rolled out 350cc versions of its Duke and Adventure lineup, after Triumph Motorcycles earlier downsized its 400cc range in India. Now, Bajaj Auto has joined the trend, updating the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z with a new 350cc engine to tap into the lower GST bracket.

Bajaj has quietly updated the NS400Z on its official website. The motorcycle continues to be priced at Rs 1,93,900 (ex-showroom), even after the engine revision. The move mirrors a similar update to the Dominar lineup, which saw a price drop of around Rs 37,000 following its shift to a smaller engine.

What’s new

The biggest change is the introduction of a 349cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It produces 40 hp and 33.2 Nm of torque—down by 2.4 hp and 1.8 Nm compared to the earlier 373cc unit. The output is now closer to the bike’s original launch tune.


The revised engine is believed to be derived from the updated Bajaj Dominar 400 motor. Bajaj has reduced displacement by shortening the stroke from 60 mm to 56.1 mm, while keeping the bore unchanged at 89 mm.

What stays the same

Apart from the engine, the NS400Z remains unchanged. It continues with:

  • The same frame and 17-inch alloy wheels
  • USD front forks and rear monoshock
  • 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS

Industry shift to 350cc

The move is part of a broader industry trend driven by taxation benefits. Two-wheelers under 350cc attract 18% GST, making them more affordable.

Earlier this week, KTM launched the 350cc versions of its Duke and Adventure range in India, with prices starting at Rs 2.77 lakh (ex-showroom).

Meanwhile, Triumph has also introduced 350cc versions of its popular lineup—including Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 models—while retaining the ‘400’ branding.

With Bajaj, KTM and Triumph all moving in this direction, the 350cc segment is fast emerging as the new sweet spot for performance motorcycles in India.


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