Bajaj launched the updated Pulsar N250 yesterday at a nominal price hike. Currently, the flagship Pulsar in the lineup, the N250 won’t sit on top for too long. It has already come to light that Bajaj is developing a larger 400cc Pulsar which will be launched sometime this year. Now, we have an exact launch date for the biggest Pulsar ever.
The Chakan-based bikemaker will launch the Pulsar NS400 on 3 May 2024. This was confirmed at the launch of the 2024 Pulsar N250. Test mules of the 400cc Pulsar have been spotted on a number of occasions over the past few months.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 or N400?
Bajaj has created three distinct lineups for the Pulsar branded motorcycles– the Classic series comprising the older Pulsar 150, Pulsar 125, and Pulsar F220; the Pulsar N series consisting of Pulsar N150, Pulsar N160, and Pulsar N250; and the Pulsar NS series featuring the NS124, NS160 and NS200.
The NS stands for ‘naked street’ and is the sportiest range in the Pulsar brand of motorcycles with focus on performance. With the upcoming 400cc Pulsar said to be the new flagship model, the NS badging makes more sense which will cater to customers aspiring for the highest level of performance from a Pulsar.
Therefore, the styling of the upcoming 400cc Pulsar is likely to align with the NS range with aggressive ergonomics and performance complementing it. Speaking of performance, Bajaj is expected to employ the 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit from the KTM range which also powers the Dominar 400. In Dominar, this unit delivers 39.42 bhp and a peak torque of 35 Nm. This motor will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch.
In all probability, the NS400 will emply the same perimeter frame as the Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS200. The chassis will be strengthened, and likely to sit on upside down front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking duties will be carried out by disc brakes at both ends aided by dual-channel ABS. Upon launch, Pulsar NS400 is expected to go up against the likes of TVS Apache RR 310, KTM Duke 390, and Honda CB 300F.
Bajaj Pulsar F250 not discontinued
The unknown whereabouts of the Pulsar F250 was brought up at the launch of the updated Pulsar N250. Bajaj confirmed the semi-faired quarter-litre roadster is still in production but admitted the numbers are limited due to extremely low demand. When asked if they are planning to update the F250 sometime in the near future, Bajaj said that it will look at all options in due course.
Like the N250, the Pulsar F250 is powered by the same 249cc, air/oil-cooled engine which pushes out 24.1 bhp and 21.5 Nm of peak torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
