Bajaj Auto has finally debuted its most powerful and expensive Pulsar offering, the NS400Z. It is the biggest launch for Bajaj so far this year and has also put the Pulsar name on the map in the 300-400cc segment. Now, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z rivals the TVS Apache RTR 310 and a few others in this segment. So, let’s see how the two compare on paper.
Design
Although this is a completely subjective aspect, it is fair to say that both bikes, the Pulsar NS400Z and the Apache RTR 310 look striking, appealing, and youthful. The muscular naked bike styling of the two is likeable. Both get LED headlights, swanky graphics, and dual-tone paint schemes.
Bajaj offers the Pulsar NS400Z in four colours – Ebony Black, Glossy Racing Red, Metallic Pearl White, and Pewter Grey. Meanwhile, the Apache RTR 310 comes draped in three choices – Arsenal Black, Fury Yellow, and Sepang Blue.
Features
Bajaj has loaded the Pulsar NS400Z with LED illumination, switchable traction control, and four ride modes- Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road. Then, it also gets an LCD unit with Bluetooth connectivity for incoming calls, missed calls, and SMS notifications along with turn-by-turn navigation information.
The TVS Apache RTR 310 houses all LED lights, a TFT with smartphone and GoPro connectivity, SMS and call notifications, ABS, and ride modes. Further, it also comes with a climate controlled seat and a six-axis IMU unit for cornering ABS, cornering traction control and cornering cruise control. The bike also has a tyre pressure monitoring system and a bi-directional quickshifter.
Clearly, the TVS bike has more features to offer than the Pulsar NS400Z.
Engine
Powering the Pulsar NS400Z is a 373cc engine that makes 39.4bhp at 8,800rpm and 35Nm at 6,5000rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch.
The Apache RTR 310 uses a 312.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor and it belts out 35bhp at 9700rpm and 28.7Nm at 6650rpm. The engine is linked to a six-speed gearbox. The Pulsar NS400Z not only gets a bigger engine but also makes more power and torque than the TVS bike.
Hardware
Both bikes ride on golden-coloured USD front forks and a monoshock. The braking hardware comprises a front and rear disc mounted on 17-inch wheels. However, the Pulsar NS400Z uses MRF tyres whereas TVS offers the Apache RTR 310 with Michelin Road 5 tyres.
Although the Michelin tyres are superior in grip, they also come at a higher cost.
Price
The asking price of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is set at Rs. 1.85 lakh whereas the TVS Apache RTR 310 costs Rs. 2.42 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The Pulsar trumps in performance, offers similar hardware, slightly less features but is notably more affordable than the TVS Apache RTR 310.
