The Bajaj NS 400, a zesty addition to the Indian two-wheeler market, has been making waves with bike enthusiasts seeking a blend of style, power, and performance. This street-naked beauty, as its name suggests, is a toned-down version of its elder sibling, the Bajaj NS 200, but with a recibir throttle and twice the engine capacity.
A product of Bajaj's cumulative sports bike learning and development, the NS 400 Bear, as it's affectionately known, embodies a dynamic, muscular design language. Its aggressive snout, sleek tank, and exposed rear mono-shock immediately command attention, making it a standout in the sub-500cc segment.
Engine & Performance
The Bajaj NS 400 is powered by a 373cc, liquid-cooled, reverse inclined, 4-valve DTS-i engine. This power plant, mated to a 6-speed transmission, churns out 29.9 kW (40.5 PS) at 10,000 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 9,300 rpm, making it one of the most powerful bikes in its class.
Its slipper clutch allows for seamless gear transitions and downshifts without hampering the rear wheel, adding to the NS 400's agility and rider-friendly character.
Top Speed & Acceleration
The NS 400 propels from 0-60 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, showcasing its sprightly nature. It swiftly crosses the three-digit mark, topping out at an impressive 148 km/h (92 mph). Bajaj's Perforex technology, employed on the NS 400's exhaust, ensures minimal backpressure, enhancing speed and acceleration.
However, it's not just about the numbers; the NS 400's performance is as much about the experience. The ride, true to its sports-oriented DNA, is engaging, with crisp throttle response and minimal turbo lag, making it a thrilling ride every time.
Handling & Ride Quality
The NS 400's handling is as agile as its performance. Its 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in grippy MRF tubing, providing excellent road holding. The 330mm front disc and 240mm rear disc brakes offer confident stopping power. The twin-channel ABS ensures safety, especially during emergency braking scenarios.
Despite its sporty ambitions, the NS 400 offers a surprisingly comfortable riding experience. Its upright riding position and spacious ergonomics allow for longer, stress-free city and highway stints.
Design & Features
The NS 400's design is all about bold, aggressive lines and a minimalist approach. Its naked streetfighter styling is punctuated by dual-projector headlamps, aggressive tail lights, and an under-belly exhaust, giving it an unmistakable, tough-guy attitude.
Gauges on the NS 400 include an analog tachometer and a digital display for the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and service indicator. Bajaj has also incorporated a gear position indicator, which is a nice touch for a bike in this segment.
Comfort & Convenience
The NS 400's long, wide, and comfortable seat, along with its high ground clearance, ensures riding comfort, even on poorly maintained roads. The bike's 13-litre fuel tank further boosts its range, reducing the number of fuel stops and ensuring hassle-free long-distance rides.
Adding to the convenience quotient is the NS 400's convenient center stand and the bike's self-canceling indicator lights, which can be adjusted with a screwdriver for the desired effect.
Color Options
The Bajaj NS 400 is available in a range of vibrant colors, including Pewter Grey, Sparkling Black, and Red. Each color variant is designed to emphasize the bike's muscular form, giving it a distinctive look on the road.
In a sea of ultra-naked bikes that often compromise on comfort for performance, the Bajaj NS 400 stands out as a bike that doesn't make riders choose between thrill and relief. Its perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort promises an engaging, enjoyable ride, every single time you rev the throttle. So, whether you're a seasoned rider or a newbie seeking a sporty bike, the Bajaj NS 400 is worth considering for a test ride. After all, life's too short to not enjoy every ride, right?