The Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z has been turning heads in India since its launch, and as of May 11, 2025, it’s still a hot pick for riders who crave speed and style. This fully-faired sports bike from Bajaj’s iconic Pulsar lineup is built for performance, blending aggressive looks with modern tech to appeal to young riders and seasoned bikers alike. Let’s dive into what makes the RS400Z such a standout ride for those who love the thrill of the road.
A Design That Screams Speed
The RS400Z looks like it’s ready to race even when it’s parked. It’s got a sharp, aerodynamic full-fairing body that cuts through the air, paired with sleek LED headlights and split DRLs that give it a fierce, predatory vibe. The muscular 13L fuel tank, sporty split seats, and twin exhaust pipes add to its aggressive charm, while a rear cowl gives it a proper superbike feel. It’s 1990 mm long, 765 mm wide, and 1115 mm tall, with a 1340 mm wheelbase—compact enough for city streets but stable at high speeds. It sits 157 mm off the ground, which is okay for urban rides but might scrape on rough terrain. At 166 kg, it’s got a solid feel without being too heavy to handle. You can pick from four bold colors like red or blue, which really make it pop on the road.
A Powerful Engine for High-Speed Fun
At the heart of the RS400Z is a 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that packs a punch with 40 bhp at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, it’s smooth and responsive, whether you’re zipping through traffic or cruising on the highway. It can hit a top speed of 160-170 kmph, taking about 5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 km/h—plenty thrilling for a bike in this class. Bajaj claims a mileage of 25-30 kmpl, but in real life, expect around 28 kmpl in the city and closer to 32 kmpl on open roads, depending on how hard you push it. The 13L tank gives you a range of 364 to 416 km per fill, which is decent for weekend rides. It meets BS6 Phase 2 standards, keeping emissions in check, but some folks feel the engine can get buzzy at high revs, and the mileage takes a hit if you ride aggressively.
Handles Like a Pro on Any Road
The RS400Z is built to carve corners and handle well, thanks to its perimeter frame, upside-down front forks, and rear mono-shock suspension. The setup soaks up bumps nicely, making it comfy even on patchy roads, though the firm suspension might feel a bit stiff on really rough patches. It’s got a 282 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, so braking is sharp and safe, even during sudden stops. The 157 mm ground clearance is fine for city use, but it might struggle on rural roads with big bumps—some riders mention scraping on uneven terrain. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (100/80 front, 130/70 rear), offering good grip for cornering, though the riding position is sporty and forward-leaning, which can tire you out on long rides.
Tech That Keeps You in Control
This bike comes loaded with features that make it fun and practical. You get a fully digital instrument cluster with a gear position indicator, speed, fuel level, and trip data, all easy to read even in bright sunlight. LED lighting—headlamp, tail light, and indicators—looks sharp and saves power. There’s also dual-channel ABS for safer braking, a slipper clutch for smooth downshifts, and a side-stand engine cut-off to avoid mishaps. It’s a 2-seater with sporty split seats that are comfy for short rides, but some folks say the pillion seat feels cramped on longer trips. There’s no under-seat storage, which might be a bummer for daily use, and the lack of navigation or smartphone connectivity feels like a miss for a bike at this price.
Saves Some Fuel, But It’s Built for Thrills
With a real-world mileage of 28-32 kmpl, the RS400Z isn’t the most fuel-efficient bike out there, but it’s not bad for a performance machine. The 13L tank gives you 364 to 416 km per fill, saving you around ₹8,000 a year at ₹100/litre compared to a 20 kmpl bike. That’s about ₹2.5 to ₹3 per km to run, which is okay for a sports bike. The BS6 Phase 2 engine keeps emissions low, and Bajaj’s use of eco-friendly materials adds to its green appeal. Some riders note the mileage can drop to 25 kmpl if you’re always gunning it, so it’s not the best pick if fuel savings are your top priority.
Price and Options in India
The RS400Z is priced at ₹2.20 lakh ex-showroom as of May 2025, though a recent post on X mentioned a price drop to ₹1.92 lakh with upgrades like more power and a wider 150-section rear tyre—worth checking with dealers to confirm. On-road in Delhi, expect ₹2.10 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh. EMIs can start at ₹6,500/month with a ₹20,000 downpayment at 9% interest for 3 years. It comes in a single fully-loaded variant with four color options like Glossy Racing Red or Brooklyn Black. Delivery might take 10-15 days in metro cities, and festive deals in May 2025 could include perks like free accessories—check local Bajaj dealers like those in Pune for offers.
Bikes It Competes With
The RS400Z goes up against:
KTM RC 390 (₹3.18 lakh): 43 bhp, 27 kmpl, more powerful but pricier and less comfy for long rides.
Yamaha R15 V4 (₹1.82 lakh): 18.4 bhp, 45 kmpl, cheaper but way less power.
TVS Apache RR 310 (₹2.72 lakh): 34 bhp, 33 kmpl, more tech but more expensive.
The RS400Z strikes a good balance of power and price, offering more comfort than the RC 390, but the Apache has better features, and the R15 is a budget pick.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The RS400Z’s ₹1.92 lakh to ₹2.20 lakh price range makes it a solid deal for a 373cc sports bike, but it’s pricier than the Pulsar NS200 at ₹1.60 lakh, which might be enough for some. At 166 kg, it’s manageable, but the 157 mm ground clearance can scrape on rough roads—something to watch for outside cities. Mileage might drop to 25 kmpl with aggressive riding. It’s a 2-seater, but the pillion seat isn’t great for long rides, and there’s no storage. The lack of navigation and a slightly buzzy engine at high revs might annoy some, and while Bajaj’s service network is wide, some riders mention issues like headlamp buzz at 3500-4000 rpm or delays in parts. It’s also not the best for beginners—the power can be a lot to handle if you’re new to biking.
Who This Bike Is For
The RS400Z is for young riders and speed enthusiasts who want a thrilling 2-seater with 28-32 kmpl mileage and modern features like dual-channel ABS and LED lighting. Its aggressive design and sharp handling make it perfect for city sprints and highway cruises, while the comfy seats suit longer rides. It’s not for beginners, those needing storage, or riders looking for a fuel-efficient commuter.
Where To Find It
You can find the RS400Z at Bajaj’s 1000+ dealerships across India, like in Chakan or Mumbai. Book online via Bajaj Auto’s website. Metro cities might deliver in 10 days, smaller towns in 15 days. Festive deals in May 2025 might include discounts—check for colors like Pewter Grey.
Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z: A Ride That Packs a Punch
The Bajaj Pulsar RS400Z has a 373cc engine, 28-32 kmpl real-world mileage, and starts at ₹1.92 lakh to ₹2.20 lakh. You get dual-channel ABS, LED lights, and a sporty design. A buzzy engine and limited storage are downsides, but it’s a great pick for performance and style in 2025. Perfect for riders who want a fast, fun bike that looks as good as it rides.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports and may vary. Check with Bajaj dealers for the latest details
