350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs 350cc Triumph Speed T4: Detailed Comparison

The Indian 300-400cc motorcycle segment is evolving, with buyers increasingly looking beyond engine performance when choosing their next bike. Features, refinement, styling and overall value have become equally important considerations, particularly for those shopping within a specific budget. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z and the Triumph Speed T4 cater to these changing preferences in distinctly different ways.

While both motorcycles have engines of similar displacement, their design philosophies, equipment and performance characteristics set them apart. Here's how the two compare across key areas.

Price & Variants

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z makes a strong impression with its affordable pricing. At Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom), it ranks among the most affordable motorcycles in the sub-400cc category, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking strong performance on a budget.

• The Triumph Speed T4 costs Rs 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it around Rs 15,000 above the Pulsar NS400Z. Despite the premium, its pricing remains relatively competitive, especially considering Triumph's premium brand positioning.

Dimensions & Design

• The Triumph Speed T4 is the larger motorcycle in terms of its overall dimensions, with a wheelbase that is 60mm longer than that of the Pulsar NS400Z. A longer wheelbase generally contributes to greater stability at higher speeds, making the Triumph better suited to highway journeys and long-distance cruising.

• With its shorter wheelbase, the Pulsar NS400Z is likely to feel more nimble and responsive, particularly when navigating congested city streets and making quick changes in direction.

• The Speed T4 offers 5mm more ground clearance than the Pulsar, which can be useful when going over uneven surfaces. Its 13-litre fuel tank also has a slight advantage over the Pulsar's 12-litre unit, potentially allowing it to cover more distance between fuel stops.

• Both motorcycles have almost identical seat heights, with just a 1mm difference between them. However, the Pulsar NS400Z weighs 4kg less than the Triumph Speed T4, giving it an advantage when manoeuvring the bike at low speeds or handling it in tight spaces.

• The Pulsar NS400Z embraces a sporty streetfighter design, with muscular bodywork, sharp edges and an aggressive overall stance. The Triumph Speed T4 takes a different route with its neo-retro styling, relying on flowing curves, classic proportions and premium-looking finishes.

• Buyers can choose from four distinctive colour options for the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z. Take a closer look at them here.

• The Triumph Speed T4's colour schemes complement its classic styling and reinforce its timeless retro appeal.

Underpinnings

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has a 43mm inverted front fork, a setup generally associated with greater rigidity and better support during spirited riding. It contributes to the bike's sportier handling characteristics.

• The Triumph Speed T4 has a telescopic front fork with 140mm of wheel travel. Although this arrangement is generally less performance-oriented than an upside-down fork, it can be tuned to deliver a comfortable and stable ride, aligning with the Triumph's more relaxed character.

• Both motorcycles have capable braking setups, although the Pulsar NS400Z gets a larger 320mm front disc compared to the Triumph Speed T4's 300mm unit. Both get a 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

• The tyre dimensions are broadly similar at the front, but the Pulsar NS400Z gets a wider rear tyre. The additional width can help provide greater grip during aggressive acceleration and cornering, depending on the tyre compound and road conditions.

• Overall, the Pulsar NS400Z has a more performance-focused hardware package, thanks to its inverted front fork and wider rear tyre. The Triumph Speed T4 places greater emphasis on comfort and stability, making it a more suitable choice for riders who prefer relaxed everyday riding over aggressive cornering.

Features

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has a more modern features package, featuring full-LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and call and SMS alerts, USB charging, and a TFT instrument console.

• The Triumph Speed T4 keeps its feature list relatively straightforward. It comes with full-LED lighting and USB charging but misses out on Bluetooth connectivity and has a semi-digital instrument console.

• The Pulsar NS400Z also gets four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road, along with traction control. These additions give riders more flexibility to adapt the motorcycle to different riding conditions.

• In terms of features, the Pulsar NS400Z offers a more modern and connected experience, while the Triumph Speed T4 follows a simpler approach that focuses on essential functionality.

Performance

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z takes a clear lead in terms of performance, with a substantial advantage in its power output over the Triumph Speed T4.

• The Pulsar produces 40.6PS and 33.2Nm, whereas the Triumph delivers 29PS and 31Nm. The difference in power is considerable, giving the Bajaj a clear advantage for riders who prioritise outright performance.

• With its higher-revving engine character, the Pulsar NS400Z is better suited to riders who enjoy brisk acceleration and a sportier riding experience.

• The Triumph Speed T4 produces its peak torque at a lower 5,500rpm. This characteristic makes it better suited to relaxed riding and everyday urban use, where accessible torque at lower engine speeds can be useful.

• Both motorcycles feature six-speed gearboxes, but the Pulsar NS400Z also gets a slipper clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter. These additions can improve control during aggressive downshifts and allow quicker gear changes without operating the clutch lever.

• The Pulsar NS400Z is the stronger performer of the two, thanks to its higher power output and sportier performance characteristics. The Triumph Speed T4, meanwhile, prioritises smoothness and ease of use, making it a better fit for riders who prefer a more relaxed riding experience.

BikeDekho Says

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z stands out as a performance-oriented motorcycle that offers considerable value for money. Its combination of strong power output, aggressive styling and modern features, along with its lower asking price, makes it an appealing choice for riders who want both excitement and everyday practicality.

The Triumph Speed T4 takes a more refined approach, emphasising comfort, stability and premium neo-retro styling instead of outright performance. It is better suited to buyers who appreciate a relaxed riding character and a more understated, sophisticated design.

Other Rivals:

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z delivers stronger performance at a more aggressive price, while the TVS Apache RTR 310 counters with a considerably more extensive list of features.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z offers comparable performance at a significantly more accessible price point, whereas the 350cc KTM 390 Duke stands out with sharper handling, more advanced electronics and a more premium overall riding experience.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is considerably more affordable than the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. While both motorcycles produce a similar amount of power, the Royal Enfield offers substantially more torque.