Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs KTM 390 Duke: Detailed Comparison

India's sub-400cc naked streetfighter segment has grown increasingly competitive, with manufacturers offering a combination of performance, modern features and competitive pricing. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z and duke 390 (350cc) approach this segment differently, catering to riders with varying priorities and budgets.

Although their engine specifications suggest that the two motorcycles deliver comparable performance, their hardware, equipment and overall character set them apart. Here's a closer look at how they compare and which one might be the better choice for you.

Price & Variants

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has a considerable advantage when it comes to affordability. Priced at Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom), it costs considerably less than the KTM 390 Duke, which is priced at Rs 2.77 lakh. The difference of almost Rs 1 lakh makes the Pulsar a more budget-friendly proposition for riders looking for strong performance without spending significantly more.

• The KTM 390 Duke commands a premium, but the Pulsar NS400Z's lower price makes it an appealing option for buyers who want a capable streetfighter without stretching their finances.

Dimensions & Design

• The KTM 390 Duke has an 8mm longer wheelbase and 18mm more ground clearance than the Pulsar NS400Z. Its greater clearance could prove useful on uneven roads, while the longer wheelbase contributes to better stability. The Duke also gets a larger 15-litre fuel tank, compared to the Pulsar's 12-litre unit, giving it an advantage in terms of overall range.

• The Pulsar NS400Z's 805mm seat height makes it a relatively accessible option for a wider range of riders. This can be particularly useful when navigating traffic or manoeuvring the motorcycle at low speeds in the city.

• The KTM 390 Duke offers two seat-heights of 800mm and 820mm. This flexibility allows riders to choose one that better suits their height and riding preferences, giving the Duke an advantage in terms of ergonomic adaptability.

• Weighing 168.3kg, the KTM 390 Duke is 7.7kg lighter than the Pulsar NS400Z. Its lower kerb weight can make the motorcycle easier to manoeuvre and contribute to a more agile handling experience.

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z retains the established NS family design language, featuring muscular bodywork and sharp styling elements that give it a prominent streetfighter appearance. The KTM 390 Duke adopts a more unconventional look, with aggressive bodywork, an exposed trellis frame and a premium finish that further emphasise its sporty character.

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is offered in four colour options. You can explore them in greater detail here.

• The colour options available with the KTM 390 Duke complement its bold styling and distinctive design.

Underpinnings

• Both motorcycles get upside-down front forks, but the KTM 390 Duke has a more adjustable suspension setup. Its front fork gets five-step damping adjustment, while the rear monoshock has five-step damping adjustment and ten-step preload adjustment. These settings let riders adapt the suspension to different situations, including everyday commuting, spirited rides and occasional track use.

• The Pulsar NS400Z gets a comparatively simpler suspension arrangement without the adjustability offered by the KTM. Its setup is intended to balance ride comfort and performance, although riders do not get the same flexibility to fine-tune the suspension according to their preferences.

• Adjustable suspension gives riders greater control over how their motorcycles respond to different road surfaces and riding conditions. It also allows adjustments based on rider weight and riding style, making it a useful addition for enthusiasts who want to get more out of their bikes.

• Both streetfighters get a 320mm front disc and dual-channel ABS. However, the KTM 390 Duke goes a step further with cornering ABS, which varies braking intervention according to the motorcycle's lean angle. This helps improve braking control when the bike is cornering.

• The two motorcycles use identical tyre sizes at both ends. However, the KTM 390 Duke's lower weight gives it a potential advantage in terms of manoeuvrability and agility.

Features

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes equipped with full-LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging and a TFT instrument console.

• The KTM 390 Duke also gets a TFT display, but its features list includes additional rider aids such as traction control, Street and Rain riding modes, and launch control. The latter manages engine output and wheelspin to help the rider achieve maximum acceleration when starting from a standstill.

• The Pulsar NS400Z offers four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road. These modes allow riders to adapt throttle response and power delivery to different riding conditions. It also gets traction control to help limit wheelspin during hard acceleration.

• Cornering ABS gives the KTM 390 Duke another advantage, providing additional braking assistance when the motorcycle is leaned over. This feature is particularly relevant when riding through corners.

• The KTM also features a quickshifter, which enables clutchless gear changes and can make acceleration more seamless. It further gets adjustable brake and clutch levers, allowing riders to tailor the levers’ positions to their preference.

• Overall, the KTM 390 Duke has a more extensive feature set than the Pulsar NS400Z, particularly in terms of electronic rider aids and adjustable equipment.

Performance

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z produces 40.6PS and 33.2Nm, while the KTM 390 Duke delivers 41.5PS and 33.5Nm. Although the KTM has a slight advantage in both power and torque, the difference between the two motorcycles is small and may not translate into a substantial gap in straight-line performance on paper.

• The KTM 390 Duke is known for its sharper throttle response and willingness to rev. Along with its lower kerb weight, this character can contribute to quicker acceleration and a more engaging experience for riders who enjoy an aggressive riding style.

• In comparison, the Pulsar NS400Z offers a smoother, more linear delivery of power. This makes its performance easier to manage during everyday riding and could make it a more approachable option for regular commuting.

• Both motorcycles use a six-speed gearbox paired with a slipper clutch. This setup helps improve control during aggressive downshifts and reduces the chances of rear-wheel hop under hard deceleration.

• While their engine figures are closely matched, the KTM 390 Duke places greater emphasis on responsiveness and an engaging riding experience. The Pulsar NS400Z, meanwhile, prioritises accessible performance and smoother power delivery, making it a suitable choice for riders who intend to use their motorcycles for daily commuting as well as spirited rides.

Verdict

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z makes a strong case for itself on the back of its competitive pricing. It combines impressive performance figures with modern features and muscular streetfighter styling, all while costing considerably less than the KTM 390 Duke. For buyers seeking an affordable, performance-oriented motorcycle that can handle everyday riding, Bajaj makes a compelling option.

The KTM 390 Duke takes a more premium approach, offering a more sophisticated suspension setup, additional electronic rider aids and a sharper performance-oriented character. Its lower kerb weight and broader range of adjustability further strengthen its appeal to enthusiasts. It is better suited to riders who place a higher priority on performance, features and riding engagement, and are prepared to pay extra for these advantages.

Other Rivals:

Triumph Speed T4 (350cc): The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z offers considerably more performance and a sportier character, while the Triumph Speed T4 places greater emphasis on refinement, comfort and relaxed riding.

TVS Apache RTR 310: The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z delivers stronger outright performance and better value for money. The TVS Apache RTR 310, on the other hand, counters with a broader range of features and a more features-based package.