350cc Bajaj Dominar 400, Pulsar NS400Z Review – Can A Smaller Engine Feel Just As Good?

Bajaj Auto has refreshed both the Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z for 2026. While Dominar 400 continues to be one of the most underrated touring motorcycles in India, offering genuine long-distance capability, Pulsar NS400Z remains among the best value-for-money performance motorcycles currently on sale.

The biggest change for 2026 is the adoption of a downsized 349cc single-cylinder engine in place of the earlier 373cc unit. Although both motorcycles now share the same engine and nearly identical output figures, Bajaj has retained distinct personalities for each through unique engine tuning and chassis calibration. We rode both motorcycles at Bajaj Auto’s Akurdi facility in Pune to find out whether the new 350cc engine has changed their character—and here’s what we found.

350cc Bajaj Dominar 400 Review

In terms of design, there is nothing new with Dominar 400. If you place the 373cc Dominar 400 and 350cc Dominar 400 side-by-side, you cannot distinguish which is which. If you ask us, it is not a bad thing because Dominar 400 has always had a commanding road presence and it is ready to go touring as it comes with many factory fitted touring accessories as standard.

The price is Rs 2.04 lakh (Ex-sh) and there are no choices in terms of variants and the colour options are also limited to just two – Charcoal Black and Aurora Green. The latter is a hero colour and that is what we experienced. Bajaj is promising savings of up to Rs 50,000 with Dominar 400 (could be OTR savings).

350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review

There are twice as much colour options with Pulsar NS400Z as Dominar 400 – Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, Glossy Racing Red and Pewter Grey. At the media rides, we experienced Pearl Metallic White and it is my preferred colour as well. Just like the Dominar 400, there is not a single change in appearance with 350cc Pulsar NS400Z.

Performance and Specs

With the 350cc displacement constraint introduced by the new GST 2.0 reforms, every other Bajaj, Bajaj-KTM and Bajaj-Triumph motorcycles have seen a drop in performance. However, Dominar 400 is the only one to gain in power (slightly) because the company has given it the same engine tune as the new 350cc Pulsar NS400Z.

Power has gone up from 40 PS at 8800 RPM with 373cc engine to 40.6 PS at 9000 RPM with the new 350cc. However, torque has gone down from 35 Nm at 6500 RPM to 33.2 Nm at 7500 RPM. It has to be noted that claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds and 146.1 km/h top speed are identical to the 373cc Dominar 400.

Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, has gone down in performance metrics with the downsized 350cc engine. The 40.6 PS at 9000 RPM is down from 43 PS at 9000 RPM and the torque has come down from 35 Nm at 6500 RPM to 33.2 Nm at 7500 RPM. Both claimed 0-100 km/h sprint and top speed have gone down with 350cc Pulsar NS400Z – 6.8 seconds down from 6.5 seconds and 156.6 km/h from 158.3 km/h.

Dominar 400 differs in character over Pulsar NS400Z, despite identical performance metrics because it gets a heavier flywheel and a unique crankshaft that suits its ‘Power Cruiser’ character. Even the engine note and exhaust note is unique to Dominar 400 as it gets a dedicated twin-pod exhaust end-can, while Pulsar NS400Z has an underbelly setup.

Riding Experience

We continue to like the unique engine intake sounds that Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z makes and this engine is vibe-free even in the mid-to-high revs. Despite the engine downsizing and peak performance now accessible at higher revs, 350cc Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z build up pace quite briskly. The 176 kg Pulsar NS400Z feels peppier of these two as Dominar 400 is 14 kg heavier at 190 kg.

We would have to ride both 373cc and 350cc versions of Pulsar NS400Z and Dominar 400 back to back to pinpoint the changes in performance and character, because it felt identical to what we remember. Windshield and knuckle guards with Dominar 400 offer good wind protection, while NS400Z offers a more engaging ride experience. Bump absorption from the USD front forks and rear mono-shock with both bikes is sorted.

Dominar 400 is much sportier than most other retro classic cruiser motorcycles on sale in India and it brings touring accessories as standard, which we like. We also liked the fact that heating is well controlled and the clutch is not very heavy to ache your palms with both bikes. Dominar 400 feels a tad more planted on highways owing to its larger dimensions and higher weight.

Conclusion

Bajaj’s transition from the 373cc engine to the new 349cc unit may have raised concerns initially, but after spending time with both motorcycles, those concerns seem largely unfounded. On paper, the specifications have changed, but out on the road, both motorcycles continue to deliver the personalities that made them popular in the first place.

Dominar 400 remains an excellent long-distance tourer. It feels planted at highway speeds, offers a relaxed riding experience and comes loaded with practical touring accessories straight from the factory. If your rides mostly involve highways and weekend getaways, it continues to be one of the strongest value propositions in its segment.

Pulsar NS400Z, meanwhile, retains its energetic and engaging character. Its lighter weight, sharper responses and aggressive ergonomics make it the more exciting motorcycle for spirited riding, while its Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag makes it incredibly difficult to ignore. It continues to offer performance that few motorcycles at this price can match.

Without riding the outgoing 373cc models back-to-back, it is difficult to identify any meaningful compromises brought about by the smaller engine. From what we experienced, Bajaj has done a commendable job of preserving the performance and character of both motorcycles despite the displacement reduction.

If you were already considering either the Dominar 400 or the Pulsar NS400Z, the 2026 updates shouldn’t change your decision. If anything, the lower prices made possible by the revised GST structure only strengthen their appeal. Whether you prioritise long-distance touring or everyday performance, both motorcycles continue to be among the best value-for-money options in their respective segments.

1 of 19