Bajaj Auto has refreshed both the Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z for 2026. While the Dominar 400 remains one of the lowest-rated touring motorcycles in India that offers genuine long-range capability, the Pulsar NS400Z remains one of the best value-for-money performance motorcycles currently on sale.
The biggest change for 2026 is the adoption of a smaller-sized 349cc single-cylinder engine in place of the earlier 373cc unit. Although both motorcycles now share the same engine and almost identical output figures, Bajaj has maintained 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 if the new 350cc engine has changed its character – and here’s what we found.
350cc Bajaj Dominar 400 Review
In terms of design, there is nothing new in the Dominar 400. If you put the 373cc Dominar 400 and the 350cc Dominar 400 together, you can’t differentiate which is which. If you ask us, this is not a bad thing as the Dominar 400 has always had an impressive road presence and it is ready to go on tour as it comes with a number of factory fitted touring accessories as standard.
The price is Rs 2.04 lakh (ex-sh) and there is no choice in terms of variants and the color options are also limited to just two – Charcoal Black and Aurora Green. The latter is a hero color and that’s what we experienced. Bajaj is promising savings of up to Rs 50,000 with the Dominar 400 (OTR savings may be possible).
350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review
The Pulsar NS400Z has twice the color options as the Dominar 400 – Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, Glossy Racing Red and Pewter Grey. In media rides, we experienced Pearl Metallic White and it is my favorite color too. Like the Dominar 400, the looks of the 350cc Pulsar NS400Z remain unchanged.
Performance and Specifications
With the 350 cc displacement barrier introduced by the new GST 2.0 reforms, all other Bajaj, Bajaj-KTM and Bajaj-Triumph motorcycles have seen a drop in performance. However, the Dominar 400 is the only car whose power has increased (slightly) as the company has given it the same engine tune as the new 350cc Pulsar NS400Z.
With the new 350cc engine, power has increased from 40 PS at 8800 RPM to 40.6 PS at 9000 RPM. However, the torque has reduced from 35 Nm at 6500 RPM to 33.2 Nm at 7500 RPM. It should be noted that the claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds and top speed of 146.1 km/h is the same as the 373cc Dominar 400.
The Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, has stepped down in performance metrics with the smaller 350cc engine. 40.6 PS at 9000 RPM is down from 43 PS at 9000 RPM and torque is down from 35 Nm at 6500 RPM to 33.2 Nm at 7500 RPM. Both claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration and top speed have been reduced with the 350cc Pulsar NS400Z – down from 6.5 seconds to 6.8 seconds and 158.3 km/h from 156.6 km/h.
Despite similar performance metrics, the Dominar 400 differs from the Pulsar NS400Z in character as it has a heavier flywheel and a unique crankshaft which suits its ‘power cruiser’ character. Even the engine note and exhaust note is unique to the Dominar 400 as it gets a dedicated twin-pod exhaust end-can, whereas the Pulsar NS400Z has an underbelly setup.
riding experience
We love the unique engine intake sound of the Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z and this engine is vibe-free even in mid to high revs. Despite the engine size being smaller and the peak performance now available at higher revs, the 350cc Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z are quite quick. The 176 kg Pulsar NS400Z feels the pricier of these two as the Dominar 400 is 14 kg heavier at 190 kg.
We’ll have to drive both the 373cc and 350cc versions of the Pulsar NS400Z and Dominar 400 back-to-back to point out the changes in performance and character, because it feels the same as we remember. The windshield and knuckle guards with the Dominar 400 provide good protection from the wind, while the NS400Z offers a more engaging riding experience. Bump absorption is sorted with both bikes coming with USD front forks and a rear mono-shock.
The Dominar 400 is 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 the heating is well controlled and the clutch isn’t so heavy that it hurts your palms on both bikes. The Dominar 400 seems more suitable on highways due to its larger dimensions and higher weight.
conclusion
Bajaj’s change from a 373cc engine to a new 349cc unit might have raised concerns initially, but after spending time with both motorcycles, those concerns seem largely unfounded. On paper, the specifications have changed, but on the road, both motorcycles continue to offer the personalities that made them popular in the first place.
The Dominar 400 remains an excellent long distance tourer car. It feels set up at highway speeds, offers a comfortable riding experience and comes with practical touring accessories straight from the factory. If your riding mostly involves highways and weekend outings, it remains one of the strongest value propositions in its segment.
Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS400Z has retained its energetic and attractive character. Its light weight, sharp responses and aggressive ergonomics make it a more exciting motorcycle for spirited riding, while its Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag makes it incredibly hard to ignore. It continues to deliver performance that few motorcycles at this price can match.
Without driving the older 373cc models back-to-back, it’s 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 the motorcycles despite the reduction in displacement.
If you were already considering the Dominar 400 or the Pulsar NS400Z, the 2026 update shouldn’t change your decision. If anything, the lower prices made possible by the revised GST structure only strengthen their appeal. Whether you prioritize long-distance touring or everyday performance, both the motorcycles remain one of the best value for money options in their respective segments.
