Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha MT-15 Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

In early May, Bajaj Auto launched its biggest and most powerful Pulsar in India, the Pulsar NS400Z. The styling is evolutionary, and the same liquid-cooled, 373cc, single-cylinder engine as the Dominar 400 powers the Pulsar NS400Z street bike, making 39.4bhp in both bikes. The top speed of the new Bajaj bike is 154km/h (claimed). Its pricing and specifications result in it sitting close to the Yamaha MT-15 V2, which is the sub-200cc naked motorcycle in the country. Let's look at the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, and see how it weighs up against the MT-15 V2. 

In comparison with the Yamaha MT-15 V2, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a little pricier but gives you more capacity, power, and torque to justify the cost. The latter can be had at an introductory price of Rs 1.85 lakh, whereas the former starts at Rs 1.68 lakh (Standard) and goes as high as Rs 1.73 lakh (DLX). The prices are ex-showroom.

Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride Review: Is A Good Price Enough?

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha MT-15: Features

Both bikes get all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS (anti-braking system), traction control, and a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. Along with these, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is also equipped with ride-by-wire and four ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Offroad). A look at this tells us that the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is under-equipped compared to the Pulsar NS400Z. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha MT-15: Top Speed, Engine

As mentioned before, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has a top speed of 154km/h. This is greater than that of the Yamaha MT-15 V2 (130km/h). The new Bajaj bike is installed with a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which is capable of producing 39.4bhp at 8,800rpm and 35Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. 

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 uses a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with VVA (Variable Value Actuation) technology, making 18.1bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, undoubtedly, delivers better output from the engine. Transmission duties on both bikes are taken care of by a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha MT-15: Brakes, Suspension

In terms of brakes, the setup on the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a combination of a 320mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear. Meanwhile, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 features a 282mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. Both bikes roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, but tyre sizes vary with the Yamaha MT-15 V2 featuring 100/80 front and 140/70 rear and the Pulsar NS400Z 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres. 

An upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock take care of suspension duties on both models. The rear suspension comes with preload adjustability on the Pulsar NS400Z.  

Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Triumph Speed 400 Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha MT-15: Colours

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes draped in Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, Pewter Grey, and Glossy Racing Red colours, while the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is available in Cyber Green, Racing Blue, Ice Fluo Vermillion, Dark Matte Blue, and Metallic Black shades.