Performance-focused streetfighter vs neo-retro roadster: which one will you pick?

The 300-400cc motorcycle segment in India is witnessing a shift where buyers are no longer satisfied with just performance figures. Today’s riders expect a combination of power, technology, refinement, and design, often within a tight budget. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z and the Triumph Speed T4 represent these two approaches to this shift.
On paper, both bikes have similar capacity engines, but the similarities largely end there. Here’s a detailed comparison of how they stack up against each other:
Price & Variants
|
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
Triumph Speed T4 |
||
|
Colours |
Ex-showroom Price |
Colours |
Ex-showroom Price |
|
Brooklyn Black |
Rs 1,80,092 |
Baja Orange |
Rs 1,95,000 |
|
Pearl Metallic White |
Lava Red Gloss / Pearl Metallic White |
||
|
Glossy Racing Red |
Caspian Blue / Pearl Metallic White |
||
|
Pewter Grey |
Phantom Black / Storm Grey |
||
|
Phantom Black / Pearl Metallic White |
|||
- The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is priced at Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable motorcycles in the sub-400cc segment.
-
The Triumph Speed T4, priced at Rs 1.95 lakh, is about Rs 15,000 more expensive, but still relatively competitive considering the brand’s premium positioning.
Dimensions & Design
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
Triumph Speed T4 |
Difference |
|
Wheelbase |
1,346mm |
1,406mm |
+ 60mm |
|
Ground clearance |
165mm |
170mm |
+ 5mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
12 litres |
13 litres |
+ 1 litres |
|
Seat height |
805mm |
806mm |
+ 1mm |
|
Kerb weight |
176kg |
180kg |
+ 4kg |
- Dimensionally, the Triumph Speed T4 is the larger motorcycle. It has a significantly longer wheelbase, which generally improves stability, especially at higher speeds. This makes it better suited for highway riding and long-distance cruising.
-
The Pulsar NS400Z, with its shorter wheelbase, is likely to feel more agile and responsive, particularly in city conditions.
-
Ground clearance is slightly higher on the Triumph Speed T4, giving it an advantage over rough roads. Fuel tank capacity is also higher, which translates to better range.
-
Seat height is nearly identical, making both bikes equally accessible. However, the Pulsar is lighter by 4kg, which improves manoeuvrability and ease of handling.
-
In terms of design, the Pulsar NS400Z follows a sharp, aggressive streetfighter approach with muscular lines and edgy styling. The Triumph Speed T4 adopts a cleaner, neo-retro design with smooth curves and premium finishes.
-
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is available in four eye-catching colour schemes, and you can have a look at them in detail here.
-
The Triumph Speed T4’s gorgeous colour schemes reflect the bike’s timeless retro charm quite well.

Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
Triumph Speed T4 |
|
Front suspension |
43mm inverted fork |
43mm telescopic fork with 140mm wheel travel |
|
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Monoshock with 120mm wheel travel |
|
Front brake |
320mm disc brake |
300mm disc brake
|
|
Rear brake |
230mm disc brake with dual-channel ABS |
230mm disc brake with dual-channel ABS |
|
Front tyre |
110/70-17 |
110/70 -17 |
|
Rear tyre |
150/60 – 17 |
140/70 -17 |
- The Pulsar NS400Z has a 43mm inverted telescopic fork, which is generally associated with better rigidity and improved handling during aggressive riding. The monoshock complements this setup for sporty dynamics.
-
The Triumph Speed T4 has a regular fork with 140mm travel. While conventionally not as sporty as upside-down fork, this setup is typically tuned for comfort and stability, making it more suitable for relaxed riding.
-
Braking hardware is strong on both bikes, with the Pulsar NS400Z having a slightly larger front disc.
-
Tyre sizes are similar, though the Pulsar uses a wider rear tyre, which can improve grip during aggressive riding.
-
The Pulsar NS400Z is more performance-oriented in terms of hardware, thanks to its suspension and wider rear tyre. The Triumph Speed T4 prioritises comfort and stability, making it better suited for everyday riding rather than aggressive cornering.

Features
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
Triumph Speed T4 (350cc) |
|
Full-LED lighting |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bluetooth connectivity |
Yes |
No |
|
USB charging |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Instrument Console |
LCD with a TFT inset |
Semi-digital |
- The Pulsar NS400Z comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and call and SMS alerts, USB charging, full-LED lighting, and a semi-digital console with a TFT inset.
-
The Triumph Speed T4, in contrast, offers a simpler feature package. While it includes full-LED lighting and USB charging, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and uses a semi-digital console.
-
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z gets four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road and traction control.
-
The Pulsar NS400Z offers a more modern and connected features list, while the Triumph Speed T4 keeps things simple and functional.

Performance
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
Triumph Speed T4 (350cc) |
|
Engine |
349.13cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
349cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
|
Power |
40.6PS at 9,000rpm |
29PS at 7,500rpm |
|
Torque |
33.2Nm at 7,500rpm |
31Nm at 5,500rpm |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed with slipper clutch |
6-speed |
- Performance is where the Pulsar NS400Z establishes a clear advantage.
-
It produces 40.6PS and 33.2Nm, making it significantly more powerful than the Triumph Speed T4, which produces 29PS and 31Nm.
-
The Pulsar NS400Z’s higher revving nature makes it more exciting to ride, especially for enthusiasts who enjoy aggressive acceleration.
-
The Triumph Speed T4, however, delivers its torque at lower rpm levels, making it more suitable for relaxed riding and city commuting.
-
Both bikes have a 6-speed gearbox, but the Pulsar NS400Z includes a slipper clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter, which improves control during aggressive downshifts.
-
The Pulsar NS400Z is clearly the better performer, offering higher power and a more engaging riding experience. The Triumph Speed T4 focuses on smoothness and ease of use, making it better suited for relaxed riders.

BikeDekho Says
The Pulsar NS400Z stands out as a performance-focused, value-for-money motorcycle. It offers strong power, aggressive styling, and modern features at a more affordable price. It is ideal for riders who want excitement and practicality in one package.
The Triumph Speed T4, on the other hand, is a more refined motorcycle. It prioritises comfort, stability, and premium design over outright performance. It is better suited for riders who prefer a relaxed and sophisticated riding experience.
Other Rivals
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z stands out with its stronger performance and more aggressive pricing, while the TVS Apache RTR 310 counters with a much more extensive features list.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z offers similar performance at a much more accessible price point, while the 350cc KTM 390 Duke stands out with its sharper handling, better electronics, and a more premium overall riding experience.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is way more affordable than the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Both make a similar amount of power, but the Royal Enfield bike makes way more torque and gets a fancy TFT console.
