Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs KTM 390 Duke Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

The 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is powered by a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 42.4 bhp and 35 Nm of torque. Bajaj has revised the cam timing and intake system and added a forged piston to improve performance and reduce engine heat. The company claims that the NS400z can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 157 kmph. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke houses a 398.6cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that puts out 45.3 bhp at 8500 rpm and 39Nm at 6500 rpm paired with a six-speed gearbox that comes with a standard bi-directional quickshifter. KTM has not officially shared acceleration figures, but it remains among the quicker motorcycles in its class.

Both motorcycles come with a six-speed transmission. The KTM 390 Duke includes a bi-directional quickshifter that works across ride modes. The NS400Z features a clutch-less, full-throttle quick-shifter system that is available only in Sport mode. In terms of ride modes, the NS400Z offers four: Rain, Road, Off-road and Sport and the KTM 390 Duke comes with Street, Rain and Track modes. KTM also includes launch control and ride-by-wire, which are not present on the Bajaj.

The KTM 390 Duke is based on a split-trellis frame with adjustable WP Apex suspension at both ends. In the front Pulsar NS400Z gets USD forks and rebound damping, while the rear monoshock allows for rebound and preload adjustment. It uses a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc with cornering ABS. The Pulsar NS400Z comes with a perimeter frame and 43mm USD forks at the front. It uses a monoshock at the rear but does not have adjustability. Bajaj has added a sintered front brake pad to improve braking response. Both bikes offer dual-channel ABS, though KTM has cornering ABS as standard.

In terms of dimensions, the Pulsar NS400Z has a ground clearance of 168mm, a wheelbase of 1344mm, a seat height of 807mm, a kerb weight of 174kg and a 12-litre fuel tank. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke offers a higher ground clearance at 183mm, an adjustable seat height of 800mm to 820mm, a kerb weight of 168.3kg and a larger 15L fuel tank.

The KTM 390 Duke is equipped with a 5-inch full-color TFT screen, which supports Bluetooth, navigation and displays ride mode information. It also includes traction control, launch control, a six-axis IMU and SuperMoto ABS. The NS400Z uses a fully digital LCD screen with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, lap timer, music controls and traction control. It lacks a six-axis IMU and cornering features but introduces a segment-first clutch-less quick-shifter in Sport mode.

The 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is priced at Rs 1,92,328 (ex-showroom). In contrast, the KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2.96 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts the KTM nearly Rs 1 lakh higher than the Bajaj, though it includes more advanced features and more.