Lecture: 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Potential Enhancements

Overview

• The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z possesses remarkable potential both in terms of price and performance.
• Initial impressions of the motorcycle highlighted a need for improvement in stability and grip.
• Modifications include adjustments to the suspension and tire replacements.
• Aim: Test the motorcycle post-modifications to evaluate improvements.

Modifications

Stability

• Front Suspension Adjustment: Forks dropped by 5 mm.
• Rear Shock Adjustment: Preload reduced to the softest setting.
• Achieved an additional trail of ~3.8 to 4 mm.

Tires

• Tire Swap: Replaced stock tires with Protorq Extreme tires from Eurogrip.
  • Softer compound for better performance.
  • Rear: Wider 150/60 section (from 140 section).
  • Front: Maintained 110/70 section.
  • Both tires are W rated (handle speeds up to 270 kmph).
• Main goal: Enhance stability and grip, especially in wet conditions.

Test Results

• Improved Performance: Significant enhancement in speed and stability, even in damp conditions compared to stock in dry.
• Eurogrip Tires: Outstanding wet grip, comparable to Michelin Road 5s.
  • Better braking due to enhanced grip.
• Stability: Increased trail and wider rear tire improved high-speed stability and quick direction changes.
  • Slight loss of front-end feel due to raised front, but overall grip remains strong.

Detailed Observations

• Braking: Enhanced due to better tire grip; stock braking hardware felt improved.
  • For track use, consider upgrading to sintered pads.
• Handling: Reduced twitchiness of the stock motorcycle, more sure-footed.
  • Improved cornering confidence with better rear grip.
  • Some loss in front-end feedback due to adjusted geometry.
• Suspension: Softer preload setting reduced noticeable 'pumping' effect.

Conclusion

• Experiment deemed highly successful, demonstrating the potential unlocked through tire upgrades.
• Compared post-modification NS400 favorably against Triumph Speed 400 in riding dynamics and engine engagement.
• 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, with these modifications, stands as a strong competitor despite craftsmanship differences.

Final Takeaways

• Simple modifications can greatly enhance motorcycle performance.
• The NS400Z showcases substantial potential, making it a worthy contender in its segment.