The sub-2-lakh segment is booming, with a range of motorcycles, whether modern classics, street naked, or fully faired machines. Today, we will break down two motorcycles that can dominate the segment. The Hero Xtreme 250R is the fastest 250cc motorcycle in India, according to Hero. On the other hand, we have the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, a mighty motorcycle for the price. Let’s dive deep into which is the best motorcycle.
Design
The Hero Xtreme 250R and the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z are not very different regarding looks. Both motorcycles have a sporty muscular stance and come equipped with golden upside-down forks, which add to their overall appeal. The front end of the Xtreme 250R looks much cleaner due to its clean headlight design. Visually, the Xtreme 250R also looks more story-like due to its sharp body panels, whereas the NS400Z looks more mature.
Power Figures
Here’s where both the motorcycles start feeling worlds apart. The Hero Xtreme 250R is powered by a 250cc liquid-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox that produces 29.17 bhp @ 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm @ 7,250 rpm.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is powered by a 373.27cc liquid-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox that produces 38.9 bhp @ 8,800 rpm and 35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
In this category, the NS400Z dominates the segment by a considerable margin, making it almost impossible for the competition to win.
Features
The Hero Xtreme 250R has an LDC instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for lap & drag timer, SMS and call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. It also comes equipped with a 6-step adjustable monoshock rear suspension with rear-wheel lift-off protection.
The NS400Z has an LCD panel with Bluetooth that helps you navigate, manage music, answer and reject calls, and time your laps. The bikes also have safety features like electronic traction control and four ABS modes: road, rain, sport, and off-road. The motorcycle is also equipped with projector LED headlamps and lightning-shaped DRLs.
Cycle Parts & Dimensions
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z and the Hero Xtreme 250R are street-focused naked motorcycles but differ in dimensions and cycle parts. The Pulsar NS400Z has a wheelbase of 1,344 mm, slightly shorter than the Xtreme 250R’s 1,357 mm, making the former more agile while the latter offers better stability. The seat heights are nearly identical at 807 mm for the Pulsar and 806 mm for the Xtreme, ensuring accessibility for most riders. Ground clearance is also comparable, with the Pulsar at 168 mm and the Xtreme at 167 mm. However, the Pulsar is slightly heavier at 174 kg, while the Xtreme is lighter at 167.7 kg, which may affect handling and fuel efficiency.
Regarding parts, the Pulsar NS400Z features a pressed steel perimeter frame, whereas the Xtreme 250R uses a steel trellis frame, balancing rigidity and weight. Both motorcycles get 43 mm USD front forks, but the rear suspension differs—the Pulsar has a monoshock; in contrast, the Xtreme gets a gas-charged mono-shock with 6-step preload adjustability for customisable comfort. Braking setups are similar, featuring 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS. However, the Xtreme has a wider 150/60-R17 rear tyre compared to the Pulsar’s 140/70-R17, which may provide better grip in corners. These differences make the Pulsar NS400Z sportier and more aggressive, while the Xtreme 250R leans towards stability and versatility.
Pricing
The price difference between these two motorcycles is minimal, making the competition even more intense. The Hero Xtreme 250R is priced at Rs 1,79,900, while the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes in at Rs 1,85,000. Given their close pricing, the decision ultimately comes down to performance, features, and personal preference.
Conclusion
Both motorcycles offer impressive performance and excitement within the sub-2 lakh rupees price segment. On paper, the NS400Z appears to be the more powerful and capable option compared to the Xtreme 250R. However, greater power often comes with reduced fuel efficiency. The real question is—are you willing to trade mileage for performance?
