The world of 400cc motorcycles has become more achievable than ever! Under 2 lakhs now, one can avail of two powerful 400cc motorcycles that provide two very different motorcycle lifestyle choices. Introducing, the Pulsar NS 400Z and the Hero Mavrick 440.
Now, let us begin with the Pulsar NS 400Z. Firstly, It is the clear winner of the two. Let's get that out of the way. But there are good reasons for that. It is cheaper to begin with, weighs less, is faster, and is also comfortable enough that one can go long distances in it.
But is there more to it than meets the eye? I really don’t think so. You see the Hero Mavrick doesn’t look like anything like any offerings from the Hero stables as the NS 400Z does. But it doesn’t look that stand-out as well if I’m being honest. The overall design of the Mavrick looks bland, especially from the rear. And here is where the NS 400Z makes an interesting argument. Yes, this looks like an NS. I mean apart from the headlight, it will look quite similar. However, it doesn’t look bad at all. It doesn’t look incomplete but rather has a powerful stance. And Bajaj hopes that it is enough to sway the people to their side. And honestly, it works.
From any other context, there are no possible places where the Mavrick has enough attributes that can pull you to it. More relaxed stance I guess? But has the NS even complained about being uncomfortable? So why not compromise on the relaxed stance, for more horsepower, grunt, and a slightly aggressive stance?
Other than that, the NS 400Z can do everything that the Mavrick can, but the Mavrick can't say the same for itself. And that is the sole reason why it is the winner of the comparison.
Let me reiterate the point that I have made earlier in a slightly different way. If you were to see these two motorcycles together, the NS 400Z is probably what will get your attention even though it looks almost like the NS 200.
Now here is why. The Hero Mavrick is a cruiser. It has retro elements that it has to cater to as it goes up against other retro motorcycles, but at the same time, it has to look modern to give itself some edge. I am guessing the design team got stuck somewhere in the middle and the result is not that interesting.
Now when you move to the NS 400Z, the stance itself is quite aggressive to look at and the differentiating headlights are unique. Yes, the styling is not that different. But it is not that bad either. And anyway, you will have a lot more fun riding it, than looking at it from the side. More on that later.
Speaking of the features, both motorcycles get Turn by Turn navigation in the instrument cluster with an LCD. Although it looks better in the Mavrick, the rest of the instrument cluster is far better on the Pulsar. It is bigger, sharper and has a lot more colours. It is truly amazing how much more you get from a motorcycle that is cheaper than its competitor.
Now let us come down to the electronics package. The Hero Mavrick has nothing. It is just a motorcycle to switch on and ride it to your heart’s content. In the case of the NS 400Z, you will find quite a lot to play with. Four different riding modes, Traction Control settings, and the power to switch your main headlights on and off… I mean it is fun to see so many settings to play with on a motorcycle that costs below two lakhs. What you might find in the feature list of the Hero Mavrick is the SOS button. That button doesn’t connect you to anyone from Hero. Rather all it does is send a text to a contact that you have saved on your Hero app. Now depends on how much the saved contact loves you or is vigilant, that will dictate the response to your SOS help button. To be honest, it is a bit useless and a half-thought idea.
In this case as well, the Pulsar NS 400Z takes away the win.
Engine (cc)
Hero Mavrick | 440
Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z | 373
Engine Output
Hero Mavrick
Max Power | 27 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 36 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Pulsar NS 400 Z
Max Power | 39.4 bhp @ 8,800 rpm
Max Torque | 35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Kerb Weight (kg)
Hero Mavrick | 187
Pulsar NS 400Z | 174
Price
Hero Mavrick 440 | 1,99,000 INR
Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z | 1,85,000 INR
Let me summarise this section in short before I dive into it. The Pulsar NS 400Z can do whatever the Hero Mavrick can think of doing, but the Mavrick doesn’t reciprocate that.
The NS 400Z is a nimble and agile motorcycle. With a shorter wheelbase than the NS 200 (by about 12mm), weighing barely anything more than the NS 200, and beefy front USDs, the riding experience on the NS 400Z is on a different planet altogether. Compare that to the bulky Mavrick and if you ride them side by side, there is no reason on this god-gifted earth that you would choose the Hero. And the difference becomes ever so more evident once you start pushing the vehicles.
The engine on the NS 400Z is so strong. 39.4 BHP on the 400Z to 27 BHP on the Mavrick. I mean is there even a comparison? The low-end torque delivery on the Mavrick is a lot better no doubt, you can only reap the benefits of that in off-roading conditions, honestly. Rest in under no conditions will you feel that the Pulsar engine is lacking anywhere. This is a tested engine after all. It has served the Dominar very well and now it has to move less weight around in the NS 400Z. A lot less weight. And did we mention how loud this thing is? Wow, the thumps of the Mavrick can be forgotten in an instant after you hear the roar that the NS produces. Vehicles will move away from your direction and cops will think you have a custom exhaust on an NS 200. I was genuinely scared that I would be stopped by the cops for having this exhaust, but boy oh boy, I would have the biggest grin on my face. Power is available on tap on the NS and the bulk of the power hides in the higher rpms, while the Mavrick caters to the lower rpm torque delivery. But it is not enough to outshine the gruntier NS here. Vibrations on the NS are higher, but what the hell! Vibrations make you feel alive in my opinion.
Now in terms of riding dynamics, the NS 400Z is far superior. I mean yes, it will be easier to cruise on the Mavrick and offroading will also be a lot more comfortable. But that doesn’t mean that the NS 400Z can’t do it. It will be a little challenging, but it is more than capable of handling cruising or off-roading. I mean this has an off-road mode for crying out loud! (doesn’t make that much of a difference). And when it comes to other aspects, the NS 400Z just steals the show. Be it straight-line speed, cornering capabilities, stopping power, hooliganism, or even stunting capabilities, the NS 400Z just steals the show. Its front end is very reassuring, the rear is also stable, and it is sooo flickable. City riding will be easy as hell. It is a motorcycle capable enough to make you forget what petrol prices are.
The only thing where it lacks is when you have to make a U-Turn, its turning radius will not help you at all. However, that is when you do the burnout and whip the rear around… Just Kidding.
