Bajaj Auto absorbs GST impact to maintain competitive pricing on flagship motorcycles during festive season
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 price unchanged despite
Bajaj Auto has made a strategic decision to keep prices unchanged for its flagship motorcycles, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400, despite India’s GST rate increase from 28% to 40% on motorcycles above 350cc that took effect on September 22, 2025. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer value during the crucial festive buying season.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 Pricing Strategy
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 price protection strategy ensures the Pulsar NS400Z remains at ₹1.92 lakh while the Dominar 400 stays at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom). By absorbing the additional GST burden, Bajaj prevents a potential price increase of approximately ₹20,000 on both models, which would have significantly impacted their competitive positioning in the market.
This Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 pricing decision aligns with India’s festive season when motorcycle sales traditionally peak. Sumeet Narang, President of Marketing at Bajaj Auto, emphasized that the company wanted to “ensure that riders are not burdened with higher ownership costs” and reaffirm Bajaj’s commitment to keeping performance motorcycles accessible to enthusiasts.
GST 2.0 Impact on Motorcycle Industry
The GST 2.0 reforms created contrasting effects across the motorcycle industry, making the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 price hold even more significant. While bikes under 350cc benefited from reduced GST rates (dropping from 28% to 18%), larger motorcycles faced increased taxation at 40%. This restructuring was designed to make commuter motorcycles more affordable while generating higher revenue from premium segments.
Competitor Price Increases vs Bajaj Strategy
Bajaj’s Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 approach contrasts sharply with competitors like Royal Enfield, which implemented price increases across its entire 350cc+ portfolio. Royal Enfield’s 650cc models saw hikes ranging from ₹22,000 to ₹30,000, with the Super Meteor 650 increasing by ₹29,486. The company’s 450cc models, including the Himalayan and Guerrilla 450, experienced increases up to ₹21,682.
This competitive advantage positions the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 models as exceptional value propositions in their respective segments during the post-GST landscape.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 Technical Excellence
Both motorcycles in the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 lineup share the same proven 373cc liquid-cooled engine derived from KTM’s previous-generation 390 Duke, producing 39.4 bhp at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm with a 6-speed transmission. However, they target different rider segments within the performance motorcycle category.
Pulsar NS400Z Performance Features
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 range’s Pulsar NS400Z focuses on aggressive street performance with enhanced features for 2025. The bike now produces approximately 42 bhp with improved torque delivery, enabling 0-60 km/h acceleration in just 2.7 seconds and 0-100 km/h in around 6.4 seconds. Key improvements include a quickshifter for clutchless gear changes in Sport mode, better tyres, bigger brakes, and stronger brake pads for superior handling and safety.
Dominar 400 Touring Capabilities
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 series’ Dominar 400 emphasizes long-distance touring capabilities and highway comfort. With a larger 13-litre fuel tank compared to the Pulsar’s 12 litres, higher seating position at 800mm, and touring-oriented ergonomics, it’s designed for mile-munching adventures. The bike maintains ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 30 kmpl, making it practical for extended journeys.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 price hold strategy extends beyond just these models. Bajaj also absorbed GST hikes for India-manufactured KTM motorcycles (390 Duke, RC 390, and 390 Adventure) and Triumph’s 400cc series (Speed 400, Scrambler 400X). This comprehensive approach across its portfolio demonstrates calculated strategy to maintain market share during critical sales periods.
Technology and Features Enhancement
Both models in the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 range benefit from significant technology upgrades for 2025. The Pulsar NS400Z now features a colorful digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call alerts, and traction control. Riders also get four ride modes—Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road—that adjust performance according to riding conditions.
Customer Benefits and Market Impact
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 pricing strategy creates immediate benefits for customers during the festive season. With competitors facing price increases due to GST implementation, Bajaj’s decision strengthens its competitive advantage in the premium motorcycle space. The Pulsar NS400Z particularly benefits, remaining “the most affordable 400cc motorcycle in India” at its current pricing.
Long-term Strategic Implications
This Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 approach highlights key strategic differences in how manufacturers respond to regulatory changes. While some brands have immediately passed costs to consumers, Bajaj’s willingness to sacrifice short-term margins demonstrates commitment to market position and customer loyalty.
Strategic Excellence in Challenging Times
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 price protection strategy represents more than just cost absorption—it’s a calculated move that prioritizes market share and customer satisfaction during India’s most important sales period. By maintaining accessibility to performance motorcycles when competitors face pricing pressure, Bajaj strengthens its position as a customer-focused manufacturer.
This strategic decision showcases how Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Dominar 400 models continue to lead their segments through value engineering, technological advancement, and customer-centric pricing policies. As the festive season progresses, this approach may well define Bajaj’s market leadership in India’s premium motorcycle segment for years to come.
Also Read : The Ultimate Bajaj Dominar Tyre Upgrade Guide: Boost Safety & Performance
