Bajaj Dominar 400

Image – Shubham
Bajaj Dominar 400 utilises the same architecture and powertrain which is used in KTM 390 and the Husqvarna 401 Twins

Bajaj Dominar 400 is one of the most loved touring motorcycles in India currently. At a sub-Rs 2.0 lakh price, it is also the most affordable in its category. With good performance and reliability, this motorcycle has fulfilled both purposes of daily commuting and touring.
Bike modification is a common exercise among the biking community in India. Most bikers wish to have an exclusive sense of identity when they ride their bikes hence they get them modified according to their preference. The Dominar range is also one that supports after-market modifications quite well.
Modifications Rendered
For instance, take this Dominar 400 which has undergone a makeover at the hands of an after-market customizer. The owner, Shubham has added a new livery to his Dominar 400 which lends it the vibe of a racing sports bike.
The mixture of white and black with a healthy dose of red accentuates its sporty appeal. The number of modifications rendered are plenty and look tasteful on the touring machine. All GFX work has been done at a local customization shop in New Delhi. Total cost for the decals is Rs 2,500. Including the labour charge, total cost is Rs 3,500.

The most notable highlight is the coloured translucent windscreen from carbon racing. The golden colour of the inverted forks at front adds a nice contrast to the overall look of the bike. The headlamp cluster and indicators get a new setup which resembles Audi range. LED fog lamps from HIG have been installed at the front forks.

Other significant highlights include a radiator guard from Zana, a crash guard, raised handlebar, handguards, a backrest for a pillion and a foot-rest on the exhaust muffler. The owner reveals that he has also modified the seat by adding extra comfort foam which provides better cushioning even at longer distances.

Hardware in use
By the looks of it, there have been no mechanical updates made. The suspension duties are carried out by USD inverted front forks and mono-shock at rear. Disc brake at both ends with dual-channel ABS carry out anchoring duties.

Additionally, it also gets a radial caliper for the braking system upfront. Most of its components have been borrowed by KTM Duke 390.

Powertrain & Transmission
The same holds true for engine and transmission. It is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine which churns out 39.4bhp at 8650rpm and 35Nm of peak torque at 7000rpm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

It tips the weighing scale at 187 kg and has a capacity to hold 13 litres of fuel. Earlier this year, Bajaj launched a smaller displacement of Dominar in the quarter-litre segment. More

In spite of the price increase, Bajaj Dominar 400 remains one of the most VFM (value for money) motorcycle in the segment
Dealer modified.

Launched in 2016, Bajaj Dominar 400 has undergone an upward price revision of Rs 1,500. This is the second time this year that price has been increased for Bajaj Auto’s flagship motorcycle. Earlier, the price was hiked to Rs 1.91 lakh when the BS6 variant of Dominar 400 was launched in April.
Prices were increased in September as well. Dominar’s original launch price in 2016 was Rs 1.36 lakh. With the current starting price at Rs 197,758, Dominar has become costlier by more than 60k since its launch.
Dominar’s latest price hike is most likely based on rising input costs and inflationary factors. The motorcycle is the same as earlier and there are no updates or new features. Dominar 400 is a good looking bike and has potential, but its performance on the sales front has been below expectations. The motorcycle was supposed to emerge as a bestseller, but things haven’t worked out as planned.
Dominar 400 ranked at 11th place
If we look at August sales data for 200 cc to 500 cc motorcycles, Dominar 400 is placed at 11th place with sales of 775 units. YoY de-growth is -16.40 percent, as compared to 927 units sold in August last year. In comparison, Dominar 250 appears to be more popular in terms of sales numbers. As may be recalled, Dominar 250 was launched earlier this year in March at an introductory price of Rs 1.60 lakh.
Of 60,809 motorcycles sold in the segment, 46,707 were of Royal Enfield – with a 76.7% market share in Aug 2020
Dominar 250 sales in August were 1,317 units, placing it in the top ten list of bestselling 200cc – 500cc motorcycles. Dominar 250 prices have also been increased by Rs 1,625. It is now available at a starting price of Rs 165,715. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. This is the second time price has been hiked for Dominar 250. As may be recalled, the motorcycle had undergone an upward price revision of Rs 4,090 in September.
Dominar 400 engine & specs
In its BS6 avatar, Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3 cc liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder, triple spark, FI engine that churns out 40 PS of max power at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of max torque at 6500 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed gearbox, integrated with a wet, multiplate clutch. The clutch has assist and slipper function, which ensures smooth downshifts during deceleration.
Dominar 400 utilizes a beam type perimeter frame, suspended on 43 mm USD forks with 135 mm of travel at the front and multi-step adjustable mono shock with Nitrox at the rear. Braking system comprises 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, integrated with dual-channel ABS.
The bike has kerb weight of 187 kg and comes with a 13 litre fuel tank. Its top speed is 148 kmph (approx.) and fuel efficiency is around 27 kmpl. Dominar BS6 can reach 0 to 100 kmph in around 8 seconds. More

This is the second time that Bajaj has increased the prices of its quarter-litre tourer motorcycle
Bajaj Auto launched the Dominar 250 earlier in March this year, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit us. The bike met decent with a response, however, the manufacturer had to increase its prices six months later in September. The tourer motorcycle was launched at a price of Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

After its first price hike of Rs 4,090, the price stood at Rs 1,64,090. Now, after the latest price hike of Rs 1,625, its effective price now stands at Rs 1,65,715. (All prices are ex-showroom). This is the second price hike after the introduction of the quarter-litre motorcycle.
Dominar 250 & Dominar 400- similar in design
Bajaj launched a smaller displacement Dominar to make the touring bike more accessible to masses. The Dominar 250 borrows similar styling elements as its elder sibling- Dominar 400. Even its dimensions are similar to the 400cc tourer. It is 2156mm long, 836mm wide and 1112mm tall. It gets a wheelbase of 1453mm and a ground clearance of 157mm.
Bajaj Dominar 400
Features on offer
It tips the weighing scale at 180 kg which is about 7 kg lighter than its older sibling. The Dominar 250 gets two colour options- Vine Black and Canyon Red. It stands on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 100/80-17″ and 130/70-17″ tubeless tyres at front and rear respectively. It is built on a beam type perimeter frame where suspension duties are carried out by telescopic USD forks at front and multi-step adjustable Mono shock with Nitrox at rear.
On board features include a fully digital instrument cluster with essential readouts such as odometer, speedometer, tachometer, etc. It also gets LED headlamps, LED tail lights, twin-barrel exhaust and dual-channel ABS among many more. It gets a fuel tank of a capacity of 13 litres.
Dominar 250 sales in Aug 2020 were higher than Dominar 400
Powertrain
Bajaj Dominar 250 borrows its engine from KTM Duke 250. This means it derives its power from a 249cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC motor which churns out 26.6bhp at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox which features a slipper clutch assist. It takes 10.5 seconds to breach the 100 kmph mark while it can achieve a top speed of 132 kmph.
Its elder sibling- Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine which produces 39.4 bhp and 35 Nm of torque. This is the same unit which powers the KTM Duke 390 and RC 390. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox. More

This is the first time price has been hiked since the Dominar 250 was launch earlier this year
Bajaj Dominar 250, a quarter liter sibling to its larger and more powerful Dominar 400, was launched in India earlier this year at Rs.1.60 lakhs, ex-sh. It is presented in a single variant and competes with the Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZ25, KTM 250 Duke and Husqvarna 250 in a similar price segment.

For the first time since launch, the company has hiked price of the Dominar 250. This hike is by Rs.4,090. New price is Rs.1.64 lakhs, ex-sh. Besides the hike in price, the Bajaj Dominar 250 sees no modifications and all specifications and features remain unchanged.
The company has also just increased price of the Bajaj Dominar 400 by Rs.1,507 to a new pricing of Rs.1,96,258. The Dominar 400 was earlier priced at Rs.1,94,751 and this is the first price hike since the launch of its BS6 model in April 2020. Below are the new prices of Bajaj Dominar range, effective immediately across India.
Dominar
New
Old
Diff
250
1,64,090
1,60,000
4,090
400
1,96,258
1,94,751
1,507
Bajaj Dominar 400 BS6 competes with the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 250 Duke and Suzuki Gixxer 250 – which are offered in a similar price bracket. Bajaj Dominar range is promoted as sports tourer, which offers comfortable riding position, powerful performance and latest in features.
Bajaj Dominar 250
The Bajaj Dominar 250 borrows features seen on the Dominar 400. Sporting similar dimensions, D250 measures 2,156 mm in length, 836 mm in width and 1,112 mm in height. Wheelbase and ground clearance stand at 1,453 mm and 157 mm respectively.
Fuel tank is of 13 liter capacity while kerb weight stands at 180 kgs. The Bajaj Dominar 250 is presented in two colour options of Canyon Red and Vine Black. On board features include full LED headlamps, twin barrel exhaust and a fully digital instrument cluster which relays a wide range of information to the rider.
Bajaj Dominar 250. Image – Bajaj Chavakkad
The Dominar 250 share its engine with the 250cc Duke. This 248.77 cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4 valve engine produces 25 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 23.5 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm and comes in with Bajaj Auto’s Twin Spark technology. It receives fuel injection system that enhances throttle response, delivers better performance and higher fuel efficiency. The BS6 compliant engine gets mated to a 6 speed gearbox with slipper and assist clutch.
The Bajaj Dominar 400, on the other hand, is powered by a 373 cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine making 39.4bhp power and 35 Nm torque. The engine is mated to a 6 speed gearbox with slipper clutch. Bajaj Dominar gets its suspension via USD forks in the front and monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc in front and 230mm disc at the rear with dual channel ABS offered as standard. More

The Dominar 250, being nearly INR 30,000 cheaper than the 400 cc variant, is accessible to much wider audience base
The Bajaj Dominar 250 arrived at the scene when its elder sibling, the Dominar 400, has been witnessing dwindling sales. The quarter liter variant’s objective is to enhance the potential of the Dominar brand and bring in incremental volumes. As it turns out, the new variant came just in time for damage control.

In June 2020, the Bajaj Dominar 250 clocked sales of 1,018 units compared to the Dominar 400 which managed to reach a tally of 717 units in the domestic market. The Dominar 400’s sales volume represents a YoY decline of 65% (2,044 units in June 2019).
If we include the 250 cc variant’s sales figures, the Dominar nameplate’s YoY performance stands at 15%. So, we can clearly see that the quarter liter variant managed to save the day to a significant extent.

Bajaj Dominar 250 vs 400 Sales in June 2020
As far as exports are concerned, Bajaj Auto is yet to ship its new Dominar 250 to international markets. The Dominar 400, on the other hand, registered export of 816 units last month compared to just 450 units during the same month last year. The company would be hoping to have better sales performance for its flagship nameplate in the domestic market after the pandemic emergency is over.
Differences between Dominar 250 and Dominar 400
The new Bajaj Dominar 250 looks identical to its bigger-engined sibling to an extent that one would be hard pressed to distinguish between them. However, the Dominar 250 is a good INR 30,000 cheaper and the cost-cutting has been on areas that are are too obvious. For example, the 250 employs a conventional box-type swing arm in place of the 400’s cast aluminium unit. The wheels and tyres are also of lower specification on the Dominar 250.
Moreover, the entry-level Dominar employs 37 mm inverted telescopic front forks as against the 400 cc variant’s 43 mm units. Bajaj has also reduced the front brake dia by 20 mm on the new bike while the rear discs are identical at 230 mm. Both motorcycles benefit from two-channel ABS.
While wheelbase, height, ground clearance, width, etc, are identical, under-the-skin changes and a smaller engine have resulted in the Bajaj Dominar 250 weighing 4 kg lighter than its sibling. The 250 has 27 hp on tap while the 400 boasts 40 hp, so the latter more than makes up for its additional weight.
With a price tag of INR 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bajaj Dominar 250 is a lot more accessible to much wider audience than its sibling which is priced at INR 1.91 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with the Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZ 25 and KTM 250 Duke. More