The Dominar 400, Bajaj’s latest flagship, marks a big step-up for the bike maker in many ways. It is loaded with features, packed with technology and is the most powerful Bajaj yet. That aside, with it, the bike maker has taken a bold leap of faith away from the popular Pulsar name to debut the premium Dominar brand.
Given how hot a topic the Dominar is, there’s little that’s not known about it. And it’s high time for a detailed report from its saddle. So, here it is.
Looking at recent Bajaj bikes, mainly the Pulsar RS 200, it may seem that the company is trying too hard, but one look at the Dominar 400 confirms it isn’t cast in the same mould. Modern and mean-looking, the Dominar 400 shows off sleek styling and powerful proportions. Its LED white beam headlight comes with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) technology, and does a brilliant job of lighting up the road ahead in the dark.
There’s a premium feel to the new power cruiser, with plenty of smartly-machined alloy bits, including the handlebar mount and footrests.
The knee recesses on the Dominar 400’s 13-litre fuel tank allow you to grip the bike well. The fuel tank itself sweeps smoothly into the saddle, that’s lightly stepped and adequately padded. The motorcycle’s steel perimeter frame spars sit exposed akin to a pair of arms embracing the motorcycle, while there are several nifty little highlights, a belly pan, tank extensions and radiator shroud, to name a few.
The Dominar 400 deploys a digital instrument cluster, with cascading bars reading out the engine speed and fuel level. Some added information, like the side-stand warning icon, are tank-mounted, and the crisp, illuminated switchgear, comfy palm grips as well as a set of KTM Duke-inspired mirrors, all function well. LED strips further lend flair to the Dominar 400 tail, and so do the trendy alloy wheels. Overall quality is good, as are fit-finish and attention to detail.
The Dominar’s 373cc single-cylinder engine is Bajaj’s version of the powerplant found in the KTM 390 Duke and RC. This liquid-cooled motor comes with triple spark-plug tech, and what’s nice is that the engine heat is never an issue during sustained low-speed riding in crowded conditions.
You do feel a light buzz when you push the motor to higher revs, but that aside, riders are effectively isolated from engine vibrations.
Much of the engine’s pulling power is available at low revs, making the Dominar 400 an effortless machine to ride in crowded traffic. Every twist of the throttle rewards the rider with some serious acceleration.
The bike’s six-speed gearbox feels light and precise to shift, and is a perfect match for the engine. It also comes equipped with a slipper clutch that steps in when pushing the bike. It keeps you from losing control of the bike when you downshift hard from high speeds.
Throttle response is sharp and supremely precise, as expected from a fuel-injected bike. Crack open the throttle and there’s a light step at 5,000rpm, from where power flows in seamlessly, accompanied by a sporty exhaust note.
The Dominar 400 can accelerate past 60kph in a scant 3.3seconds from standstill, while 100kph comes up in just 8.3sec. This Bajaj is capable of comfortably cruising at 120-130kph, and can hit about 150kph.
The Dominar 400 surely has one of the best riding positions around. You lightly lean into the flat bars, which impart a nice, sporty feel that’s further complemented by perfectly-positioned footrests and brake pedal. This makes the Dominar more comfortable than its KTM Street-going stablemates, which offer similar performance but have a more aggressive riding position.
It’s suspended on a set of beefy 43mm telescopic front forks, and a Nitrox adjustable-monoshock system at the rear. Ride quality is a touch stiff and sporty, even with the rear suspension dialled down to its softest setting. However, the firm set-up gives the Dominar excellent high-speed stability. It handles with confidence and turns into corners in a neutral and fuss-free manner, with its soft-compound MRF radial tyres – rated for up to 180kph – offering exceptional grip levels. As a handling package, Bajaj’s latest does complete justice to its power cruiser role.
There’s good bite from the brakes too, providing ample stopping power that’s backed by the safety of twin-channel ABS.
Overall, Bajaj’s latest is a well-rounded, stylish motorcycle that’s got what it takes to see market success and dominate its segment. It offers all the performance you’ll need on Indian roads, plus reassuring handling and good comfort. At Rs 1.36-1.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Dominar 400 is aggressively priced and pretty well-positioned too. It’s also proven to be a solid motorcycle, and hence, is a no-brainer in terms of value for money.
Ex-showroom price
1.36-1.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine
373cc, single-cyl, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Power
35hp at 8,000rpm
Torque
35Nm at 6,500rpm
Gearbox
6-speed
Brakes
Front
320mm disc (ABS)
Rear
230mm disc (ABS)
Tank size
13litres
