Bajaj Dominar 400 – Reasons to Buy and Not Buy!

So the Bajaj Dominar 400 is finally here. The Dominar 400 is based on the Pulsar CS400 concept that debuted at the Auto Expo 2014. It shares its engine with the highly successful KTM Duke 390. However, there’s no denying that the Dominar 400 would have its own distinct identity. We’re pretty sure that the Dominar 400 is the next big thing from Bajaj. But, is this enough for you to put your hard earned money on it? Let’s try and find our answers in our Bajaj Dominar 400 Review here.

Also See – Pulsar RS400 | Pulsar 150NS | 2017 Pulsar 220 | 2017 Pulsar 180

Reasons to Buy

1. Price 

Bajaj has priced the Dominar 400 really very attractively. At a starting price of just Rs 1.36 Lakh, the Dominar is cheaper than all its rivals. Heck, it is priced just a bit higher than the Pulsar RS200. With such a great pricing. the Dominar 400 makes a very very strong case for itself. The Dominar is cheaper than all its nearest rivals – the Mahindra Mojo 300, Royal Enfield 350, BMW G310 R.

Also See- List of all Upcoming Bajaj Pulsar bikes in India

2. Performance

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is the most powerful and the fastest Bajaj bike ever! The Dominar boasts a 373 cc, single-cylinder engine that outputs 35 PS and 35 Nm. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It also gets a slipper clutch. The Dominar is capable of hitting the ton in 8.23 seconds. The Dominar is also very likely to offer great handling manners. Unlike the front-heavy last gen Pulsars, the Dominar is likely to offer great handling manners. The Dominar 400 gets disc brakes at both wheels. Other features include 17-inch alloys, Dual channel ABS, and a gas-charged monoshock.

3. Top Speed

Thanks to a lower max. power and higher weight than the Duke 390, the Bajaj Dominar’s top speed is also considerably lower. However, it can achieve almost 150 KMPH. This makes the Bajaj Dominar 400 the fastest bike from Bajaj yet.

4. Mileage

Bajaj bikes have always been known to offer a good mix of performance and fuel mileage. The Dominar 400 will be no different in this regard. Expect an average fuel mileage of up to 30 KMPL.  The new Bajaj 400cc motorcycle is sure to find many takers with such an impressive fuel efficiency.

5. Features

In a manner typical of Bajaj bikes, the Dominar 400 offers a long list of features. These include-

• LED Headlamps
• Auto headlamp on
• All-Digital Speedo Console
• Gear-shift Indicator
• Front and Rear Disc Brakes
• Split Seats
• Stylish black Alloy Wheels
• Stylish End-can
• Tank Extensions
• Split Grab Rails
• Tank Guard
• Backlit Switchgear
• Gas-Charged Monoshock Rear Suspension
• Aircraft-type Fuel Filler Cap
• MRF Tubeless Tires
• Engine Cowl
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Stylish Twin LED Taillamps
• Auto-cancelling indicators
• LED turn indicators

6. Muscular Design

The Dominar 400 is sure to impress with its ‘mini Diavel’ looks.   The fat tires, muscular fuel tank, bits like the LED lamps and a fully digital speedo console – there’s enough to catch your attention. The Bajaj Dominar 400, with its street naked design, is expected to impress many. The front fascia looks very aggressive, while the LED haedlamps make the bike look futuristic. However, the Dominar misses out on the chunky USD front forks seen on the concept.

Other highlights of this bike include a sporty tail section and LED taillamps. Thankfully, the Bajaj Dominar 400 doesn’t get any garish body graphics.

Reasons to Not Buy

However, there are a few things about this bike that some people might not like. Our Bajaj Dominar 400 review here even covers such aspects-

1. Not as Fast as the KTM Duke 390

Okay, the Dominar 400 gets its motor from the Duke 390. However, the engine has been re-tuned to optimize mileage and make it suitable for application in a street naked. This has taken a toll on the outright performance. Compared to the Duke 390’s 44 PS, the Dominar 400 offers just 35 PS. Here’s a detailed Dominar vs KTM Duke 390 Comparison

2. Not as Sharp Either

Chances are the Bajaj Dominar 400 won’t be as sure footed either. Compared to the Duke’s USD front forks, the Dominar gets a conventional setup. Also, it misses out on the fantastic Metzelers. Instead, it comes with MRF rubber. Also, the Dominar 400 offers a much more relaxed riding position than the Duke 390. While this is good for long rides, one won’t be able to attack corners as aggressively. It’s easy to guess that the Dominar won’t be a match for the Duke in the handling department. However, we are still pretty sure that the new Bajaj 400cc bike will offer a good mix of ride comfort and sure footed-ness.

3. No Fairing

Most Indian performance bike buyers prefer a fully-faired model over naked looks. Also, a front fairing makes high speed riding a lot more convenient. In most cases, a front fairing also helps to improve the aerodynamics. The Dominar 400, being a street naked, misses out on any such fairing. While not a major factor, some might still question the Dominar’s sportiness due to the lack of a front fairing.

4. Susceptible Quality

Let’s face it, Bajaj bikes have often turned out to be less reliable than some of their rivals. That said, we don’t want to sound like we completely distrust the reliability of Bajaj products. However, we do hope the Dominar 400 doesn’t face any quality blips.

Bajaj Dominar 400 Review – Technical Specifications

Bajaj Dominar 400 Specifications

So, what do you say about our Bajaj Dominar 400 review? Do share your views on this review via comments below. Stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for a detailed Bajaj Dominar 400 test drive review.