The Bajaj Dominar 400 made its debut as a game-changer. Since its launch, the Dominar has established itself as a symbol of affordable performance, muscular design, and long-distance touring capabilities — a motorcycle for those who seek adventure without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Dominar 400 one of the most talked-about bikes in the Indian mid-range segment.
Design That Commands Attention
The first thing that strikes you about the Bajaj Dominar 400 is its aggressive stance. Inspired by power cruisers, the bike features a muscular fuel tank, beefy front forks, and a low-slung profile. The LED headlamp with its signature “white fang” DRLs lends it a futuristic look, while the dual-tone bodywork adds a premium touch.
The wide handlebars and sculpted tank offer not just aesthetics, but also comfort and grip for long-distance rides. Overall, the Dominar exudes a road presence that’s rare in its price bracket.
Performance That Excites
At the heart of the Dominar 400 lies a 373.3cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine — derived from the KTM Duke 390 platform but tuned for more relaxed, cruiser-friendly performance. Producing 40 PS of power at 8,800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, the bike delivers a punchy low-end and a smooth, linear powerband that’s ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising.
Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, the Dominar offers crisp gear shifts and better control during aggressive downshifting. The engine refinement in the BS6 version is notable, with improved heat management and smoother throttle response.
Whether you’re overtaking on highways or slicing through city traffic, the Dominar has enough grunt to make it an engaging ride.
Built for Touring
One of the Dominar 400’s most celebrated aspects is its touring capability. Bajaj has positioned this bike as a long-distance cruiser, and it walks the talk. The upright riding posture, well-padded split seat, and minimal vibration at cruising speeds make it an ideal companion for weekend getaways and cross-country rides.
The bike comes with USD front forks and a multi-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear, giving it excellent stability and ride comfort even on uneven surfaces. Add to this a beam-type perimeter frame and you’ve got a chassis that feels confident at high speeds and in corners alike.
Another standout feature is the presence of bungee hooks, a small but thoughtful addition for riders who frequently carry luggage. Bajaj also offers a wide range of touring accessories — from windshields and saddle stays to backrests — further emphasizing the Dominar’s focus on long-haul rides.
Technology and Features
The Dominar 400 is no slouch when it comes to features. It boasts a fully digital instrument cluster that displays all the essential information — including gear position, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and service indicators.
The addition of a secondary display on the tank (introduced in later versions) is a practical touch, allowing riders to view critical ride stats at a glance without having to look up.
Key features include:
- Full LED lighting (headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators)
- Dual-channel ABS
- Slipper clutch
- Dual digital consoles
Although it doesn’t have fancy Bluetooth connectivity or navigation like some rivals, the Dominar sticks to the essentials — and does them well.
Price and Value for Money
With a price tag of around ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bajaj Dominar 400 offers tremendous value. It competes with bikes like the KTM Duke 390, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and Honda CB300F, but undercuts many of them in price while offering comparable (or better) performance and features.
What sets it apart is the combination of power, practicality, and affordability — a trifecta that appeals to young riders, seasoned tourers, and budget-conscious enthusiasts alike.
Final Verdict: A True All-Rounder
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. It says that power doesn’t have to be expensive, and touring doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or performance.
For riders who want a powerful, versatile, and affordable motorcycle that’s as comfortable on the highway as it is in the city, the Dominar 400 is hard to beat. It’s one of the few bikes in its class that genuinely balances performance with practicality.