Bajaj Dominar 400: The Indian motorcycle market has witnessed significant evolution in recent years, with manufacturers pushing beyond traditional commuter offerings to meet the growing demand for premium, performance-oriented machines.

Bajaj Auto has been at the forefront of this transformation, and the Dominar 400 stands as one of its most ambitious offerings—a power cruiser that combines muscular styling, impressive performance, and long-distance comfort at an accessible price point. This comprehensive review explores how the Bajaj Dominar 400 has carved its own niche in the competitive mid-displacement segment.

Bajaj Dominar 400 Design Philosophy: Urban Muscle

The Bajaj Dominar 400 presents a distinctive visual identity that blends power cruiser elements with modern naked bike aesthetics. The overall silhouette communicates strength and stability, with proportions that emphasize the motorcycle’s substantial presence despite its mid-displacement classification.

The front end features a bold LED headlight assembly with distinctive horseshoe-shaped DRL that creates an unmistakable light signature. The headlight’s wide, low-mounted position enhances the motorcycle’s aggressive stance while providing excellent illumination.

The compact cowl above the headlight houses a digital information display while contributing to the forward-focused design language.

The fuel tank combines substantial volume with muscular contours, incorporating angular knee recesses that improve rider control during cornering. At 13 liters, the tank strikes a balance between range requirements and visual proportions.

The substantial tank extensions flow into minimalist side panels that expose portions of the frame and engine, emphasizing the mechanical character of the motorcycle.

The tail section maintains the clean, cohesive design with split LED taillights integrated into a compact unit.

The rear cowl offers a streamlined profile that complements the overall design without excessive bulk. The split seat design provides dedicated areas for rider and passenger while maintaining visual continuity with the tank and tail section.

Color options typically include deep, saturated tones that emphasize the motorcycle’s premium positioning, with metallic finishes enhancing the sculpted bodywork. The perimeter frame receives a distinctive color treatment that makes it a visual feature rather than merely a structural element.

Powerplant: Refined Performance

At the heart of the Dominar 400 sits a 373.3cc single-cylinder engine derived from the KTM 390 series but significantly reworked to suit the Dominar’s character.

This liquid-cooled powerplant delivers 40 horsepower at 8,800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm—figures that position it as one of the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycles in its segment.

The engine incorporates several advanced technologies:

• Triple spark plug ignition for efficient combustion

• Fuel injection with 33mm throttle body

• Liquid cooling with integrated radiator

• DOHC 4-valve head for efficient breathing

• Primary and secondary balancer shafts for reduced vibration

Power delivery is characterized by strong mid-range torque with a satisfying top-end pull, suiting both urban commuting and highway cruising. The engine connects to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch that reduces lever effort while preventing rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—a premium feature not commonly found at this price point.

Chassis and Dynamics: Balanced Capability

The Dominar 400 is built around a perimeter frame that provides exceptional torsional rigidity while maintaining appropriate flex characteristics for feedback and comfort. This architecture supports the motorcycle’s dual-purpose nature as both an urban commuter and long-distance tourer.

Suspension duties are handled by 43mm USD (upside-down) forks at the front with 135mm of travel.

The chunky fork tubes not only provide improved stability and feedback compared to conventional telescopic units but also enhance the motorcycle’s premium visual appeal. The rear features a multi-step adjustable monoshock with 110mm of travel, offering a good balance between comfort and control.

Braking performance comes courtesy of a 320mm front disc with a radial-mount caliper and a 230mm rear disc. The system is supported by dual-channel ABS that provides confident stopping power in varying conditions. The braking package delivers good feel and progressive power, appropriate for both spirited riding and fully-loaded touring.

The Dominar rides on 17-inch alloy wheels front and rear, shod with 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tires. These tire specifications offer an excellent balance of grip, stability, and longevity for the motorcycle’s intended versatile use case.

Technology Integration: Modern Essentials

The Dominar 400 incorporates several technological features that enhance both functionality and the ownership experience:

• Full LED lighting throughout (headlight, taillight, indicators)

• Split digital instrument cluster with primary and secondary displays

• Dual-channel ABS with excellent calibration

• Slipper clutch for reduced clutch effort and improved control

• Liquid cooling system with auto fan control

• Twin barrel exhaust with catalytic converter

The primary instrument display presents essential information including speed, engine rpm, fuel level, and gear position, while the secondary display mounted on the fuel tank provides additional data such as time, trip meters, and service indicators. This split arrangement allows the rider to access critical information with minimal eye movement from the road.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Versatile Positioning

The Dominar 400 offers a carefully considered riding position that balances control with long-distance comfort.

The wide handlebar provides excellent leverage for confident handling while positioning the rider’s torso in a natural, slightly forward-leaning posture that reduces fatigue during extended rides.

The seat features a stepped design with supportive padding that accommodates riders of various statures. At 800mm, the seat height makes the motorcycle accessible to a wide range of riders, with the relatively narrow midsection allowing confident foot placement at stops.

Footpeg location strikes a middle ground between sporty rear-set positioning and forward-set cruiser orientation, resulting in a neutral riding triangle that works well for both urban maneuvering and highway cruising. This versatile ergonomic package has made the Dominar particularly popular among riders who use their motorcycles for both daily commuting and weekend touring.

Passenger accommodation receives thoughtful attention, with a well-sized pillion section, secure grab handles, and appropriately positioned footpegs. The split seat design provides dedicated support for the passenger, enhancing comfort during two-up riding.

Model Variants and Specifications

Real-World Performance: The Versatile Companion

On the road, the Dominar 400 delivers a riding experience that lives up to its “power cruiser” positioning.

The engine provides strong acceleration from low revs, with particularly impressive mid-range response that makes both urban traffic navigation and highway overtaking confident affairs.

The 40 horsepower output may seem modest compared to larger multi-cylinder machines, but the well-tuned power delivery and reasonable weight result in a motorcycle that feels genuinely quick and responsive in real-world conditions.

The riding character strikes an excellent balance between stability and agility.

The substantial wheelbase and weight distribution provide reassuring stability at highway speeds and when fully loaded for touring, while the leverage offered by the wide handlebar ensures the Dominar remains manageable in urban environments. The USD front fork contributes significantly to handling precision, providing good feedback and maintaining composure during spirited cornering.

Perhaps most impressive is the Dominar’s versatility across different riding scenarios.

It navigates city traffic with reasonable maneuverability despite its substantial presence, maintains comfortable cruising at highway speeds with minimal vibration, and handles winding roads with confidence-inspiring stability. This broad capability has made it particularly popular among riders seeking a single motorcycle that can serve multiple roles.

The braking system provides strong, progressive stopping power with good lever feel and modulation.

The ABS calibration allows for assertive braking without premature intervention, providing confidence in varying conditions including wet roads—an important consideration for touring riders who may encounter changing weather.

Ownership Experience: Long-Term Value

The Dominar 400 offers several practical advantages for everyday ownership. Fuel efficiency is reasonable for its performance level, with riders typically achieving 25-30 km/l (59-71 mpg) depending on riding style and conditions. Combined with the 13-liter fuel tank, this provides a practical range of approximately 325-390 km between fills—sufficient for most touring requirements.

Maintenance requirements follow Bajaj’s standard schedule, with service intervals set at 5,000 km. The engine architecture is well-established, sharing core elements with the proven KTM 390 series, suggesting good long-term reliability despite its performance-oriented character.

The standard warranty covers two years or 30,000 km, with extended warranty options available for additional peace of mind. Bajaj’s extensive dealer network provides good access to service and support across India, an important consideration for touring riders who may travel to remote areas.

For those looking to enhance their Dominar’s touring capabilities, Bajaj offers a range of genuine accessories including:

• Tall windscreen for improved wind protection

• Saddle stays for luggage mounting

• Hand guards for weather protection

• Engine crash guards

• Magnetic tank bag

• Extended warranty packages

• Touring seat option

Key Strengths and Considerations

Strengths:

• Powerful single-cylinder engine with strong mid-range torque

• Premium features including USD forks and slipper clutch

• Versatile ergonomics suitable for both commuting and touring

• Excellent value proposition compared to similar-displacement alternatives

• Full LED lighting enhancing both visibility and aesthetics

• Extensive dealer network providing nationwide support

Considerations:

• Relatively heavy for a single-cylinder motorcycle

• Limited ground clearance compared to adventure-oriented alternatives

• Basic instrumentation compared to some premium competitors

• Fuel range adequate but not exceptional for dedicated touring

• Firm seat may require aftermarket solutions for longest journeys

Bajaj Dominar 400 Conclusion: The Accessible Power Tourer

The Bajaj Dominar 400 represents a significant achievement in democratizing premium motorcycle experiences for the Indian market.

By combining impressive performance, substantial presence, and long-distance comfort in an accessible package, Bajaj has created a motorcycle that delivers genuine versatility without the premium price tag of multi-cylinder alternatives.

The Dominar’s greatest strength lies in its balance—offering sufficient power and features to satisfy enthusiastic riders while maintaining the practicality and value that remain essential considerations in the Indian market.

Its ability to transition confidently between daily commuting, weekend leisure rides, and extended touring adventures makes it particularly well-suited to riders seeking maximum utility from a single motorcycle.

For the growing segment of Indian motorcyclists who aspire to explore the country’s diverse landscapes while maintaining a practical everyday vehicle, the Dominar 400 provides a compelling solution.

Its success has not only established Bajaj’s credentials in the premium segment but has also helped expand the touring culture within India by making longer journeys more accessible to a broader range of riders—perhaps the most meaningful measure of the model’s impact on the Indian motorcycling landscape.

Also read this :

Fresh model of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R launch with shandar safety features