The Paradox of the Dominar 400

Bold design. Energetic soul. Calm body. A street naked masquerading as a tourer.

Is this a masterful move from Bajaj, or a massive misstep? The answer isn't as simple as you might think.

The Dominar 400 occupies a fascinating contradiction in the middleweight segment. It promises aggressive styling with sporting capability, yet delivers measured, predictable performance wrapped in tourer-like behavior. Whether this hybrid approach works depends entirely on what you're looking for.

Let's break it down.

Design: Aggressive Predator Aesthetics

The Dominar 400's design is genuinely striking. Powerful. Modern. Aggressive. There's clear inspiration drawn from hunting predators—sharp lines, a stealthy headlight design, and an overall posture that screams toughness. It's the kind of design that stops people at traffic lights.

Beyond the aggression, Bajaj has paid meticulous attention to details. The fuel tank shape, tail light design, and overall proportions are carefully considered. The bike looks well-made and premium for its price segment.

The LCD display is thoughtfully designed with customizable primary and secondary displays. The secondary display mounted atop the tank initially seems redundant, but it proves invaluable when parked in traffic, allowing you to monitor important metrics without riding. The display ecosystem is well-considered.

Accessory integration is excellent. The visor, crash guards, knuckle guards, and top box mount complement the design perfectly, making customization straightforward and visually cohesive.

Verdict: The Dominar 400 looks like a serious motorcycle. It delivers on visual expectations in every way.

Ergonomics: Straddling Two Worlds

Here's where the dual identity becomes apparent. The footpeg placement sits between a street naked and a tourer—slightly forward compared to the Duke 390, but not as committed as a true cruiser. The handlebars are raised appropriately, contributing to an upright, relaxed riding position.

However, there's a caveat. The tank grip is excellent, but it seems designed primarily for taller riders. Riders of average height may experience knee pain during longer sessions, particularly if they're trying to grip the tank firmly. The seat height and weight combination poses challenges for female riders and shorter individuals, limiting the bike's accessibility.

The turning radius is noticeably long, and the heavy front end requires adaptation during initial rides. U-turns demand deliberate inputs initially, but with familiarity, you'll execute them confidently. The missing pillion sidestep is a practical oversight that complicates family-oriented usage and passenger comfort.

The Dominar 400 accommodates multiple riding styles, but it clearly favors certain body types and riders.

Engine and Gearbox: Racing DNA, Touring Temperament

The liquid-cooled 373cc engine derived from the KTM 390 delivers impressive credentials: 0-60 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, with peak power of 35 BHP at the wheel. These numbers are genuinely competitive.

The engine's torque band peaks between 5,500 and 8,000 RPM—precisely where this bike loves to cruise. Build revs here, and the Dominar feels alive and responsive.

The Compression Ratio Contradiction

Here's the interesting tension: the engine's compression ratio and gear ratios are optimized for the Duke's sporty character, not for touring. A conventional touring bike prioritizes low-end torque for effortless cruising at lower RPMs. The Dominar wants you to work for it—building revs while maintaining adequate low-end grunt. It's a compromise that works reasonably well, but it never fully commits to either identity.

The gearbox is smoother than the Duke's, which is welcome progress. However, it inherits the Pulsar's weakness: excessive shifter travel that diminishes the crisp, satisfying shifts the Duke delivers. Not a deal-breaker, but subtly unsettling.

Thermal Management

Earlier iterations of the Dominar suffered from overheating issues. Bajaj addressed this comprehensively with BS6 engines, additional catalytic converters, and revised exhaust routing. Thermal management has significantly improved. The engine runs cooler, making extended city commutes more manageable.

Braking: Oversized Power, Undersized Stoppers

Here's a genuine weakness: the braking system. While the Dominar accelerates impressively, the Bybre brakes feel undersized relative to the bike's performance capability. This deficit becomes pronounced at higher speeds.

The dual-channel ABS system is competent, and the steel-braided brake hoses contribute meaningful bite improvement at lower speeds. Engine braking significantly supplements the friction brakes, which helps. Yet the bike demands early brake input for confidence—you can't brake as late as similarly-powered bikes.

This isn't disastrous; it's actually consistent with the tourer character. Tourers prioritize predictability over aggression. Still, more robust stopping power would have elevated the experience noticeably.

Handling: Heavy Front End, Tourer Behavior

The Dominar definitely feels heavy, and it moves like a tourer. The front end is notably heavy and wants to roll into corners rather than carve through them. This requires adjustment if you're coming from sportier middleweights.

The throttle response exiting corners is genuinely delightful—the bike picks up eagerly once you've committed to the lean. However, the maneuver demands deliberate inputs and time to learn. Predictability, not precision, defines the handling character.

The learning curve is real but manageable. You'll quickly develop muscle memory for weight transfer and cornering inputs. However, exercise caution on the front end. There's no safety net if the front end slips—recovery is nearly impossible. Respect this characteristic, and you'll get along fine.

Comfort: Hard Suspension, Soft Seat

The rear suspension setup is noticeably firm. Bumps and potholes translate directly to your backside with minimal cushioning. The rider seat is slightly hard, yet it delivers decent comfort for longer rides thanks to adequate padding and shape. There's noticeable refinement from the engine, though some vibrations transmit through the tank to your hands.

A marginally softer suspension setup for bump absorption would have improved the experience materially. However, the current tuning isn't a deal-breaker—it's simply a trade-off favoring stability over plushness. Indian roads, with their unpredictable surfaces, would benefit from softer suspension, but the current setup remains livable.

Component Quality: Premium Across the Board

The LCD display quality is excellent. Accessories feel durable and well-finished. The overall cleanliness and attention to detail throughout the motorcycle is noticeable. Owner feedback consistently reflects satisfaction with component quality, suggesting Bajaj maintained quality standards despite the aggressive pricing.

Ownership Costs: Stellar Value Proposition

Priced at 2.29 lakhs ex-showroom, the Dominar 400 undercuts the Duke 250 while positioning above the Himalayan. This pricing strategy is brilliant—you're essentially getting Duke-level performance at a significant discount.

Service costs are reasonable, and the 5,000 km service interval provides breathing room between maintenance. Accessories are available at approximately 8,000 rupees for upgrades. MRF tires will comfortably deliver 15,000 to 20,000 km with proper maintenance. Consistent chain care will extend consumable life significantly.

The total cost of ownership is stellar. Bajaj has essentially packaged a Duke with touring credentials at a reduced price point.

Price to Performance: A Stellar Deal

Consider what you're receiving: Duke-level acceleration and performance, reasonable reliability, and comprehensive touring capability. The 193kg weight is the only significant trade-off, and that weight buys stability and predictability many riders appreciate.

At this price point and considering total ownership costs, the Dominar 400 represents exceptional value.

Practicality: Nuanced Trade-offs

The bike feels challenging to maneuver in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. Its weight and front-end heaviness demand respect in congested conditions. Some accessories, like the knuckle guards, offer questionable practical value in Indian riding conditions and can actually present risks—cracked guards might contact your wrist uncomfortably.

The bike genuinely versatile for touring, commuting, and family use. However, the missing pillion sidestep creates genuine challenges for passenger comfort and family-oriented riding. This oversight is felt acutely during practical ownership.

The Dominar 400's Identity Crisis: Feature or Bug?

The Dominar 400 is essentially a street-naked engine with tourer-like behavior and aggressive styling. It refuses to commit fully to any single identity, which is either brilliantly pragmatic or confusingly contradictory depending on your perspective.

Most riders won't be sure which bike to choose in this segment. If you need personalized guidance on finding your ideal match, our recommendation tool (link in description) can help clarify your priorities.

Who Should Buy the Dominar 400?

This motorcycle is ideal for someone seeking an affordable, predictable version of the Duke that doubles as a touring machine. You should seriously consider the Dominar if:

• You're drawn to Royal Enfield Classics but want better performance and modern amenities
• You primarily ride highways or undertake long city commutes
• You value predictability over aggression
• The Duke's flickability and aggressive character intimidated you
• You want Duke-level performance without Duke-level unpredictability

Bajaj understood something crucial about the Indian market: many buyers want performance without the accompanying nervousness. The Duke's agility makes some riders anxious. The Dominar removes that anxiety by adding weight, predictability, and touring-oriented ergonomics.

The Marriage Analogy

Owning a motorcycle is like getting married. It's never perfect. The question isn't whether the bike is flawless—it's whether you're willing to accept its compromises in exchange for what it delivers.

The Dominar 400 asks you to accept:

• A heavy front end and predictable handling
• Brakes that aren't quite as powerful as the engine
• A firm suspension on Indian roads
• Missing pillion conveniences

In return, it offers:

• Genuine performance and acceleration
• Reliable, predictable handling
• Excellent value for money
• Versatile touring and commuting capabilities
• Modern, aggressive styling
• Bullet-proof reliability
  
  

The Verdict: Masterful or Mistaken?

Is the Dominar 400 a brilliant strategic move or a confused compromise? The answer depends on your priorities. For riders seeking performance without intimidation, affordable Duke-level acceleration, and touring versatility, it's a masterpiece. For those craving pure sportiness or full touring orientation, it feels muddled.

Personally, I believe Bajaj executed a smart market calculation. They recognized that aggressive middleweight sportiness scares many Indian riders, while touring bikes lack excitement. The Dominar splits the difference beautifully for the majority of the market.

The question for you: Is the compromise worth it?

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Ride safe and godspeed.