The Bajaj Dominar 400 makes more power from a smaller engine, but that’s not the whole story. A 349cc engine now powers the new Dominar 400, compared to the 373cc engine in the older version. It’s not all bad news, though, as this unlocks a price benefit. But do the savings justify the cost of performance?
In terms of design, you’ll not be able to tell any difference, because there aren’t any. The only change between the older version and this one is the engine (more on that later). It is still pretty loaded, with an LCD instrument cluster shared with the Pulsar NS400Z, four different riding modes, dual-channel ABS, USD forks, a rear monoshock, and multiple factory-fitted accessories. It also has a USB port, but it is not a C-type one.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the new, downsized 349cc engine. The smaller displacement is the result of a reduction in the stroke length by 3.9mm, just enough to fit this engine under the 350cc bracket. On paper, it sounds too good to be true, as Bajaj has managed to increase the peak power output by 0.6PS! However, the peak torque has dropped by 1.8Nm, and the rpm at which it arrives has also shifted up by 1,000rpm (40.6PS at 9000rpm and 33.2Nm at 7500 rpm). For your reference, the older 373cc unit produced 40PS at 8800rpm and 35Nm at 6500rpm.
The power delivery is linear, just as before, but feels more muted now, which is bound to happen with a less strong mid-range. Also, at the top of the rev range, there is no drama, and the motorcycle feels flat. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a fast motorcycle, but the lack of torque is noticeable, especially during city riding. With the torque now shifted up, you’ll have to hold each gear for longer to get optimal performance. On the highway, which had always been the natural hunting ground of the Dominar, it still feels easy and relaxed. On a different note, the refinement levels have gone up, and the engine feels smoother with significantly less vibration.
Priced at ₹2.04 lakh ex-showroom, the 350cc Dominar 400 offers way more bang for the buck, with very little compromise. The 373cc Dominar 400 was priced at ₹2.40 lakh ex-showroom, so you are saving around ₹36,000, which is still a sizable amount. According to Bajaj’s claim, the customer is saving up to ₹50,000, but that’s not the case. That amount is calculated on the ex-showroom price with 40 percent GST, but that never happened as Bajaj absorbed the GST price hike instead of passing the difference on to the customers.
It is a brilliant motorcycle in isolation, but if you have ridden the old Dominar, this one is unlikely to cut the mustard. Nevertheless, the Dominar 400 still makes a strong case for itself and is a viable option to consider for someone who is in the market for a sport touring bike.
Words Yash Bhargava
Photography Alex Toppo
