Recently, we had shared a few spy shots of a Bajaj Dominar test mule, doing rounds without any forms of camouflage. Something felt a bit off with that particular example and many of our readers and motorcycle enthusiasts pointed out that it wasn’t the Bajaj Dominar 400 or its BS6 counterpart, but could be the all-new Dominar 250.
Now, we have confirmation from trusted sources that it was indeed the Bajaj Dominar 250. The lesser Dominar has passed various ARAI tests and is expected to be formally introduced soon. Just a few weeks back, Bajaj officials had confirmed that they have plans to launch an all new Dominar in 2020. This Dominar 250 is most likely the motorcycle the official was referring to.
Being a lower-specification model of an existing product, one would expect the Bajaj Dominar 250 to be significantly lighter or trimmed-down in comparison to the 400. However, the source says that the Dominar 250 is just 600 grams lighter (yes, you’ve read that right!) than the original 400 model which has a kerb weight of 184kg. Bajaj has not confirmed if the new Dominar is 250 or not. Video and images are credit to automotive enthusiast Prem Kumar.
Visual changes are minimal or inexistent in the eyes of a regular person. Still, motorcycle enthusiasts and Dominar fans would be able to spot some of the key differences such as the box-type swingarm, smaller front disc brake, different chain cover and of course, the smaller wheels and tyres (especially the rear one). The Dominar 250 gets all the familiar bulk towards the top.
The regular Bajaj Dominar 400 shares its power plant with the KTM 390 Duke at Bajaj Auto’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Hence, the upcoming Bajaj Dominar 250 will mostly share its engine with the KTM 250 Duke.
Just like in the case of the regular Dominar, expect the KTM to showcase higher output figures. In its current BS4 format, the KTM 250 Duke makes around 30bhp and 24Nm of torque from its 248.8cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
If the KTM power plant does come at a lower state of tune in the Dominar 250, expect the Bajaj to showcase a slightly lethargic riding experience simply because a near-184kg body is a bit too much for a sports motorcycle in that category. On the contrary, the KTM 250 Duke weighs just 161kg and is quite an agile and fun-to-ride motorcycle.
We have made this assumption only based on the Dominar 250 test mule which may still have a long way to go before it finally hits the market. By that time, Bajaj Auto might make essential component/feature cut-downs in a bid to make the pricing reasonable for a motorcycle in this 250cc category. Plus, its updated BS6-compliant power plant could be capable enough to carry more than 180kg and an average Indian rider.
Once launched, the Bajaj Dominar will rival the likes of the Yamaha FZ-25, Bajaj Gixxer 250 and of course, the KTM Duke 250. Strong reports of Honda Motorcycle India going to discontinue the outdated CBR250R pull it out of the list.
