Rajiv Bajaj launched the new Dominar 400 last week. Priced from just INR 1.36 lakh, the new Dominar 400 is not only the most powerful Bajaj ever, it is also one of their finest, claims Bajaj.
Design inspired by Ducati Diavel, the new Bajaj Dominar features LED head lamps (first time in India), LED tail lamps, LED side blinkers, mono shock rear suspension, liquid cooled FI engine with triple spark technology, disc brakes with dual channel ABS, split seats, two fully digital displays as instrument panel, and stylish new alloys.
Powering the Bajaj Dominar is a 373 cc single cylinder liquid cooled engine with FI. This is the same setup which is seen on the KTM 390 bikes. Power and torqur output of Dominar is slightly different to that of KTM bikes as the Dominar is more of a tourer. The power output stands at 35 PS while torque output stands at 35 Nm.
With dealers offering test rides, motovloggers and enthusiasts are sharing their experience online via Youtube videos. One such rider is Vikas Rachamalla. Owner of a KTM Duke 390, he shares his test ride experience of the Dominar 400 in a video. Below are the highlights from his Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM Duke 390 comparison review –
Speaking about the design, Vikas says that the Dominar is much more attractive than the Duke 390. Not only that, the Dominar comes with more colour options, attractive instrument console, all-LED headlights, etc. All in all, the Dominar 400 feels like a big bike when you ride, unlike the KTM Duke 390, adds Vikas.
Some of the points in which the Dominar 400 impressed this Duke 390 owner are –
– Better exhaust note
– Muscular look
– Headlight is simply the best for a motorcycle (KTMs headlights are comparatively poor)
– Better mileage, larger capacity fuel tank
– Better bike for day to day use, unlike the KTM, which is more suited for the track riding
– Better tourer, plus comfortable seats allow you to ride for a longer distance without making stops
– Engine of Dominar does not heat up compared to KTM Duke 390
– Low-end torque is as good as KTM
– Power delivery is more linear, unlike that in KTM where there is a sudden surge in power
– Acceleration is gradual
– Tyres not as good as the KTM’s Metzeler, if you are on the track. But on the road, when you are using the bike for daily commute, the Dominar 400’s MRF tyres are much better. They absorb the potholes better, even while taking on the corners, the Dominar was fantastic, says Vikas. The tyres grips well, and the chiseled fuel tank also offers support to your knees when you are taking on those corners.
– Braking performance he could not make a comment as the Dominar 400 is still a very new bike. But he is sure that the braking performance is same as that of the Duke 390, considering the fact that the braking system on the two bikes are more or less the same.
– Another thing that impressed Vikas about the Dominar 400 is the exhaust note. Compared to the KTM’s exhaust note, the Dominar’s exhaust note is more bassy, thus sounding like a much more powerful bike on the road.
– Display console is one more talking point. Dominear 400 gets state of the art dual display unit while the one on KTM looks outdated.
– Alloys aboard the Dominar 400 are much heavier, which means they will be able to better tackle India’s bad road conditions as compared to the KTM Duke 390
– Due to the higher weight of Dominar, it feels more stable on the highway. One problem Vikas has faced with his KTM Duke 390 when riding on the highway, is that the bike swerves away when some heavy vehicle crosses. This is not the case with Dominar 400.
– Seats of Dominar 400 are much more comfortable. They also offer better cushioning. Both rider as well as pillion seats are bigger, thus offering better seating comfort.
– All in all, he concludes the comparison review by stating that the Dominar 400 is a much more value for money product as compared to the KTM Duke 390. Below is his full review –
Also See – Bajaj Dominar 400 Review
Below is a price list of some bikes in the segment
– Yamaha R15 Ver 2.0 = INR 1.18 lakh
– RE Classic 350 = INR 1.31 lakh
– Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 ABS = INR 1.33 lakh
– Bajaj Dominar 400 = INR 1.36 lakh
– KTM Duke 200 = INR 1.44 lakh
– Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS = INR 1.50 lakh
– RE Himalayan = INR 1.56 lakh
– Honda CBR250R = INR 1.60 lakh
– RE Classic 500 = INR 1.67 lakh
– Mahindra Mojo = INR 1.70 lakh
– Honda CBR250R ABS = 1.90 lakh
– KTM Duke 390 ABS = INR 1.96 lakh
Also See – Bajaj Dominar 400 Top Speed Video