The current facelifted version of the Bajaj Dominar was launched back in April 2019 at Rs 1.73 lakh ex-showroom with a host of improvements, including a power hike of around 5bhp. It had been a common misconception that the 2019 Bajaj Dominar was BS6-compliant while the motorcycle was actually a ‘BS6-ready’ product in a BS4 format.
Bajaj plans to introduce the 2020 Dominar BS6 in the coming weeks and ahead of the April-deadline to update vehicles to the higher emission standards. A few examples of the soon-to-be-launched Bajaj Dominar BS6 have already made their way to certain dealerships across the country. Here is a walkaround and exhaust sound video of one such unit, uploaded by Rash Gear on YouTube.
Starting with the changes that have happened to the BS6 version, the list is quite short. There are no notable additions to the features department and the differences are mainly confined to the engine and its related components. The 2020 Bajaj Dominar BS6 gets a tweaked engine and ECU tune, alongside a new catalytic converter. Only an expert would be able to notice a slight difference in engine behaviour, but for most of the time, the BS6 model would feel identical to the BS4 model.
In its current 2019 BS4 format, the Bajaj Dominar makes almost 40bhp and 35Nm from its upgraded 373cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine. The power plant comes mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. The output figures will remain the same on the BS6 model.
The Dominar, which is somewhat of a sports tourer, shares its platform with the KTM 390 Duke at Bajaj’s Chakan manufacturing facility. However, the naked sports KTM motorcycle makes 43bhp and 37Nm of torque from the 373cc mill (with different components and at higher compression).
The 2020 Bajaj Dominar will come at a premium of just around Rs 2,000 (depending on the dealership) for the mild updates made to the engine, to comply with the new BS6 emission norms. The 2019 Dominar is praised by many for its unique exhaust note and it could be a bit muffled in the BS6 version.
Certain sources suggest that the 2020 Bajaj Dominar could come with new colour choices. Chances of this happening are not bleak since the flagship Bajaj is available only in two shades as of now: Aurora Green and Vine Black.