The gleaming headlight cuts through the misty Delhi morning as I twist the throttle, feeling the immediate surge of power beneath me. The Bajaj Dominar 400 responds with a deep growl, propelling me forward with surprising urgency. It’s 5:30 AM on the Yamuna Expressway, and I’m experiencing firsthand why this machine has earned its reputation as the “dumdaar” performer in India’s competitive motorcycle market.
Beyond Just Another 400cc Contender
When Bajaj first introduced the Dominar 400 to challenge the Royal Enfield’s dominance in the touring segment, many skeptics doubted whether this upstart could truly compete. Several years and multiple upgrades later, the Dominar has not only established itself but created a dedicated following of riders who swear by its versatility and value proposition.
The 2025 iteration continues to refine what made the motorcycle special from day one – that perfect balance of muscular aesthetics, refined engineering, and wallet-friendly pricing that makes premium motorcycling accessible to the aspiring Indian rider.
“Ye bike sirf dikhti hi nahi, chalti bhi kamaal ki hai,” remarks fellow rider Vikram Singh, who switched from a Japanese sports bike to the Dominar last year. His sentiment echoes across biking communities throughout the country – this isn’t just another pretender; it’s a legitimate performer that punches well above its weight class.
Heart of a Beast, Price of a Commuter
Pop open the service manual, and you’ll find the engineering DNA of KTM lurking beneath the Bajaj badges. The liquid-cooled, 373.3cc DOHC engine delivers a robust 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque – figures that would have seemed outlandish in this price bracket just a few years ago.
What truly separates the Dominar from its competitors isn’t just raw numbers but how that power is delivered. The triple-spark technology ensures efficient combustion across various riding conditions, whether you’re crawling through Mumbai’s notorious traffic jams or opening the throttle on an open highway stretch.
During my three-week testing period, the motorcycle consistently returned about 28-30 kmpl in city riding conditions, stretching to nearly 35 kmpl on highway runs. Considering the performance on tap, these efficiency figures make everyday ownership surprisingly economical compared to other motorcycles in the segment.
Power delivery remains smooth throughout the rev range, with a particularly sweet spot between 4,000-7,000 rpm where the motorcycle feels most responsive. The six-speed gearbox clicks into place with satisfying precision, though first-time owners might need a few days to adjust to its character.
Built for Indian Roads, Inspired by Global Standards
Anyone who’s toured across Indian highways knows the unique challenges our roads present – from unexpected potholes to sudden elevation changes and everything in between. The Dominar’s suspension setup, featuring 43mm upside-down front forks and an adjustable monoshock rear, strikes an impressive balance between sportiness and comfort.
During my test ride through the winding ghats near Lonavala, the motorcycle maintained composure even when pushed aggressively into corners. The perimeter frame provides exceptional rigidity, translating to confident handling that inspires trust in the machine – a crucial factor for riders planning to explore unfamiliar terrain.
The dual-channel ABS works seamlessly with the 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes, providing assured stopping power even in less-than-ideal conditions. I deliberately tested emergency braking scenarios on both dry and wet surfaces, and the system performed admirably, bringing the 187 kg machine to a controlled halt without drama.
Ground clearance of 157mm proved sufficient for most obstacles encountered during my testing, though riders planning extreme off-road adventures might need to exercise caution on particularly challenging trails. That said, the Dominar was never positioned as an off-road specialist, focusing instead on being a capable all-rounder with touring aspirations.
Long-Distance Companionship
The true character of any touring motorcycle reveals itself on extended journeys, where minor irritations can magnify into journey-ruining frustrations over hundreds of kilometers. To evaluate the Dominar’s long-distance credentials, I embarked on a 1,200 km round trip from Delhi to Jaipur, Udaipur, and back.
The 13-liter fuel tank provided approximately 390-420 km of range before the reserve warning flickered to life – adequate but not exceptional. Serious tourers might want to carry an additional fuel canister for remote stretches without reliable fuel stations.
Ergonomics remain one of the Dominar’s strongest suits. The upright riding position, moderately rear-set footpegs, and wide handlebars create a natural triangle that allows for hours in the saddle without significant discomfort. The sculpted seat provides decent support, though riders above 6 feet may find themselves wishing for a slightly longer seat during all-day rides.
Wind protection from the compact visor proves surprisingly effective up to about 100 km/h, deflecting the worst of the buffeting over the rider’s helmet. Beyond that speed, wind noise becomes more pronounced – an accessory touring screen would be a worthwhile investment for highway warriors.
What impressed me most was the motorcycle’s stability at highway speeds. Even with fully loaded saddlebags and top box (available as accessories), the Dominar tracked true without the nervous weaving that can plague some motorcycles when fully loaded.
Technology That Serves Without Showing Off
In an era where manufacturers often add technology for technology’s sake, the Dominar’s approach feels refreshingly purposeful. The all-digital instrument cluster provides essential information at a glance, including gear position indicator, fuel economy metrics, and distance-to-empty calculations.
The split-screen secondary display mounted on the fuel tank shows time, trip meters, and other supplementary information. While not as flashy as full-color TFT displays found on more expensive motorcycles, the system provides all necessary data without unnecessary complexity.
LED lighting throughout – headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators – offers excellent visibility and adds a premium touch to the motorcycle’s appearance. The distinctive DRL signature ensures the Dominar remains recognizable even at a distance, an important safety feature during dawn and dusk rides.
USB charging under the pillion seat allows for mobile device charging on the go – a seemingly small addition that proves invaluable during multi-day trips where access to conventional charging may be limited.
Ownership Experience Beyond Purchase
Any motorcycle purchase represents more than just the initial transaction – it’s an ongoing relationship that includes service, parts availability, and dealership support. Bajaj’s extensive service network remains one of the Dominar’s strongest selling points, with over a thousand service centers nationwide.
“Maintainance kabhi bhi tension ka vishay nahi raha,” explains Rohit Verma, a Dominar owner since the first generation launched. “Parts are readily available, and service costs remain reasonable even after three years of ownership.”
Scheduled maintenance intervals of 5,000 km for regular service and 10,000 km for major service align with industry standards. Based on current service rates in Delhi, annual maintenance costs average between ₹8,000-12,000 depending on usage patterns and riding conditions – competitive figures for a motorcycle in this performance class.
The motorcycle comes with a standard 2-year/30,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years for an additional premium. Considering the engine’s KTM heritage and Bajaj’s reputation for durability, most owners report trouble-free long-term ownership with proper maintenance.
Competition and Market Positioning
The 350-400cc segment has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, with contenders ranging from retro-styled Royal Enfields to Japanese precision in the form of Honda’s H’ness CB350 and aggressive newcomers like the BMW G 310 R.
Where the Dominar carves its niche is in offering multinational-level performance at distinctly Indian pricing. While a similarly-specified KTM or BMW might command a 40-50% premium, the Dominar delivers approximately 85-90% of that experience at a fraction of the cost.
Current ex-showroom pricing in Delhi stands at approximately ₹2.45 lakh (subject to local variations) – representing exceptional value considering the engineering, components, and performance on offer. This pricing positions the Dominar as an attainable upgrade for riders transitioning from 150-200cc motorcycles looking for substantial performance improvements without breaking the bank.
The Not-So-Perfect Picture
Despite its compelling overall package, the Dominar isn’t without shortcomings that potential buyers should consider. Heat management remains a concern, particularly in dense urban traffic during summer months. The proximity of the rear cylinder to the rider’s thighs can become uncomfortable during prolonged stop-and-go situations.
Vibrations, while vastly improved from early generations, still make themselves known at certain rpm ranges – typically between 3,000-4,000 rpm and again near the redline. These aren’t deal-breakers but worth noting for riders sensitive to such issues.
The stock tyres provide adequate grip in most conditions but reach their limits during spirited cornering or wet-weather riding. Many owners report significant improvements after upgrading to premium rubber – an additional cost worth budgeting for if you plan to explore the motorcycle’s performance boundaries.
Service intervals, while reasonable, come more frequently than some competitors. Riders covering high monthly kilometers might find themselves visiting service centers more often than they’d prefer, though actual maintenance costs remain competitive.
Democratizing Performance
What makes the Bajaj Dominar 400 special isn’t that it’s the best at any single aspect – there are faster motorcycles, more comfortable tourers, and more sophisticated machines available. Its magic lies in democratizing a premium motorcycling experience that was previously inaccessible to many Indian enthusiasts.
It represents a philosophical shift in what riders can expect from a domestically manufactured motorcycle – world-class engineering, legitimate performance, and thoughtful features at a price point that doesn’t require a loan stretching over half a decade.
For the young professional seeking weekend escape from corporate pressures, the college graduate celebrating first job success, or the experienced rider downsizing from multiple specialized motorcycles to one capable all-rounder – the Dominar makes a compelling case as the sensible choice that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
As dawn breaks over the Aravalli hills and I gear down to navigate a particularly engaging series of corners, the Dominar responds with enthusiasm that belies its practical nature. This duality – workhorse reliability paired with genuinely engaging performance – perhaps best captures why this motorcycle continues to find eager owners despite ever-increasing competition.
In a market often segmented between practical commuters and aspirational premium machines, the Dominar 400 confidently straddles both worlds – delivering dumdaar performance without requiring a premium budget. And in doing so, it remains one of the most honest motorcycles available to the Indian enthusiast in 2025.