The new BAJAJ DOMINAR 400 attempts wear a lot of hats and fulfill many roles describe as a power cruiser, the dominer 400 could be the one-in-all motorcycle every rider seek- the daily commuter performance cruiser and most of all, long distance tourer promising easy ride ability and comfort. Bajaj as positioned it slap bang in ROYAL ENFIELD TERRITORY. In fact, bajaj want to wean away a section of Royal Enfield buyers by offering a performance oriented motorcycle with modern futures at a very attractive price bit doesn't the DOMINAR 400
Have what it take to meet all its expectations? Looks-wise, Bajaj Dominar 400 strike a Macho pose with its front - biased muscular looks. Complemented by a sculpted fuel tank. In fact, you could say the design has traces of faint inspiration from the DUCATI DIAVEL- generally in the stance and particularly in the instrument clusler design. Like the Diavel, the Dominar 400 has a split unit with in all- digital main console displaying speed. Rav counter anf the like, and a small fuel tank mounted console for the telltale light displaying side stand, high beam and the like. But that's where the similarities end. The fat 43 mm front fork of the DOMINAR 400 makes the front look beefy while the full - LED headlight with the auto-headlight on feature underlines the bike's premium positioning in the
entry-level performance bike segment.
Swing a leg over it, and the first thing you notice is that this is no light bike at 182 kg kero weight. Fir comparison that's nearly as much as a Royal Enfield classic 350. But the weight seems to magical disappear soon as you're in the move. The friendly ergonomics are welcoming, be it the riding position or the flat wide handlebar and the comfort split dual seat. And crawing through traffic, the Dominar 400 doesn't make itself feel like a busy motorcycle at all.
The engine is borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke's 373cc engine but has some changes, including triple spark technology and a remap to change the torque curve and power output. So, output is down to 34.5 bhp and 35 Nm of torque but that re-tune is more in line with meeting the bike's slated object of being a relaxed cruiser than outright pocket rocket. The result is an engine which doesn't yet enough grunt for effortless cruisng- be it on the highway or on uphill section we encountered o our 150 km ride.
Yhe slipper cluth ensures there 's no drama whether you're up shifting or engaging in aggressive downshifts while tackling corner. What also impresses is straight line stability and excellent ride quality - be it on an open highway or while tackling broken sections and road undulations. The DOMINAR 400 employs a perimeter frame and contoured swingarm. The new chassis, madeof precision pressed high strength steel, provides a low centre of gravity and torsional rigidity. What all this means is that the Bajaj Dominar 400 stay planted at all speeds, and in all kinds of circumstances. Taking a corner is without drama, but the extra weight robs the bike of some of the expected agility.
