Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched, Starting At Rs 1.36 Lakhs

The Bajaj Dominar 400 makes 35PS and is the most affordable power cruiser in the world

After a wait of almost three years, Bajaj Auto has finally launched the Dominar 400 aka the Pulsar CS400. Interestingly, Bajaj’s new flagship motorcycle will not carry the Pulsar brand name as has been the tradition when it comes to the company’s sports bikes but the Dominar name spawns a new era of entry level performance bikes of which we are sure, other models will follow. The bike has been made available in both non-ABS and dual-channel ABS trim options, priced at Rs 1.36 lakh and 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. So, the Dominar now becomes the most affordable power cruiser on the planet and its deliveries are said to start from mid-January 2017.

As we mentioned in our previous reports, the Bajaj Dominar 400 carries over a lot from its concept model, especially in the terms of styling. The bike gets an aggressive appearance with features like muscular, sculpted fuel tank, full-LED headlamp (with Auto Headlamp On), beefy forks and tyres, and much more. The other unique features of the bike include dual LCD instrument cluster with one screen mounted on the fuel tank. The Dominar has been designed to provide a comfortable ride experience like a cruiser motorcycle along with better performance and high-speed stability.

Powering the Bajaj Dominar is a new 373cc, single-cylinder engine that is based on the KTM 390 Duke but both have very different characteristics. The liquid-cooled, 4-valve motor of the Dominar has been tuned to deliver better torque at relatively relaxed engine speeds and the peak torque also come out much earlier. The fuel-injected mill makes 35PS at 8,000rpm and 35Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission via a slipper-type clutch arrangement for trouble-free shifting.

Bolted on a beam type perimeter frame, the Bajaj Dominar 400 has kerb weight of 182kg and its claimed top speed is 148kmph. While the bike can do a sprint from 0-100kmph in just 8.23 seconds, it can be returned from 100-0kmph withing a braking distance of 46.19 metres. Moreover, Bajaj aims the Dominar for Ladakh as well with a high operating altitude up to 18,380 feet and a gradient ability of 45-degree even in the second gear. The ground clearance of the bike is only 157mm and the fuel tank capacity is also just 13-litres.

Coming to the cycle parts, the Bajaj Dominar 400 has an impressive set of specifications. The front is suspended on thick 43mm telescopic forks while the rear gets a multi-step adjustable Nitrox monoshock. The new alloy wheels of the bike come with a 110/70 section front and beefy 150/60 section rear radial tyre. Braking duties are handled by a large 320mm disc at the front and a 230mm one at the rear, both grabbed by radially mounted Bybre calipers also used on the KTM’s. The bike also gets ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as an option extra, ensuring the safe braking at even high speeds.

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has no direct rivals in the market for now with the closest being the Mahindra Mojo. However, if you factor in the price, the competition widens to the DSK Benelli TNT 25, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 and also the KTM 390 Duke and Royal Enfield Himalayan.