Bajaj Dominar 250 Review: The Accessible Sports Tourer – Now Smarter for Indian Roads!
The Bajaj Dominar 250 has carved a unique identity in the Indian motorcycle market. It’s Bajaj Auto’s accessible “Sports Tourer,” designed to offer a compelling blend of comfortable ergonomics, refined performance, and that coveted “big-bike feel” within the popular quarter-liter segment. Sharing much of its aggressive styling and premium components with its elder sibling, the Dominar 400, the 250cc version targets riders looking for a versatile motorcycle capable of handling both demanding city commutes and rewarding highway tours, all without the heavier feel or higher running costs of larger displacement bikes. With its 2025 update, bringing significant technological enhancements and priced at an ex-showroom ₹1,86,496/-* (as of June 2025), the Dominar 250 is poised to become an even more attractive proposition. But does this updated “mini-D400” truly hit the sweet spot for the diverse needs of Indian riders? Let’s dive in.
Refinement Meets Modern Tech: Key Features of the 2025 Dominar 250
The Dominar 250’s strength lies in its ability to offer premium features and comfortable performance, now significantly enhanced with cutting-edge electronics.
Refined & Potent 250cc Engine:
At its heart is a 248.77cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. This motor delivers a smooth and tractable 27 PS of power @ 8500 rpm and 23.5 Nm of torque @ 6500 rpm, meaning ample power for quick overtakes and comfortable cruising.
Comfortable Touring Ergonomics:
Designed specifically for extended saddle time, the Dominar 250 features an upright riding stance, well-cushioned split seats (including a spacious pillion seat), and effective suspension. This setup makes it an ideal companion for daily commutes as well as long-distance rides.
Advanced Braking with Dual-Channel ABS:
Safety is paramount, and the Dominar 250 delivers with large disc brakes (300mm front, 230mm rear) supported by dual-channel ABS. This provides precise, fade-free stopping power and ensures confident braking even in emergency situations.
USD Front Forks:
Contributing significantly to its superior handling and premium ride feel are the 37mm USD (Upside Down) front forks. These provide better stability, improved front-end feedback, and a more composed ride over bumps compared to conventional telescopic forks.
Assist & Slipper Clutch:
This premium feature ensures lighter clutch lever operation, significantly reducing rider fatigue in stop-and-go city traffic. More importantly, it prevents the rear wheel from locking up during aggressive or rapid downshifts, enhancing safety and control.
Full LED Lighting System:
The modern full LED headlamp, equipped with AHO (Auto Headlamp On), provides excellent illumination for night rides and gives the bike a distinctive, premium look. LED tail lamp and indicators complete the contemporary lighting package.
NEW! Fully Digital Instrument Cluster with Connectivity:
A major highlight of the 2025 update is the replacement of the older semi-digital setup with a single, comprehensive, Bluetooth-enabled fully digital unit. This offers turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and real-time ride stats.
NEW! Multiple Ride Modes:
The addition of 4 rider-selectable ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road) is a significant technological leap. These modes likely adjust ABS intervention and potentially the newly added Traction Control System, allowing riders to adapt the bike’s behavior to different riding conditions.
NEW! Traction Control System (TCS):
A standout safety addition for the 250cc segment, especially useful for newer riders or on slippery surfaces like wet roads or loose gravel, common in India. TCS helps prevent wheelspin, enhancing stability and confidence.
Tubeless Tyres:
Both front and rear tyres are tubeless, offering better puncture resistance and allowing for easier, safer repairs compared to traditional tube-type tyres.
Full Specifications Table: Bajaj Dominar 250 (2025 Model)
Engine
- Type: 4-stroke, Liquid cooled, Single Cylinder, DOHC
- Displacement: 248.77 cc
- Max Power: 19.85 kW (27 PS) @ 8500 rpm
- Max Torque: 23.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
- Ride Modes: 4: Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road (Adjusts ABS & Traction Control intervention)
- Clutch: Wet, Multiplate with Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Gearbox: 6 Speed
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Beam Type Perimeter Frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic, 37 mm USD Fork, 135 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Multi-step adjustable Monoshocks with Nitrox, Wheel stroke of 110 mm
Brakes & Tyres
- Brakes Front: ABS, 300 mm dia disc
- Brakes Rear: ABS, 230 mm dia disc
- Tyres Front: R17 – Tubeless (Typically 100/80-17)
- Tyres Rear: R17 – Tubeless (Typically 130/70-17)
Dimensions
- L x W x H: 2156 mm X 836 mm X 1112 mm
- Wheelbase: 1453 mm
- Ground Clearance: 157 mm
- Kerb Weight: 180 kg
- Saddle Height: 800 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Electricals
- Battery: 12V, 8Ah VRLA
- Headlamp: Full LED with Auto Headlamp On (AHO)
- Speedometer: Bonded Digital Speedo with Turn-By-Turn Indicator (Fully Digital, Bluetooth-enabled)
- Gear Indicator: Yes
- Trip Indicator: Yes (Time, Average Speed, Fuel)
- DRL: Integrated with Headlamp (Full LED)
Expected Updates for 2025 Model
- Instrument Cluster: Fully digital, Bluetooth-enabled (from NS200/NS400Z), with turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts.
- Traction Control System: Yes (NEW!)
- USB Charging Port: Yes (NEW!)
Performance (Approximate)
- Top Speed: ~120-132 km/h (actual user reported up to 156 km/h)
- Mileage (Owner Reported): City: 29-32 kmpl; Highway: 35-38 kmpl; Overall: ~32-35 kmpl (ARAI claimed: 35.03 kmpl, some reports of up to 45 kmpl highway)
- Price (Ex-showroom Delhi, approx. as of June 2025): ₹ 1,86,496/-* (prices may vary by variant/region)
- On-road Price (Delhi, approx. as of June 2025): ₹ 2,19,000 – ₹ 2,25,000 (approximate, depending on city and accessories)
The Riding Experience: Pros and Cons for the Indian Rider
Pros: Why the Dominar 250 Shines
- Smooth & Refined Engine: The 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine is known for its excellent refinement and tractable power delivery. This makes it incredibly comfortable for both navigating busy city traffic and maintaining relaxed speeds on highways.
- Comfortable Ergonomics for Touring: The upright riding posture, well-padded split seats, and effective suspension setup make the Dominar 250 a joy for long rides. This is a significant advantage for Indian riders who often embark on weekend tours or have longer daily commutes.
- Premium Features for the Segment: The inclusion of USD forks, dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, and now, the advanced digital console with connectivity, ride modes, and traction control, are premium offerings that significantly enhance its value proposition in the 250cc segment.
- NEW! Advanced Digital Console & Ride Modes: The updated fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation is a game-changer for convenience. The addition of multiple riding modes and Traction Control System dramatically enhances safety and adaptability to various road conditions.
- Good Road Presence & Big-Bike Feel: Inheriting the muscular and imposing design language of the Dominar 400, the 250 has excellent road presence. It looks and feels like a much larger motorcycle, which is a desirable trait for many Indian buyers.
- Stable at Speed: The perimeter frame and well-tuned suspension setup provide exceptional stability on highways, instilling confidence during high-speed cruising and spirited cornering.
- Assist & Slipper Clutch: This feature makes city riding less strenuous by reducing clutch effort and enhances safety by preventing rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts, crucial for dynamic riding.
- Tubeless Tyres & Expected USB Charging: Tubeless tyres add convenience and safety against punctures, while the expected USB charging port in the 2025 model further enhances its touring credentials.
Cons: What to Keep in Mind
- Heavy Kerb Weight (180 kg): At 180 kg, the Dominar 250 is one of the heaviest bikes in the 250cc segment. This can make it a bit challenging to maneuver in very heavy city traffic, while parking, or in tight spaces for some riders, especially those with shorter stature.
- Not as Punchy as Rivals: While refined, the power delivery is more linear and less aggressive compared to some direct competitors (like the KTM 250 Duke or Pulsar NS400Z). It’s more of a power cruiser than an outright street hooligan, which might disappoint riders looking for raw, explosive acceleration.
- Ground Clearance (157mm): While decent, 157mm ground clearance is not exceptionally high. Riders might need to be cautious over very rough patches or extremely large speed breakers, especially when riding with a pillion, to avoid scraping the underbelly.
- Mileage (Subjective): While some users report good mileage, it’s generally lower than 150-200cc commuters, which is expected for a 250cc liquid-cooled engine designed for performance and refinement. Long-term running costs might be slightly higher than pure commuters.
- Rear Tyre Size: The 130-section rear tyre, while functionally adequate for its power, is smaller than the Dominar 400’s and some rivals’ wider tyres. This could affect perceived grip or visual appeal for some riders who prefer a more muscular rear stance.
Who Is This Bike For? Tailored Recommendations
The Bajaj Dominar 250 is an outstanding choice for:
- New Riders Entering the Performance Segment: Its refined power delivery and accessible ergonomics make it a forgiving yet exciting upgrade from smaller bikes.
- Daily Commuters Seeking Comfort & Style: Riders who want a comfortable, feature-rich bike for city rides that also has a strong road presence.
- Occasional to Frequent Tourers: Its comfortable ergonomics, stable chassis, and now, advanced navigation features make it ideal for weekend getaways and longer rides.
- Value-Conscious Buyers for Premium Features: Those looking for a motorcycle with USD forks, dual-channel ABS, connected console, and ride modes without stretching their budget too far.
- Riders Who Prefer a “Big-Bike Feel” in a Smaller Package: If the imposing stance and presence are important to you, the Dominar 250 delivers.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might consider other options if:
- You Prioritize Raw, Aggressive Performance: If explosive acceleration and a more “hooligan” character are what you seek, some rivals might offer a more aggressive power delivery.
- You Need a Very Lightweight City Commuter: Its 180 kg kerb weight might be a factor for riders who frequently navigate extremely dense traffic or have limited parking space.
- You Frequently Ride on Extremely Rough Terrain: While capable, its ground clearance might be a limitation on very large speed breakers or deeply broken roads compared to more off-road focused bikes.
- You Need Maximum Fuel Efficiency: While decent for its class, it won’t match the mileage of smaller, more commuter-oriented 150cc bikes.
- You Prefer a Full-Color TFT Display: While feature-rich, the LCD console is not a full-color TFT, which some premium bikes offer.
Competitive Edge: What Sets It Apart
The Bajaj Dominar 250 distinguishes itself in the Indian motorcycle market with several key advantages:
- Accessible Sports Tourer Package: It offers a unique combination of comfortable touring ergonomics, refined 250cc performance, and a comprehensive feature set at a price point that makes it highly accessible for aspiring sports tourers.
- NEW! Advanced Electronics Suite: The 2025 updates, including multiple ride modes, Traction Control System, and a fully digital connected console with navigation, significantly elevate its technological superiority in the 250cc segment.
- Premium Components & Big-Bike Feel: Features like USD forks, dual-channel ABS, and Assist & Slipper clutch, combined with its muscular design, give it a premium feel and road presence typically associated with larger, more expensive bikes.
- Comfort for Diverse Riding: It strikes an excellent balance between city maneuverability and highway comfort, making it a truly versatile motorcycle for the varied demands of Indian riders.
- Value for Money: For the features and performance it offers, the Dominar 250 remains a strong value proposition, making premium motorcycling more attainable.
Final Verdict: The Bajaj Dominar 250 – The Smart & Feature-Rich Sports Tourer for India
The Bajaj Dominar 250, especially with its significant 2025 updates, further cements its position as an incredibly value-for-money “Sports Tourer” in the 250cc segment. It successfully balances the thrill of a quarter-liter engine with the comfort, practicality, and now, advanced technology needed for daily commuting and serious weekend rides across India. The strategic addition of a fully digital, connected console with riding modes and traction control addresses key areas of improvement, offering a more modern, safer, and adaptable riding experience. While its weight might be a consideration for some, its refined engine, comfortable ergonomics, premium features, and imposing road presence at its competitive price point make it an excellent choice for riders graduating from smaller motorcycles or those seeking an affordable yet highly capable touring machine that truly lives up to its “Don’t Hold Back” motto. The Dominar 250 delivers a wholesome and thoroughly enjoyable motorcycling experience for the discerning Indian rider.
Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
