Bajaj Dominar 400 Review: The King of the Highway Just Got Smarter – Is It India’s Ultimate Power Cruiser?
The Bajaj Dominar 400 holds a special place in the Indian motorcycling landscape. It’s Bajaj Auto’s flagship “Power Cruiser,” meticulously designed for riders who crave a potent blend of performance, comfortable long-distance touring capabilities, and an undeniable, commanding road presence. From its aggressive stance to its muscular lines, the Dominar 400 has consistently delivered a premium experience at an accessible price point. Powered by a robust 373.3cc liquid-cooled, triple-spark engine, it offers ample power and torque for both city commutes and relentless highway munching. With its 2025 model updates, bringing a new fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and riding modes, Bajaj has further enhanced its appeal as a true value-for-money sports tourer. But can this updated “big D” continue to dominate the burgeoning premium motorcycle segment in India? Let’s take a deep dive.
Uncompromised Power & Next-Gen Connectivity: The Dominar 400’s Edge
The Bajaj Dominar 400 has always been about offering a “big bike” experience. The 2025 updates push this philosophy further, blending raw power with intelligent electronics.
Powerful & Refined 373.3cc Engine:
At the heart of the Dominar 400 is a formidable 373.3cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, Triple Spark, Fuel Injected engine. This powerhouse churns out 40 PS of power @ 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque @ 6500 rpm, ensuring effortless highway cruising and exhilarating acceleration.
Sporty Yet Comfortable Ergonomics:
Designed as a true power cruiser, the Dominar 400 offers an upright and commanding riding posture. The spacious, well-cushioned split seats and effective suspension setup make it an incredibly comfortable machine for prolonged hours in the saddle, perfect for cross-country Indian tours.
Advanced Braking with Dual-Channel ABS:
Safety is paramount. The Dominar 400 is equipped with large 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes, complemented by dual-channel ABS. This setup provides strong, precise, and fade-free stopping power, instilling immense confidence during emergency braking.
USD Front Forks:
The substantial 43mm USD (Upside Down) front forks are a premium touch. They contribute significantly to enhanced stability, sharper handling, and a more plush and controlled ride quality, absorbing road imperfections with ease and offering superior feedback.
Assist & Slipper Clutch:
This invaluable feature ensures a lighter clutch lever pull, reducing fatigue in city traffic. More critically, it prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts, enhancing safety and control.
Full LED Lighting System:
The comprehensive full LED headlamp with AHO provides superior illumination for night rides, significantly enhancing visibility. The LED tail lamp and indicators complete the modern, premium aesthetic.
NEW! Fully Digital Instrument Cluster with Connectivity:
This is one of the most significant upgrades for 2025. The older dual-screen setup is replaced by a single, feature-packed, Bluetooth-enabled fully digital console. This new display offers turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and real-time ride statistics.
NEW! Riding Modes & Potential Traction Control:
Borrowing from the NS400Z, the Dominar 400 is expected to feature multiple riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road). These modes will likely adjust ABS intervention and potentially incorporate switchable traction control.
NEW! USB Charging Port:
The secondary display on the fuel tank is now replaced by a practical USB charging port, addressing a long-standing demand from touring riders for on-the-go device charging.
Factory-Fitted Touring Accessories:
Bajaj continues its commitment to touring by offering essential accessories as standard (on the Touring variant). This includes a tall windscreen, knuckle guards, an engine bash plate, a comfortable pillion backrest, and robust saddle stays.
Full Specifications Table: Bajaj Dominar 400 (2025 Model)
Engine
- Type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 Valve, Liquid Cooled, Triple Spark, FI
- Displacement: 373.3 cc
- Max Power: 29.4 kW (40 PS) @ 8800 rpm
- Max Torque: 35 Nm @ 6500 rpm
- Clutch: Wet, Multiplate with Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Gearbox: 6 Speed
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Beam type perimeter frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic, 43 mm USD Fork, 135 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Multi-step adjustable Mono shock with Nitrox, Wheel stroke of 110 mm
Brakes & Tyres
- Brakes Front (Type & Size): ABS, 320 mm dia disc
- Brakes Rear (Type & Size): ABS, 230 mm dia disc
- Tyres Front: 110/70-17 Radial
- Tyres Rear: 150/60-17 Radial
Dimensions
- L x W x H: 2156 mm X 863 mm X 1243 mm
- Wheelbase: 1453 mm
- Ground Clearance: 157 mm
- Kerb Weight: 193 kg
- Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Electricals
- Battery: 12V, 8Ah VRLA
- Headlamp: Full LED with Auto Headlamp On (AHO)
- Speedometer: Fully Digital, Bluetooth-enabled (NEW!)
- 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 NS400Z), with turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts.
- Switchgear: Updated with D-pad controller
- USB Charging Port: Replaces secondary display on fuel tank (NEW!)
- Riding Modes: Expected (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) (NEW!)
- Ride-by-Wire: Expected (NEW!)
Performance (Approximate)
- Top Speed: ~155 km/h
- Mileage (Claimed/ARAI): ~27-29 kmpl (Actual mileage can vary from 18-32 kmpl depending on riding style and conditions)
- Price (Ex-showroom Delhi, approx. as of June 2025): ₹ 2,32,656/-* (Expected slight hike for 2025 model for updated features)
- On-road Price (Delhi, approx. as of June 2025): ₹ 2,79,100 – ₹ 2,80,000 (Expected to increase slightly for 2025 model)
The Riding Experience: Pros and Cons for the Indian Rider
Pros: Why the Dominar 400 Dominates the Highway
- Strong, Usable Performance: The 373.3cc engine with 40 PS offers ample power and torque, making highway cruising effortless and quick overtakes a breeze. It’s a true mile-muncher, capable of sustained high speeds.
- Exceptional Comfort for Touring: The upright riding posture, generously padded seats, and well-tuned USD forks and Nitrox monoshock provide an incredibly comfortable ride, even on very long journeys. This is a primary reason for its popularity among touring enthusiasts in India.
- Feature-Rich (2025 Update) & Technologically Advanced: The new full digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and expected riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) with traction control significantly elevate its tech appeal and safety quotient.
- Robust Build Quality & Commanding Road Presence: The Dominar 400 boasts a muscular and imposing design, giving it that desirable “big-bike feel.” The build quality, fit, and finish are generally good, reflecting its flagship status.
- Excellent Braking: Dual-channel ABS paired with large 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes ensures powerful, progressive, and confident stopping performance, crucial for a bike of this calibre.
- Unbeatable Value for Money: Often touted as a more affordable alternative to rivals in the 400cc segment, especially when considering the standard factory-fitted touring accessories. It delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag.
- Full LED Lighting & Assist & Slipper Clutch: These features add to both safety (superior illumination) and riding comfort/safety (lighter clutch, no wheel hop).
- Radial Tyres: Both front (110/70-17) and rear (150/60-17) come with radial tyres, offering better grip and stability, especially at higher speeds and during cornering.
Cons: Points to Consider for Daily Use
- Heavy Kerb Weight (193 kg): At almost 200 kg, the Dominar 400 is one of the heaviest bikes in its class. This can make it feel a bit cumbersome and challenging to maneuver in dense city traffic, during U-turns, or while parking in tight spots, especially for riders with a smaller build.
- Ground Clearance (157mm): While decent for most roads, 157mm ground clearance is lower than some adventure tourers. Riders need to be cautious over very large or badly designed speed breakers, or when venturing into unpaved or significantly rough terrain.
- Vibrations at Higher Speeds (Subjective): Some users have reported minor vibrations at higher RPMs or sustained speeds above 100-110 km/h. While generally not a deal-breaker for most, it can be a factor on very long rides for sensitive riders.
- City Riding Agility: Despite its power, its weight and dimensions make it less agile for quick lane changes and filtering through heavy city traffic compared to lighter, more nimble street naked bikes. It’s a highway machine first.
- Pillion Comfort (for very long rides): While the pillion seat is good, some pillion riders might find it a bit less accommodating for extremely long, multi-day journeys compared to dedicated tourers with wider, more plush seats.
- Mileage (Expected for the segment): Being a 400cc performance bike, mileage is relatively lower (owner-reported around 18-32 kmpl depending on riding style) compared to smaller displacement bikes. Fuel costs will be higher than a 150-250cc commuter.
Who Is This Bike For? Tailored Recommendations
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is an outstanding choice for:
- Avid Tourers & Highway Enthusiasts: Riders who spend significant time on highways and demand comfort, stability, and effortless cruising capabilities for long distances.
- Riders Seeking a “Big Bike” Feel on a Budget: Those who desire the imposing road presence, premium features, and powerful performance of a larger motorcycle without the prohibitive cost.
- Experienced Riders Upgrading: Individuals moving up from 150-250cc bikes who want a substantial leap in power, features, and touring comfort.
- Tech-Savvy Buyers: Riders who appreciate advanced electronics like a connected digital console, riding modes, and traction control.
- Riders Who Value Factory-Fitted Touring Accessories: The standard touring kit offers immense value and convenience for those planning adventures.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might consider other options if:
- You Primarily Ride in Extremely Dense City Traffic: Its weight can make it less agile and more tiring in bumper-to-bumper conditions.
- You Need Very High Ground Clearance for Off-roading: If your rides frequently involve very broken roads or serious off-road trails, a dedicated adventure bike might be better.
- You Prioritize Razor-Sharp Handling & Lightness: If maximum agility and a lightweight feel are paramount for aggressive sport riding, some naked streetfighters might be more suitable.
- You Need Absolute Maximum Fuel Efficiency: As a 400cc performance bike, its mileage will be lower than smaller commuter motorcycles.
- 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 400 distinguishes itself in the Indian motorcycle market with several key advantages:
- Unmatched Value for a Power Cruiser: It offers a truly premium, powerful, and comfortable touring experience with advanced features at a price point that is incredibly competitive, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Exceptional Highway Comfort & Stability: Its robust chassis, comfortable ergonomics, and refined engine make it a standout choice for long-distance highway travel, absorbing miles with ease.
- NEW! Comprehensive Tech & Safety Upgrades: The 2025 updates, including a fully digital connected console with navigation, riding modes, and traction control, position it as one of the most technologically advanced bikes in its segment.
- Factory-Fitted Touring Accessories: The inclusion of essential touring accessories as standard adds significant value and convenience for riders who plan to use the bike for its intended purpose.
- Commanding Road Presence: Its muscular and imposing design ensures it stands out on the road, giving riders that desirable “big-bike” feel.
Final Verdict: The Bajaj Dominar 400 – The Unchallenged Value King for Indian Touring
The Bajaj Dominar 400, especially with its highly anticipated 2025 updates, firmly establishes itself as a highly capable, feature-packed “Power Cruiser” and sports tourer in the Indian market. It offers a compelling package of strong, refined performance, exceptionally comfortable ergonomics for long rides, robust braking, and a significant upgrade in technology with the new digital console, riding modes, and traction control. While its weight might be a slight drawback for purely urban commutes and navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic, its strengths on the open highway, coupled with its attractive price point and standard factory-fitted touring accessories, make it an outstanding choice for riders seeking a powerful, versatile, and feature-rich motorcycle for their adventures. The Dominar 400 continues to be a strong contender for those looking for a true “big bike feel” and touring capabilities in India, all without significantly stretching their budget. It truly offers a complete and compelling motorcycling experience.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
