Bajaj Dominar (Pulsar) 400 Launched at Rs 1.36 Lakhs.

Bajaj Auto lunched the much awaited Dominar 400 aka Pulsar 400 with the starting price of Rs 1.36 lakhs. This is the biggest motorcycle from the company in context with engine size as the beast produces a whopping 35 bhp @ 8000 rpm and 35 NM of torque @ 6500 rpm. However, it is way less than the expected 43 bhp of power that could have made this bike a stiff competition to KTM 390.

Being from the sub 500cc category, Bajaj has launched it as more of a ‘sports cruiser’ rather than a ‘rubber burning beast’. However, if you like the smell, Dominar 400 is fully capable of doing those burnouts, not as good as KTM though.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed clutch and considering the engine, getting out of those lazy corners is going to be hands down fun.

Specs

Before coming to the detailed specs review, let’s talk about the tagline. Remember RS200’s tagline? Leave track racing to amateurs. The uncanny tagline picked the right nerve and made RS200 an instant hit among the motorcyclist who needed a daily ride that can serve them during those adrenaline moments.

Dominar 400 on the other hand was launched with the tagline ‘Only Babies Sleep at Night’. It may sound controversial but it interpret the feeling of leisure motorcycle. However, this has put the bike in direct competition with Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Mahindra Mojo.

Bajaj Dominar 400 was first introduced as Pulsar CS400 at the 2016 Auto Expo and the production model has not changed much (we are delighted). Features like futuristic full LED mosaic head lamps, vertical Auto Headlight ON function, full digital instrument cluster and even the diamond cut wheels have been retained from the CS400 concept. The 43mm front forks are not as good as KTM’s upside down units they have enough meat to suffice 100 kmph long turn.

Dominar 400 definitely has the Pulsar DNA due to its brute and street fighter stance combined with an aptly powerful motor. Handlebars are on the higher side, giving a much more relaxed stance for the rider which means that you will feel comfortable while taking the never ending traffic on Indian roads.

Half of the instrument cluster is situated on the fuel tank like Check Engine Light Low Battery Indicator Side-Stand Indicator Coolant Warning Light and ABS Indicator. The primary clusters has Odometer, two Tripmeters Speedometer, Fuel Indicator Tachometer, Clock and other indicators like Oil warning light.

Competition

Dominar 400 has its eyes set on the Royal Enfield Clan that has been a constant in the affordable cruiser category. Secondly, Mahindra Mojo aka the most comfortable cruiser in this price bracket, will also lock horns with Bajaj’s mightiest offering till date.

We are yet to see how Dominar 400 performs in the real world but going by the specification, you may see a lot of Dominars on Indian roads soon.

The best part of this new entrant is the price. With a tag of Rs 1.36 lakhs, Dominar 400 is even more affordable than KTM 200 and the with the ABS version priced at Rs 1.50 lakhs ex-showroom, Dominar 400 will definitely give a tough time to all its competitors.

Booking have started at the price of Rs 9000 and deliveries are expected to start by January 2017.

With an operating altitude of 0 to 18,380 feet above sea level, get ready to see some Dominar 400s on a Ladakh Trip.

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16 December 2016
Rohan Jaitly