When Bajaj first rolled out the Dominar 400 back in 2016, it wasn’t just launching a new motorcycle—it was taking a bold step into a space where no Indian manufacturer had confidently gone before. Unlike anything else in the market at the time, the Dominar broke the mold with its power-packed design and long-distance touring capabilities, all wrapped in a price tag that made it surprisingly accessible.
Over the years, the Dominar has quietly but firmly created its own identity. It’s not a sports bike, it’s not a cruiser—it’s somewhere in between. Designed to take on highways and city traffic alike, this bike has found loyal fans who appreciate its solid performance, everyday comfort, and touring readiness.
What makes the Dominar stand out even today is how Bajaj kept fine-tuning it without losing focus on what riders really want. From its unique styling and KTM-inspired engine to features that rival much more expensive bikes, the Dominar 400 has earned its place as a serious contender for Indian bikers looking for power, reliability, and a sense of adventure—all without burning a hole in their pocket.
Bajaj Dominar 400 On Road Price
Before the Dominar, Bajaj had already made a name for itself with the Pulsar series. But with the rising demand for more refined, powerful bikes, Bajaj decided to level up. This wasn’t just about making a faster Pulsar—it was about creating something bigger and bolder.
Originally showcased as the Pulsar CS400 at the 2014 Auto Expo, the bike generated a lot of buzz for its sharp looks and KTM-sourced 373cc engine. But when it finally hit showrooms in December 2016, it came with a new name—Dominar. The message was clear: this wasn’t just another Pulsar; it was a whole new league.
The name ‘Dominar’, short for ‘dominate’, wasn’t just for show. Bajaj priced it aggressively at ₹1.36 lakh, way cheaper than any other bike offering similar specs. It was built to shake up the segment—and it did.
Design
From the front, the Dominar 400 looks like it means business. The bold tank, short tail, and broad stance give it a serious road presence. It’s not flashy but definitely eye-catching—something that blends style with strength.
That full-LED headlamp setup with Always-On functionality gives it a modern, premium touch. The tank is sculpted just right to let your knees grip comfortably, and the split seats add to both comfort and style.
One cool touch is the twin digital displays. The one on the handlebar shows essentials like speed and fuel level, while the tank-mounted display offers extras like time and trip info—useful and futuristic at the same time.
Even the exhaust setup stands out. A single exhaust canister with twin outlets gives it a throaty sound that’s hard to ignore. And when Bajaj gave the Dominar an update in 2019, they didn’t just tweak things for the sake of it—they added upside-down forks, a sharper exhaust note, and some striking colors like Aurora Green.
Engine Performance
At the heart of the Dominar sits a 373cc engine, the same base as the KTM 390 Duke but tuned differently. Bajaj wanted a smoother, more relaxed ride rather than a rev-happy beast—and they nailed it.
With around 40 horsepower and 35 Nm torque, it’s more than enough for both city rides and highway cruising. The six-speed gearbox, equipped with a slipper clutch, shifts smoothly and is built for long-haul comfort.
The Dominar’s engine is tuned for strong mid-range power, which means overtaking on highways doesn’t need constant downshifting. It’s a relaxed, confident ride—not one that keeps urging you to go faster, but one that makes you enjoy the ride at your pace.
It also comes with electronic fuel injection and newer models even offer ride modes. The engine management is smart enough to adapt to different weather or altitude conditions—handy if you’re riding across varied Indian terrains.
Perfect for Indian road conditions
The Dominar isn’t a corner-carving sports bike, but it’s no slouch either. It’s built around a perimeter frame that provides excellent stability. Over the years, Bajaj has upgraded its suspension setup to include 43mm upside-down forks and a solid rear monoshock that handles Indian road conditions with ease.
Its braking setup—with 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes, backed by dual-channel ABS—gives you the confidence to stop quickly and safely. The tyres strike a balance between grip and long life, which is what most Indian riders need.
While it’s not lightning-quick to lean into corners, it feels stable and predictable, which is exactly what you want when cruising at high speeds. It absorbs potholes and bad roads without much fuss—a real plus for Indian riders.
Perfect Companion for Long Rides
Where the Dominar truly shines is in long-distance touring. The riding position is upright and relaxed, making it ideal for covering serious miles without getting tired. The seat is well-padded and thoughtfully designed for both rider and pillion.
Even though the windscreen is small, the tank helps deflect a bit of wind, and many riders add aftermarket screens for better protection. The 13-litre fuel tank, paired with decent mileage (30–35 km/l), means you can cover 400+ km without needing a fuel stop.
And while it doesn’t come with built-in luggage options, there are plenty of accessories in the market. The sturdy subframe easily supports saddle bags or a top box—great for weekend trips or even Leh-Ladakh rides.
More Than Just a Bike—It’s a Statement
When Bajaj launched the Dominar, they weren’t just offering another motorcycle—they were creating a new category. Something between the laid-back Royal Enfield and the aggressive sports bikes. Something for people who wanted performance, but also comfort and value.
Sales have had their ups and downs, but updates like the 2019 refresh helped it stay relevant. The Dominar has also found fans abroad, especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where it’s respected as a proper touring machine at an unbeatable price.
Competitors have started catching on, tweaking their own offerings to match what the Dominar brings to the table. That’s proof enough of the mark it has made.
What Owners Say
Talk to Dominar riders, and you’ll hear a lot of positives. People love the value for money, the smooth highway performance, and the sturdy build. It’s seen as reliable, practical, and great for weekend getaways.
Maintenance isn’t expensive either, thanks to Bajaj’s widespread service network. Most riders report good mileage for the performance it delivers, and the bike handles India’s mixed climate and road conditions without too many issues.
There’s also a strong community around the Dominar—groups that ride together, share advice, and make the ownership experience that much more enjoyable.
What’s Next for the Dominar?
Bajaj isn’t done with the Dominar story. They’re quietly improving it year by year, focusing on comfort, efficiency, and ride quality instead of reinventing the wheel.
With stricter emission rules and rider expectations growing, we might see features like ride-by-wire or even bigger engines in future models. Adventure-style variants could also become a reality, as hinted by some of Bajaj’s concept bikes.
Whatever direction they take, one thing is clear: the Dominar has carved out its own path in Indian motorcycling—and it’s here to stay.
A Cruiser That Changed Expectations
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is not just another two-wheeler on Indian roads. It’s a bold, uniquely Indian take on performance biking. By offering international-level features at a homegrown price, Bajaj gave Indian riders a real alternative to either splurging on imported bikes or settling for basic commuters.
It helped turn biking from a way of getting to work into something more—a lifestyle, a weekend escape, a ride worth remembering. And in doing that, the Dominar hasn’t just dominated the road—it’s dominated expectations.
