2025 Bajaj Dominar 400: So you’re eyeing the new Dominar 400 and wondering if it’s worth your hard-earned money? Let me cut through the marketing fluff and give you the real story about what Bajaj has cooked up for 2025.
What’s Actually New This Year
The 2025 Dominar 400 got some meaningful updates, launching at ₹2,38,682 ex-showroom Delhi. The biggest changes include ride-by-wire technology, four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road), a new LCD instrument cluster borrowed from the Pulsar NS400Z, and a redesigned handlebar for better touring comfort.
Think of it as Bajaj finally listening to what touring enthusiasts actually wanted. The old bike was good, but this one feels more complete.
Let’s Talk Real Numbers: The Mileage Reality Check
Here’s where I need to address the elephant in the room. You might have seen claims about “90 KMPL mileage” floating around the internet, but let’s get real about what you’ll actually get:
Urban riding delivers 25-27 km/l, while highway cruising can push 30-33 km/l when you’re maintaining steady speeds. ARAI officially claims 27 kmpl, which is pretty honest by testing standards.
With the 13-liter fuel tank, you’re looking at roughly 350-400 km range per fill-up. That’s actually excellent for weekend getaways or that trip to Goa you’ve been planning.
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance
The 373.3cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine pumps out 39.42 bhp at 8,800 rpm and 35 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm. Now, these numbers might not sound earth-shattering, but here’s what matters: this engine is tuned for real-world usability.
The power delivery is wonderfully linear. You won’t get neck-snapping acceleration, but you’ll have usable torque right from 3,000 rpm. This makes highway overtakes confident and city riding surprisingly manageable despite the bike’s 193 kg weight.
The six-speed gearbox deserves special mention. That sixth gear really helps with relaxed high-speed cruising and reduces stress on the gearbox. Plus, the slipper clutch makes downshifts smooth even when you’re ham-fisted with the lever.
Tech That Actually Works: The 2025 Updates
The new LCD instrument console offers Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and has two separate screens – the left displays speedometer, gear position, and ride modes, while the right shows navigation and fuel efficiency data.
Bajaj also replaced the old digital display near the fuel tank with a USB charging port. Finally! No more carrying power banks on long rides.
The ride-by-wire system isn’t just marketing fluff either. The different riding modes actually change throttle response meaningfully. Sport mode sharpens things up, while Rain mode makes the throttle more predictable in dicey conditions.
Who Should Actually Buy This Bike?
The Dominar 400 makes perfect sense if you’re:
- Someone who regularly rides 200+ km distances
- Upgrading from a 150-200cc bike and want more highway capability
- Looking for touring comfort without spending premium bike money
- Need something reliable for both daily commuting and weekend adventures
It might not be your best choice if:
- You primarily ride in heavy city traffic (it’s quite heavy at slow speeds)
- You want the lightest, most agile bike in this segment
- Off-road riding is your main priority
The Ownership Reality: What Dealers Won’t Tell You
Service network coverage is genuinely excellent – Bajaj has service centers practically everywhere in India, and they do prioritize Dominar over other Bajaj bikes for service. This is huge for touring riders.
Parts availability is solid, and maintenance costs are reasonable for a 400cc bike. However, some owners report minor vibrations between 4,500-5,500 rpm, though this varies between individual bikes.
The touring accessories are where this bike really shines. Factory options include tall visor, hand guards, engine bash plate, USB charging port, leg guards, carrier with back stopper, navigation stay, and saddle stay. These aren’t aftermarket add-ons – they’re designed specifically for this bike.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 373.3cc, Single-cylinder, Liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 39.42 bhp @ 8,800 rpm |
| Torque | 35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Weight | 193 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13 liters |
| Mileage | 25-27 kmpl (city), 30-33 kmpl (highway) |
| Price | ₹2,38,682 (ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Aurora Green |
| Features | Ride-by-wire, 4 riding modes, USD forks, Dual-channel ABS |
The Competition Check
At this price point, you’re also looking at the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z (same engine, lighter by 20kg, cheaper by ₹50,000+) or stretching your budget slightly for a Triumph Speed 400.
The NS400Z makes sense if you prioritize city riding and agility. The Speed 400 offers more premium feel but costs more. The Dominar sits right in the middle – more touring-focused than the NS400Z, more affordable than the Triumph.
Should You Buy It?
The 2025 Dominar 400 delivers on its promise of being ‘Born to Sprint and Built to Tour’. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s actually its strength.
If you’ve been dreaming about those long highway rides, weekend trips to the mountains, or just want a bike that can handle both your daily commute and that annual Ladakh trip, the Dominar 400 deserves serious consideration.
The updated electronics, improved ergonomics, and proven mechanical package make it a compelling package at ₹2.38 lakhs. Yes, it’s heavier than some alternatives, and yes, the mileage won’t break any records. But for the money, you’re getting a mature, well-engineered motorcycle that’s designed to eat up miles comfortably.
Just don’t expect miracles in city traffic, and definitely don’t believe those 90 kmpl claims you might see online. Stick to the real-world numbers, and you’ll find the Dominar 400 is honest about what it delivers.
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