BAJAJ DOMINAR 400
Based on feedback from Dominar owners, Bajaj released an updated Dominar 400. As a result, it received minor cosmetic changes, a new front suspension, an updated dashboard, and slight engine modifications that increased power by nearly 5 hp. According to owner reviews, the Dominar 400 engine was underpowered compared to other engines of the same displacement, but the 2020 model promised to address this issue.
DESIGN AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
From a distance, the silhouette of the Bajaj Dominar 400 remains unchanged. Up close, some changes are noticeable: the headlight appears visually smaller, though the overall design and shape remain the same, and the tail lights have been updated, giving them a fresher look while retaining the signature Bajaj Dominar 400 design. The motorcycle received a 43mm upside-down fork and a new split exhaust canister, adding a muscular feel to the bike and deeper tones to the exhaust sound. A display was added to the fuel tank, showing the selected gear, time, and trip information. However, the tank display is poorly positioned, requiring the rider to take their eyes off the road to read it. The main dashboard now displays average fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, and remaining mileage until the next service. The new mirrors feature cast aluminum stalks, and the handlebar weights are longer. The passenger seat of the Bajaj Dominar 400 now includes straps for conveniently securing luggage. A new sticker was added to the fuel tank, and the passenger seat features a "D" imprint. The side stand has a larger foot for more confident support. The Bajaj Dominar 400 comes in two color schemes: Auroral Green (green) and black-gray; white and red are no longer available.
BAJAJ DOMINAR 400 ENGINE
In addition to external changes, the engine performance and handling of the Bajaj Dominar 400 have improved. After pressing the starter button, the space fills with a loud, dense bass that accompanies you across all engine RPMs. In terms of numbers, the new Dominar 400 is 5 hp more powerful. The 373cc engine, borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke, now features dual camshafts, new ECU firmware, and an updated exhaust system. Maximum power is now 39.4 hp at 8650 RPM, while peak torque remains unchanged at 35 Nm at 7000 RPM. In practice, the engine has higher max RPMs, and torque is distributed over a wider range of revs. The bike accelerates to 60 km/h very quickly and reaches 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. If you enjoy long rides on highways, the new Dominar 400 is your choice—you can comfortably cruise at 120 km/h for extended periods. Vibrations are absent from the handlebars thanks to larger, heavier bar-end weights. The new front suspension, upgraded engine, and exhaust system added 2 kg to the bike, bringing its curb weight to 184 kg. The new Dominar 400 offers good dynamics but isn’t fast enough to confidently accelerate from 100 to 140 km/h, for example. On a flat, long stretch of road, it can reach 160 km/h, but it lacks the punch for quick overtakes at speed. Nevertheless, the rich exhaust sound, strong low-end acceleration, and stability at high speeds are impressive.
HANDLING OF BAJAJ DOMINAR 400
Bajaj Auto takes customer feedback seriously, and most updates to the new Dominar were made with this feedback in mind. The stiff suspension of the old Dominar has been reworked. The rear suspension is now softer, and the front 43mm upside-down fork from the KTM 390 Duke has significantly improved the bike’s handling. The motorcycle is now more balanced and stable in corners. The ride quality is impressive. Even at high speeds, the Dominar 400 maintains excellent straight-line stability. There are no complaints about the suspension—it performs well on rough roads, and even when it bottoms out on significant bumps, there’s no major discomfort. The 2019 Dominar 400 will undoubtedly appeal to moto-tourists; it’s fast on highways and offers excellent stability that doesn’t falter on rough patches. Overall, the new Bajaj Dominar 400 will likely be slightly more expensive. But for the price, you get a comprehensively upgraded motorcycle. It’s comfortable in the city, on highways, and on rough roads. The new Dominar 400 will also appeal to moto-tourists. In general, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is a well-thought-out and well-engineered bike.
