New Bajaj Dominar 400: The new Dominar maintains its muscular presence on the road but introduces several design refinements that elevate its premium appeal.

The updated front fascia features a slightly reshaped LED headlight assembly that provides better illumination pattern while maintaining the distinctive split-design that has become the Dominar’s signature.

The fuel tank retains its sculpted shape but now incorporates more ergonomically designed knee recesses that improve rider comfort during long stretches.

Side panels feature revised texturing that reduces visual bulk while improving airflow around the engine area.

The rear section continues with the clean, minimalist approach, but now includes a redesigned LED taillight that improves visibility while lending the motorcycle a more contemporary appearance, especially at night.

Color options have matured as well, moving away from flashier tones toward more sophisticated metallic finishes with subtle graphics.

The Aurora Green variant deserves special mention—under different lighting conditions, it shifts between deep emerald and nearly black, showcasing Bajaj’s improved paint quality and attention to detail.

These changes reflect an important philosophical shift in Bajaj’s approach. Rather than pursuing radical redesigns with each iteration, they’ve adopted a path of continuous refinement—addressing specific customer pain points while preserving elements that worked well.

This approach has resulted in a motorcycle that feels more cohesive and purposeful than its predecessor.

New Bajaj Dominar 400: Engineering Improvements: Beyond the Spec Sheet

Underneath the familiar silhouette lies a significantly improved machine. The 373.3cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, derived from KTM’s proven architecture, has received numerous internal refinements aimed at enhancing refinement rather than outright performance.

The headline figures remain similar—40 horsepower and 35 Nm of torque—but the character of power delivery has been transformed.

The revised engine mapping provides a more linear throttle response, eliminating the somewhat abrupt on-off transition that plagued earlier models.

Mechanical improvements include a redesigned balancer shaft that reduces vibrations at higher RPMs, modified valve timing for improved mid-range torque, and a recalibrated fuel injection system that enhances cold-start behavior and fuel efficiency.

The exhaust system has been completely reworked, not just for emissions compliance but to deliver a more satisfying acoustic experience.

The new system produces a deeper, more authoritative note that better matches the Dominar’s power cruiser positioning without becoming intrusive during long-distance riding.

Perhaps the most significant mechanical upgrade comes in the form of the revised 6-speed transmission. Engineers have focused on improving shift quality, with redesigned shift forks and selector mechanism that deliver more precise gear changes.

The slipper clutch—a feature uncommon at this price point—has been refined to provide lighter lever action while maintaining effective engine braking control during aggressive downshifts.

The perimeter frame remains largely unchanged, testament to its inherent solidity, but the suspension components have received meaningful upgrades.

The 43mm USD front forks now feature improved damping characteristics, striking a better balance between comfort and control. The rear monoshock incorporates a more progressive spring rate and revised damping to better handle varying load conditions.

Riding Experience: Where the Improvements Shine

Beyond specifications and features, the true measure of a motorcycle lies in how it performs on the road, and this is where the new Dominar makes its strongest case. Setting off from a standstill, the improved clutch action and throttle calibration immediately become apparent.

First-gear jerkiness—a common complaint on earlier models—has been virtually eliminated, making slow-speed maneuvering through congested urban environments surprisingly effortless for a motorcycle of this size and weight.

Once in motion, the revised ergonomics reveal their benefits. The handlebar is positioned slightly higher and closer to the rider, reducing wrist pressure during long rides without compromising control during spirited cornering.

The redesigned seat offers better weight distribution and cushioning, addressing another pain point from previous generations.

At highway speeds, the Dominar demonstrates remarkable stability, holding its line confidently even when encountering crosswinds or uneven road surfaces.

The improved vibration control becomes particularly evident here—where the previous model would develop a noticeable buzz through the footpegs and handlebars around 5,000-6,000 RPM, the new version remains significantly more composed throughout the rev range.

When the road begins to twist, the Dominar reveals its dual personality. While not as nimble as a pure sports bike, it handles corners with surprising composure.

The revised suspension provides better feedback through the chassis, allowing riders to place the motorcycle more confidently.

Mid-corner bumps are absorbed without unsettling the chassis, a meaningful improvement over the somewhat skittish behavior of earlier iterations.

Braking performance sees subtle but important improvements as well. The 320mm front and 230mm rear discs are gripped by ByBre calipers (Brembo’s Indian subsidiary) and deliver progressive stopping power.

The dual-channel ABS system has been recalibrated for more natural intervention, providing security without the somewhat intrusive cycling that characterized the previous system.

Technology Integration: Thoughtful Rather Than Overwhelming

In an era where manufacturers often engage in a specification arms race, Bajaj has taken a refreshingly measured approach to technology integration on the new Dominar.

The instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements in a more legible format, with the primary display showing essential information and the secondary tank-mounted display dedicated to trip computers and additional data.

The LED lighting system now includes cornering light functionality—a segment-first feature that activates additional illumination when the motorcycle leans into turns, enhancing visibility on winding roads at night.

This implementation demonstrates Bajaj’s focus on meaningful technology that enhances the riding experience rather than adding complexity for marketing purposes.

Bluetooth connectivity is available but implemented with restraint. Rather than creating a distracting interface, the system focuses on essentials like turn-by-turn navigation prompts, call notifications, and music controls, all designed to be glanced at rather than interacted with while riding.

The ride-by-wire throttle enables two riding modes—Sport and Urban—that adjust throttle response and ABS intervention to suit different riding conditions.

Unlike some competitors that offer numerous configurations that riders rarely use, these modes offer genuinely different characteristics that serve distinct purposes.

Long-Distance Credentials: The True Test

Power cruisers must excel at covering distances, and the new Dominar makes a compelling case as a touring platform.

The 13-liter fuel tank, when combined with the improved efficiency of the revised engine mapping, delivers a realistic range of approximately 350-380 kilometers between fills—sufficient for most touring scenarios in the Indian context.

Wind protection has been subtly enhanced with a slightly taller windscreen that diverts air around the rider’s chest without creating turbulence around the helmet. This seemingly minor change significantly reduces fatigue during extended highway stretches.

The addition of knuckle guards—previously available only as accessories—provides additional protection from weather elements while enhancing the adventure-touring aesthetic that many riders favor.

Combined with the improved seat comfort and reduced vibrations, these changes transform the Dominar from a motorcycle capable of touring to one well-suited for the purpose.

Practical considerations haven’t been overlooked either. The revised side stand includes a safety switch that prevents the engine from starting if the stand is deployed—a simple but important safety feature.

The pillion seat and grab rails have been redesigned for better passenger comfort, addressing feedback from riders who frequently travel with companions.

Market Positioning and Competition

The new Dominar occupies a fascinating position in the increasingly segmented Indian motorcycle market.

Priced below premium offerings from international manufacturers but above the mass-market commuter segment, it targets the growing demographic of experienced riders seeking a versatile, powerful motorcycle without the financial commitment required for multinational brands.

Its most direct competitors include the KTM Duke 390, Honda CB300F, and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

Against these, the Dominar differentiates itself through its unique combination of power cruiser styling, long-distance comfort, and value proposition.

While it may not match the outright performance of the KTM or the retro appeal of the Royal Enfield, it offers a more complete package for riders seeking a motorcycle that can handle daily commuting, weekend canyon carving, and occasional touring with equal competence.

New Bajaj Dominar 400: Maturity Through Evolution

The new Bajaj Dominar 400 represents something increasingly rare in the motorcycle industry—a product that has been allowed to mature through careful evolution rather than being subjected to radical reinvention with each generation.

This approach has yielded a motorcycle that addresses the specific needs of its target audience while maintaining the core characteristics that made the original concept appealing.

What’s particularly noteworthy is how Bajaj has responded to rider feedback. Rather than focusing exclusively on headline-grabbing specifications or cosmetic changes, they’ve addressed fundamental aspects of the riding experience—refinement, comfort, and usability—that determine long-term ownership satisfaction.

The result is a motorcycle that feels more complete and purposeful than its predecessors. It may not revolutionize the segment, but it no longer feels like a work in progress.

For riders seeking a versatile, powerful motorcycle that balances performance with practicality, the new Dominar makes a compelling case—proof that sometimes, evolution proves more beneficial than revolution.