Bajaj is set to launch the new version of the Dominar 400 bike in India in a few weeks, but we’ve already seen how the bike looks and the changes that it will be getting.
All this and a BS-VI compliant engine means it will cost more than what the original version did, but even then you’re not looking at a sticker price of more than Rs 2 lakh.
And for a bike that’s going head to head with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Thunderbird 350 and even the new Jawa bikes, what all new features and improvements can we expect to see this year? Here’s everything we’ve seen on the internet till now.
Minor Design Changes
As you can see from the company’s official video, the new Dominar 400 gets dual exhausts, a new set of upside-down front forks for a better riding experience. Besides that, you’re looking at a bike that was already offering a lot for its price tag and Bajaj hasn’t felt the need to make wholesale changes to it. Fair enough.
In addition to the use of dual exhausts, Bajaj has also decided to make better use of the second screen on the Dominar 400, which now gets added information like gear indicator and even the odometer seems to have moved from the main unit to the secondary one. The clock too has also moved.
The other thing we noticed with the new Dominar 400 is the use of rear-view mirrors with a pointed design. This will enhance the field of view of the rider, enabling them to see more of the road behind them.
Engine – Same Power But Different Tuning
Reports on the internet suggest that the existing 373cc engine on the Dominar 400 will continue to power the new variant as well, but with better tuning of the engine. Many claim the bike will come devoid of vibrations at higher speed.
Having said that, it will be BS-VI compliant, something which is becoming mandatory for all two and four wheelers in the country from 2020 onwards.
It will also be mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slip-assist clutch, but if the reports of a re-tuned engine are true, the bike’s overall performance could improve.
The sound of the bike, thanks to its dual exhaust and a re-tuned engine is likely to change for good.
Worth the Upgrade?
No, we’re not saying that an existing Dominar 400 owner should look at upgrading to this one. But anybody with a 150cc to 200cc bike, looking for an upgrade could consider the Dominar 400. Dealers have started taking bookings for the bike and we expect its official roll-out to happen in the coming weeks.
As we’ve already said, the minor changes and resorting to a BS-VI compliant engine that could jack up its price by Rs 15,000 and even then it manages to offer good value for its money.
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