Bajaj Dominar 400 Launch: Highlights

Ending months of speculations Bajaj Auto has officially launched the Bajaj Dominar 400 in the country today with prices starting at Rs. 1.36 lakh for the non-ABS version and Rs. 1.50 lakh for the ABS trim (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). The flagship offering from the Pune based bike maker has been long awaited, ever since the model first made its debut at the 2014 Auto Expo. Now, almost three years later, Bajaj's all-new motorcycle is finally a reality and embarks on a new journey of taking the manufacturer in the premium space and here is all you need to know about it.

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is the most expensive model to come from the manufacturer, competing with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, KTM 200 Duke, Mahindra Mojo and the likes. The model has been designed to be a cruiser mixed with the power and performance of a sports bike, all in an affordable package.

An interesting fact is that the 'Dominar 400' moniker was selected after much contemplation. It was earlier expected that Bajaj will expand its Pulsar brand name with the 400cc bike, but the company chose otherwise and decided to build a new identity around its premium offering. The 'Dominar' nameplate was hence chosen after names like VS 400 and Kratos popped up, and is derived from the Spanish language, translating to exceed in power or dominate.

With the Dominar 400, Bajaj manages to retain its concept closely, albeit with subtle changes. The all-LED headlamps have been retained and makes it the only bike in the segment to offer this feature. You also get wavy alloy wheels, wide handlebar, all-digital instrument console, illuminated switchgear and much more. The styling, despite its cruiser stance has a lot of aggression, which largely comes from the bike's performance-cruiser ideology.

Power on the Bajaj Dominar 400 will come from the 373.2cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that churns out 34.5bhp at 8000rpm and 35Nm of torque at 8500rpm and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The Dominar also comes with a slipper clutch, a first for any Bajaj bike and gets 43mm conventional telescopic units, an adjustable monoshock rear suspension, 320mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes as well as dual-channel ABS.

While Bajaj will be moving into the premium territory, the Dominar 400 has been introduced with an overwhelming price tag. The bike undercuts most of its rivals by a healthy margin at present. Bajaj has commenced accepting bookings for the Dominar 400 at a token amount of Rs. 9000 only online, whilie deliveries are set to begin in January next year.