The Bajaj Dominar 400 holds a distinct place among India’s mid-capacity motorcycles. It blends touring ability, highway performance, and modern features at a price that many find reasonable. In 2025, Bajaj has upgraded the Dominar with ride modes, traction control, and a new instrument cluster. Despite new taxes under the GST 2.0 regime, Bajaj chose not to increase the ex-showroom price, absorbing the tax burden themselves.
This detailed review of the Dominar 400 covers its styling, engine, ride, electronics, fuel economy, safety, ownership cost, and how well it serves Indian riders today.
Quick Spec Table — Bajaj Dominar 400 (2025)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 373.3 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | ~40 PS |
| Torque | ~35 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed (slipper clutch) |
| Frame | Perimeter chassis |
| Suspension | Front telescopic forks, rear Nitrox monoshock |
| Brakes | Twin discs front, single disc rear, twin-channel ABS |
| Features | Ride-by-wire, 4 ride modes, traction control, LED lighting |
| Fuel tank | 13 litres |
| Mileage (real-world) | 20–28 kmpl |
| Ex-showroom price (Delhi, 2025) | ~₹2.39 lakh (post GST 2.0) |
| Ideal use | Touring, weekend rides, highway cruising |
Bold Design and Road Presence
The Dominar 400 has always carried a muscular appeal, and the 2025 edition keeps that character strong. The headlamp assembly is now fully LED, giving a sharp and modern face. The tank is broad and sculpted, with flowing panels that taper toward the tail. The bike’s overall silhouette is upright and purposeful, making it look more premium than many competitors in its class. Wide wheels, a long wheelbase, and a low seat height all contribute to its stability and visual heft on Indian roads.
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Ergonomics and Comfort for Touring
Bajaj designs the Dominar with touring in mind. The riding position is upright with good reach to the handlebars, reducing fatigue over long distances. The seat is wide and supportive, giving comfort to both rider and pillion. The windscreen deflects airflow well at cruising speeds but can be noisy above 120 km/h. Rear footrests and grab handles are solid, and mounting luggage is easier thanks to a flat tail section and plenty of tie points.
Engine Performance and Ride Character
Under the hood is a 373.3 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. In 2025, it produces around 40 PS and delivers torque of close to 35 Nm. The six-speed gearbox is slick, and the addition of a slipper clutch improves downshifts. In the city, the Dominar is manageable with smooth low-end performance. On highways, the engine stretches confidently in higher gears. Overtaking is strong and the mid-range pull is usable. The performance is not extreme, but it is balanced for both daily riding and touring.
New Electronics: Ride Modes and Traction Control
One of the biggest upgrades for the 2025 model is the introduction of ride-by-wire throttle. This enables multiple ride modes: Rain, Road, Off-Road, and Sport. Each mode adjusts throttle response, engine mapping, and sensitivity. Traction control is now part of the electronics package. In slippery surfaces or mild gravel, this helps prevent rear wheel spin. The digital speedometer cluster is upgraded to a full-color display with turn-by-turn navigation when paired with a smartphone app. These changes elevate the Dominar closer to premium motorcycles in features.
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
Bajaj uses a perimeter frame for the Dominar, which gives a good balance of rigidity and comfort. The front suspension is telescopic forks, while the rear uses a Nitrox monoshock with preload adjustment. The setup handles bad roads and potholes well. Under load, the rear doesn’t bottom out easily. Braking is handled with twin discs up front and a single disc at the rear, both with twin-channel ABS. The brakes are strong, predictable, and work confidently in all conditions.
Touring Capability and Luggage
For a touring bike, the Dominar 400 delivers. The fuel tank is 13 litres, offering a healthy riding range. On a mix of highway and city roads, you can cover a good distance between refuels. The seating, wind protection, and handling make highway cruising a pleasure. The bike accommodates luggage via panniers, tank bags, or tail bags. Folded seats and tie points make it practical for weekend tours. The stability and comfort remain consistent even when loaded.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Mileage
In controlled tests, the Dominar posts numbers in the mid-20s km per litre. In real-world riding in mixed traffic and open roads, many riders report 20–28 kmpl depending on how hard they ride. The bike is more fuel-efficient when cruising steadily in higher gears. Heavy acceleration, aggressive riding, and stop-start traffic all reduce efficiency. The tank gives decent range, making it a reliable long-distance companion.
Safety, Reliability, and Build Quality
Safety rises with the 2025 upgrades. Traction control helps in low-grip conditions. The twin-channel ABS assures braking balance. Build quality is solid—panels fit well, wiring is clean, and mechanical parts feel durable. Bajaj’s service and parts network is widespread, so repairs and maintenance are easier in most towns. Riders report fewer issues regularly compared to many rivals.
Price after GST 2.0 — what buyers pay
Bajaj announced that, even after the GST 2.0 tax changes, the ex-showroom price of the Dominar 400 would not rise. The company chose to absorb the additional tax burden. As of late 2025, in Delhi, the ex-showroom price is around ₹2.39 lakh for the standard Dominar 400. Local on-road costs may vary by city, registration, accessories, and taxes. This decision strengthens the Dominar’s value proposition in a competitive space.
Ownership Costs and Resale
Owning a Dominar 400 is easier than many big bikes, thanks to Bajaj’s service coverage and parts availability. Service costs are moderate, and consumable items (tyres, chain, brakes) are priced reasonably for a 400 cc segment. Insurance is higher than small bikes but lower than exotic brands. Resale value remains decent, especially if maintenance records are preserved. Considering its touring capability and features, the Dominar often competes well with more expensive bikes in terms of value over time.
How the Dominar 400 stacks up to competition
In the mid-capacity touring and performance motorcycle segment, the Dominar competes with models from Royal Enfield, KTM, and Indian twins. Its advantages are value, feature set, and Bajaj service reach. While it may not match superbikes in outright speed or exclusivity, it offers a balanced package that many long-distance riders or daily users prefer. For those who want good touring performance without paying premium prices, the Dominar 400 is often the sensible choice.
FAQs — What Indian Buyers Often Ask
1. Is the Dominar 400 good for long-distance touring?
Yes, the Dominar 400 is designed with touring in mind. The updates in 2025 improve its highway comfort, electronics, and stability, making it a strong tourer.
2. Did Bajaj raise the price after GST 2.0?
No, Bajaj chose not to increase the price. They absorbed the extra tax impact so buyers do not pay more on the ex-showroom cost.
3. How many ride modes are there and are they useful?
The 2025 Dominar offers Rain, Road, Off-Road and Sport ride modes. They help tailor throttle response and traction control for different surfaces, which is useful in varied riding conditions.
4. What mileage can I expect in real life?
Riders report 20–28 km/l depending on riding style and terrain. The best fuel efficiency comes when cruising steadily on highways.
5. Is the maintenance affordable?
Yes. Because Bajaj’s network and spare parts are widespread, servicing and maintenance costs remain relatively affordable compared to premium bikes.
Conclusion — Is the 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400 worth it?
The 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400 is a compelling option in India’s mid-400 cc motorcycle segment. With its updates — ride modes, traction control, modern electronics and the decision to not raise price post GST changes — it strengthens its position as a value-packed touring machine.
If you ride long distances, want a comfortable yet sporty bike, and value features and service reach, the Dominar 400 is a strong contender. It may not match the exclusivity or sheer power of some high-end bikes, but it balances price, performance, comfort and ownership well.
Before making a decision, take a long test ride, especially on highways. Check for dealer support, accessory availability, and service cost in your city. If these align with your expectations, the Dominar 400 is likely to be a reliable, enjoyable companion on India’s roads.
