When launched, the Dominar was hailed as a tourer by the company but it lacked certain elements. Now, in 2021, Bajaj has finally made the Dominar an ideal tourer
Bajaj has launched a new version of the Dominar 400 with factory-fitted accessories to serve those who are into touring. When launched in 2016, Dominar was projected by the company as a sports-tourer. However, the motorcycle lacked certain touring elements such as saddle stay, knuckle guards and more. Now, in 2021, Bajaj has launched an updated version of the Dominar 400 which is more adequate for touring.
Mechanically unchanged, the new Dominar is factory-fitted with accessories such as knuckle-guards, windscreen, pillion backrest, luggage carrier, saddle stay, USB charging port, engine bash plate, new crash guard and a cast aluminium navigation stay for mounting smartphones and navigation devices. The new version of the Dominar 400 is INR 5,000 costlier than the pre-gen model. Sadly, the Dominar 400 2021 is the only model up for grabs and there is no other standard model on offer without the accessories. Therefore, those customers who are not into touring will also have to do with the accessories-fitted Dominar.
In our opinion, the new Dominar is likely to create a buzz in the hearts of those riders who are into motorcycle touring. However, we believe the motorcycle community would have appreciated Bajaj more if the company would have launched the motorcycle with off-road/dual-purpose tyres and a better set of suspensions to tackle the nasty Indian potholes and off-road terrains. Nonetheless, the 2021 Bajaj Dominar has managed to win our hearts.
Moving on to the rest of the motorcycle, the Dominar continues to draw power from the same old 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC FI powertrain which is tuned to produce a peak power of 40hp at 8,800rpm and a maximum torque number of 35Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission box along with a slipper and clutch assist.
The rest of the hardware on the Dominar 400 includes dual-channel ABS coupled with a 320mm single disc at the front and a 230mm single disc at the rear. The suspension duties of the motorcycle are handled by a 41mm upside-down fork and a monoshock setup at the rear. Last but not least, the Dominar 400 rides on 110/70-17 (front) and 150/60-17 (rear) tyre set.
