With the recent launch of the Pulsar NS400Z, Bajaj has opened up the entry point to 400cc levels of performance. The new Pulsar is not only significantly more affordable than any other 350-400cc motorcycle, but it also significantly undercuts another Bajaj product that uses the same engine, the Dominar 400.
- Bajaj Domniar may become out of reach for many buyers
- Some overlap with Pulsar range
- Next-gen Dominar likely to get all-new platform
In a recent interaction between Bajaj Auto’s execute director, Rakesh Sharma, and our sister publication Autocar Professional, we learned that Bajaj has plans to significantly revamp the Dominar 400. This was something that was hinted at during the Pulsar NS400Z launch as well.
“With Dominar, we have the freedom to really take excellence to another level. With that, you’ll end up making a great bike but it may be out of reach for many. That is where Pulsar comes in (with a more accessible price). Yes, there’s a little bit of overlap from Dominar, but that won’t affect us too much.”
The Dominar 400 was originally intended to steal market share away from Royal Enfield, but Bajaj has long since realised that this is not what the Dominar is about. Instead, the bike ended up being positioned as more of a touring machine, with the most recent update bringing in many features that aid in long-distance riding. The new-age Triumph 400s are now leading the Bajaj charge when it comes to eating into RE’s market share.
There is no clarity at the moment on what to expect from the next-generation Bajaj Dominar 400, but it is fair to say that that bike is still some time away. It is quite possible that when it launches, the bike won’t be based on any existing platform on sale from Bajaj.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
