2017 Bajaj Dominar 400 review, test ride

We’ve just got to grips with Bajaj’s biggest bike yet, the butch Dominar 400.

Published on Jan 10, 2017 02:30:00 PM

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2017 Bajaj Dominar 400 review, test ride

Throttle response is sharp and supremely precise, as expected from a fuel-injected bike like the Dominar 400. Crack open the throttle and there’s a light step at 5,000rpm in the wide powerband, from where power flows in seamlessly to the redline, accompanied by a gruff, pleasing exhaust note.

Our tests saw the Dominar 400 smash past 60kph in a scant 3.3seconds from standstill, with 100kph going by in 8.3sec. The powerful Bajaj is capable of 132kph in fifth, with top gear still to go. Top speed is in the region of a true 150kph. And the Bajaj flagship is comfortable when holding high cruising speeds of up to 120, even 130kph.

Final drive is via an X-ring drive chain.

Well framed

The Dominar 400 riding position ranks amongst the best we’ve experienced to date on any Bajaj, a light lean into the flat bars imparting a nice sporty feel, further complimented by perfectly positioned footrests, and a well positioned brake pedal. This places the Dominar 400 in a nice spot and makes it more comfortable than its KTM street-going stablemates which offer similar power and performance but have a more aggressive riding position.

The Dominar 400 deploys a perimeter type frame, formed from steel spars and backed up by a precision pressed steel swingarm. The chain adjusters are forged, swingarm integrated units.

Front suspension is a set of beefy 43mm telescopic forks, while the rear is armed with the Bajaj trademark Nitrox adjustable monoshock system. Ride quality is a touch stiff and sporty on the Dominar 400, and this was very apparent on our test bike even with the rear suspension dialed down to its softest setting. However, the flip side is the firm setup is what gives the Dominar excellent high-speed stability. It feels very planted through corners and the bike turns in to corners with fuss-free, neutral manner. The MRF radial front and rear tyres are a special soft compound rated all the way to 180kph, which provide exceptional grip levels.

The Dominar 400 handles smartly in all situations, cornering with all the confidence we expected. Good overall handling allows the new Bajaj flagship to do complete justice to its power cruiser role.

Bite at both brake levers is good, with the rear being more progressive, providing the Dominar 400 ample stopping power backed by the safety of twin-channel ABS.