Pulsar N160 SS or Dominar 250?

Last Updated on: 12 Oct 2026
The Standard variant is priced at ₹2.08 lakh. The Standard variant offers key features like . Explore complete specifications, and features below.
Fuel Type/ Propulsion | Petrol |
Engine Displacement | 349.13 cc |
Valvetrain | 4 Valves/Cyl |
Fueling | Fuel-Injected |
Cooling | Liquid Cooled |
Engine Type | 1 cylinder |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
Max Engine Power | 40.6 hp @ 9000 rpm |
Max Engine Torque | 33.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
Bore | 89 mm |
Stroke | 56.1 mm |
Spark Plugs | 1 Per Cylinder |
Number of Gears | 6 |
Slipper clutch | Yes |
Reverse gear | No |
Transmission Type | Manual |
Clutch | Assist And Slipper Clutch |
Fuel Tank Size | 13 L |
Reserve Fuel Capacity | 1.5 L |
Auto Start/Stop | No |
User Reported Mileage | 30.08 kmpl |
Chassis name | Beam Type Perimeter Frame |
Chassis type | Beam Type Perimeter Frame |
Front Suspension Type | USD Forks |
Rear Suspension Type | Monoshock with canister |
Electronic suspension | No |
Front Brakes | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Disc |
Wheel Type | Alloy |
Wheel Construction | Alloy |
Tyre type | Tubeless |
Front Tyre Size | 110/70 - R17 |
Rear Tyre Size | 150/60 - R17 |
Front Disc/Drum Size | 320 mm |
Rear Disc/Drum Size | 230 mm |
Calliper Type | Front - 2 Piston, Rear - 1 Piston |
Wheel Size | Front - 17 inch, Rear - 17 inch |
Brake type | Front - Disc, Rear - Disc |
Front Wheel Size | 17 inch |
Rear Wheel Size | 17 inch |
Front Brake Type | Disc |
Front Brake Size | 320 mm |
Rear Brake Type | Disc |
Rear Brake Size | 230 mm |
Length | 2151 mm |
Width | 834 mm |
Height | 1243 mm |
Wheelbase | 1452 mm |
Seat height | 800 mm |
Ground Clearance | 157 mm |
Kerb Weight | 190 kg |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Dual channel |
| Hazard lights | |
| Side-stand engine cut-off | |
| Traction control | |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Tyre-Pressure Monitoring System |
| Headlamp Type | LED |
| Daytime Running Lights | |
| Pass-light switch | |
| Underseat storage light | |
| Engine-kill switch | |
| Audio System |
| Instrument console | Digital |
| Touchscreen | |
| Tachometer | |
| Trip Meter | |
| Average Speed | |
| Fuel gauge |
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Hi Autocar team - I’m deciding between the 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. I’m 6 ft tall and find the Dominar more comfortable for my height, but I’d like to know which bike is more reliable in the long run and easier to maintain. My budget is around ₹2.5 lakh, so value for money matters. Also, why hasn’t Autocar published a proper review of the 2025 Dominar 400 yet? I’d appreciate your advice.
Both the Bajaj Dominar 400 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X are reasonably reliable and hassle-free machines, and considering they are both made by Bajaj, they should be light on the wallet in terms of maintenance. We recommend choosing the one you are more comfortable with and the one that has a service centre close to you. Coming to why we haven't reviewed the 2025 Dominar 400, that's because the bike is mechanically the same as when we reviewed it last in 2021, and the only tangible difference is the new LCD borrowed from the Pulsar NS400Z.
Hi, I own a 2017 Dominar 400 with 27,000 km on it. My usage is mostly city rides, with long highway trips twice a year. Since the bike is now 8 years old, I’m considering selling it and buying either the Xoom 160 or Pulsar N250. Mechanically and aesthetically, my bike is in great condition. Should I go for a new one or just continue maintaining my Dominar 400? Kindly advise.
If your bike isn’t giving you any major issues, we’d advise you to keep it. The other options you mentioned will actually feel like a step down in terms of performance and comfort.Since you also take your bike on highway rides, the Dominar 400 will feel miles ahead of the other two options you’ve shortlisted.
I'm planning to purchase my first motorcycle and have narrowed down my options to the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and Dominar 250. My primary usage will be short daily commutes of approximately 5-6 km one way in Hyderabad's traffic (around 12km two way), with occasional longer rides. I'm a relatively new rider, so low-speed usability, manoeuvrability and ease of handling matter to me. The N160 SS appeals to me because of its lighter weight, Crawl Tech, TFT and city-friendly characteristics. However, the Dominar 400 has been my dream motorcycle for the past ten years, ever since it was launched in India while I was still in school. While the Dominar 400 remains my dream bike, the Dominar 250 seems like a reasonable compromise for my primarily urban use, offering some of that Dominar experience without going straight for the 400. I've ridden the Dominar 400 and found it surprisingly manageable and planted, but I haven't been able to test-ride the Dominar 250 because dealerships don't have test-ride units. I've also heard that the Dominar 250 lacks low-end urgency, requires frequent gear changes in slow traffic and is relatively heavy for city use. On the other hand, my uncle, who has owned a Dominar 400 for years and uses it in Hyderabad, has suggested that the Dominar 250 could be a reasonable choice for my requirements. The Dominar 250 is currently quoted at approximately Rs. 2.42 lakh (on-road), compared with around Rs. 1.86-1.94 lakh for the N160 SS. Given my usage, beginner experience and long-standing desire to own a Dominar, would you recommend the N160 SS as the more sensible long-term choice, or is the Dominar 250 a motorcycle that I could realistically grow into and enjoy despite its compromises? I would particularly appreciate your thoughts on low-speed tractability, bumper-to-bumper traffic, manoeuvrability for a beginner, and whether the Dominar's additional weight and cost are justified for someone whose riding will primarily be urban.
There's no doubt that the Bajaj Dominar 250 will fit the bill well for your needs as a first-time motorcyclist. However, what stops us from recommending it wholeheartedly is that the smaller Dominar sells in extremely microscopic numbers which means sometimes you'll be waiting a long time for a small part, leaving your bike out of action which is never a good thing. Truth be told, the Dominar 400 (especially since it is now powered by a downsized 349cc motor) is a perfectly acceptable first bike and since you have had an inclination towards the Dominar for a long time, why not go ahead and scratch and that itch! The only caveat here would be that the Dominar is a hefty machine, weighing 190kg, which can catch you off-guard at slow-speed scenarios but in time, you'll get used to it. On the other hand, if you don't want to deal with the extra weight and purchasing cost of the Dominar 400, then the Pulsar N160 SS is a very different but nonetheless, a great option for a beginner. It has a peppy engine, predictable handling, good comfort and comes with all the latest gizmos and gadgets that people these days want their two-wheelers to be festooned with. Not to mention, it will also be far more fuel efficient than the Dominar. These are 2 very different bikes which will give you starly different experiences so its best you take a test ride and see which one you're leaning towards more before you make your decision.
I'm 5ft 4in tall and currently ride a Jawa 42. I'm looking for either a sporty naked or a touring motorcycle with strong low-end performance, minimal engine heat and decent fuel efficiency. My budget is up to 3 lakh, and I'm not interested in retro-style motorcycles.
If you want a sporty naked with peppy performance without sacrificing fuel economy to a great extent, look at the TVS Apache RTR 310. The Apache has a friendly 800mm seat height, plush suspension that still gives you the composure you need when riding hard and a punchy engine. On the higher variants, you also get some very unique features such as keyless ignition and adjustable suspension, although these might cross the Rs 3 lakh mark. Even so, the RTR 310 comes well-equipped out of the box and will offer a good step up in performance compared to your Jawa 42.If you want a touring bike, then your only option in this price range is the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400. The Dominar has an approachable 800mm seat height, is comfortable, has enough performance and comes with a lot of essentials that you need to go touring, right out of the showroom. It is a heavy machine, but its weight lends it stability on the highway, although at slower city speeds, you will feel it.Take test rides of both before you make a decision to see which one suits your usage pattern better.
I’m looking for a bike around 1.8 to 2.8 L with very good suspension for back pain. My driving every day will be 1 hr to 1.5 hr one way, which is 2-3 hrs in total. 60% high way and 40% city, with lots of school traffic. I just moved from the US, and these roads are giving me back pain. I’m looking for more comfort with seats, suspension and ride posture.
Moving up from a Pulsar 150, you should check out the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400, which will feel more substantial and comfortable, not to mention head and shoulders above when it comes to performance. Since your ride has a lot of highway stretches, a machine that can cruise comfortably at higher speeds while keeping you comfortable will be a good bet.If you want to look at the adventure bike space, consider the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300. The Xpulse is lighter, which will make it easier to manage at slower speeds, and its smaller engine will also be more fuel efficient. On the other hand, the RTX has a more powerful engine capable of delivering more performance and its seating comfort is better than the Xpulse. Do bear in mind that both of these are tall bikes and will require some skill to manage if you're a shorter person.If, instead, you want a neo-retro machine, then consider proven options like the Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350. These are relaxed and comfortable machines with torquey engines, which will be suitable for long commutes. When ridden sensibly, they also return good fuel economy. These bikes are all very different from one another, and to accurately gauge which is the best one for you, take a test ride of all before you make your decision.









