Opinion: What’s Next For The Bajaj Dominar 400?

The Bajaj Dominar 400 hasn’t been a success, not quite to the levels Bajaj had hoped it would be or even to the expectations from Indian riders when they were seeking something big and large from Bajaj. Logically, with the arrival of the new Pulsar NS400Z, the Dominar’s existence, especially in this current state, has to be questioned. Hence, when asked the same question to the Bajaj top management at the launch event of the ‘biggest’ Pulsar yet, they said there’s something different planned for the brand.

And we hope it is a major focus shift in approach to motorcycling. Rather than sticking to a power cruiser, a rather niche and not so very India-friendly motorcycle format, we hope that Bajaj is looking to make the next-gen Dominar a good, friendly, easy to ride, fast, road-biased ADV tourer. 

The reasoning for going for the ADV approach is simple: India is perfect ADV territory. Our newly built roads crumble into a paste within no time. There’s far too much of the landscape that hasn’t been seen yet. And ADVs allow for that roam free spirit that would be perfect for the Dominar’s touring intent. We aren’t hoping it needs to become a thoroughbred off-road going trail bashing machine. It just has to be simple, light and confident.

Hence, making use of the existing perimeter frame is fine. However, the suspension needs to have adequate travel and compliance to take anything in its path, a 19-/17-inch alloy wheel setup should make your travels all the more convenient and a few basic electronic nannies to keep the rider in firm control.

Most likely, Bajaj should continue the use of the 373 cc mill that the current Dominar 400 and the newly-launched Pulsar NS400Z employ. While we cannot say much about how the motor behaves on the Pulsar, it does manage to hold a steady 110 kmph without much buzz. 

We hope that this is the direction forward for the Dominar brand and hopefully, we should see some action on this front in 2025.