Should You Buy The Bajaj Dominar 400 In 2025?

(UPDATE: The 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400 has reached dealerships. It gets the same instrument console with smartphone connectivity as the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, along with a revised switchgear. The updated bike is also reported to have multiple ride modes just like the flagship Pulsar.)

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has long been positioned as the crown jewel in Bajaj's motorcycle lineup. Launched in 2016, it was Bajaj’s attempt to offer a powerful, affordable, and versatile 400cc performance-oriented cruiser to Indian riders craving that ‘big-bike’ feel without the big-bike price. 

Over the years, it’s undergone a few cosmetic and mechanical updates – including a power bump from the engine derived from the KTM 390 series and better touring-oriented equipment but now that we’re well into 2025, the big question still remains: is the Dominar 400 still worth your money?

A Budget Power Cruiser

When it was launched in 2016, the Bajaj Dominar 400 made waves with its muscular design, the angular LED headlight, and KTM-derived liquid-cooled 373cc engine that delivered a decent punch at a price which was absolutely unheard of - Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom)! It made high-speed highway touring accessible to the masses. It was Bajaj’s answer to riders who wanted a versatile motorcycle which is capable on the highway, okay in the city, and rugged enough for the occasional adventure. However, in 2025, the landscape looks a lot different from what it was in 2016. Competitors have stepped up, and rider expectations have evolved.

A Jack of All Trades – But a Master of None?

In today’s crowded 350- 450cc segment, the Dominar 400 finds itself surrounded by specialised machines, each excelling in their own way:

For a great do-it-all motorcycle, you have the Triumph Scrambler 400X. A very versatile bike that has a nice retro charm and a suspension setup which absorbs all undulations with ease. This makes it ideal for our Indian riding conditions, and occasional tours.

If you are someone who prefers outright performance, you have the KTM Duke 390. A razor-sharp hooligan, now in its 3rd generation with an all-new chassis and engine. The Duke is lighter, more powerful, and way more engaging than before. It’s a fantastic motorcycle for spirited weekend rides around winding roads.

For those who love to go the distance, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 makes the most sense, and is also our go-to option for touring and adventure riding under the Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom mark. It has immense ground clearance, healthy set of features, and a suspension setup that the Dominar simply can’t match.

Finally, for those who want a chilled-out riding experience, there’s the Harley-Davidson X440, a neo-retro cruiser with loads of torque making it a great commuter motorcycle. And just like its big siblings, this baby Harley has an exhaust note that is very distinct, and is unmatched by any other single-cylinder motorcycle. 

The Dominar 400 tries to be a bit of everything – tourer, city bike, even a sportbike at times. But in trying to please everyone, it ends up being outshined in nearly every category by its rivals.

ZigSays

Let’s be honest, the Dominar 400 is beginning to show its age. Despite minor tweaks, the motorcycle now feels outdated compared to its modern-day rivals. With a kerb weight of 193kg, the Dominar remains on the heavier side, which affects its agility and performance, especially in the city. When the Dominar 400 was originally launched, the bike was targeted towards owners of a certain brand of motorcycle with the tagline “Haathi Mat Paalo” but in 2025, the tables have turned, and not in Bajaj’s favour. 

Unless Bajaj pulls off a major update with weight reduction, improved performance & refinement, and a larger fuel tank capacity for touring, the Dominar risks being left behind in this rapidly-evolving 400cc segment.

So, should you buy the Bajaj Dominar 400 in 2025?

Only if you're after a value-for-money motorcycle that looks like nothing else in the segment, and if you’re willing to compromise on tech and agility. Otherwise, there are many sharper tools in the shed now, each tailored to specific riding needs, and frankly, are better at what they do. In 2025, being a jack of all trades just isn’t enough for the Dominar 400 to make a compelling case for itself.