Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

Comparing the Bajaj Dominar 400 with KTM 390 and Royal Enfield Classic on design, features, engine specs, pricing and the all-important verdict

By Kennedy Paul

The recent launch of the Bajaj Dominar 400 has created an atmosphere of excitement in the industry. The flagship motorcycle from Bajaj is expected to bring similar branding as the Pulsar series performed. Entering a segment dominated by Royal Enfield and KTM will need more than just metal from the Dominar 400.

Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

When compared to the KTM 390, has Bajaj made thebest use of the KTM engine on its sports cruiser? And can it make inroads into the land of Royal Enfield? Let us compare them and find out.

Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

Design:

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is beefy with its muscular features and has an aggressive stance. Most of the styling cues are from the Pulsar, yet it differs. The Dominar 400 is a sports cruiser with upright handlebar and the seat position to ride long distances comfortably.

Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

The KTM 390 Duke is a pure sports bike with the intention to dominate the urban roads and track racing. With the short wheelbase, the KTM 390 is good at handling in the corners and does not disappoint in its performance.

Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

Royal Enfield's design of the Classic is retro with its oval tank, round headlight, classic single seats, and bigger sheet metal of the side box and mud guards for the wheels. The Classic from Royal Enfield brings nostalgia by the look of it and the seating position is to cruise so that you enjoy the ride and not the destination.

Overall Rating In Design:

  • Bajaj Dominar 400 7.5/10
  • KTM 390 Duke 8/10
  • Royal Enfield 8/10
  • Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

    Features:

    Bajaj has developed bikes along with the current trend in the market and has provided the best of technology at an affordable price. The Bajaj Dominar 400 features first-in-segment Automatic Headlight On (AHO) - which is set to become part of the BS IV stage norms - LED lightings, dual-channel ABS, 43mm telescopic front forks, adjustable mono shocks for the rear, disc brakes at the front and rear, and fully digital instrument console.

    Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

    As for the KTM 390 Duke which is built on the trellis frame is sharp with features such as dual-channel ABS, disc brakes for both front and rear, upside down front forks, fully digital instrument console, adjustable mono-shocks for the rear and grippy Metzeler tyres.

    Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

    Royal Enfield Classic, on the other hand, features disc brake at the front, analogue instrument console, electric and kick starter, carburettor, telescopic front suspension and dual gas suspension for the rear. However, the Classic misses out on ABS.

    Overall Rating Features:

    • Bajaj Dominar 400 8/10
    • KTM 390 Duke 8/10
    • Royal Enfield 7.5/10
    • Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

      Engine Specifications & Gearbox:

      Bajaj has powered the Dominar 400 with KTM's 373.2cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine which is capable of churning out 35bhp and 35Nm of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Bajaj claims the Dominar 400 can achieve atop speed of 148km/h and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.23 seconds.

      Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

      KTM has powered the Duke 390 with a 373.2cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine producing a massive 43bhp and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It weighs 149kg and is nearly 33kg lighter than the Dominar 400. The power to weight ratio is commendable in the KTM 390.

      Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

      Royal Enfield Classic is powered by a346cc air cooled single cylinder engine which produces 19.8bhp and 28Nm of torque. The Classic has the option of a 499cc air cooled single cylinder engine as well. The higher capacity engine is capable of producing 27.2bhp and 41.3Nm of torque.

      Overall Rating Engine:

      • Bajaj Dominar 400 7.5/10
      • KTM 390 Duke 8/10
      • Royal Enfield Classic 7/10
      • Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

        Pricing:

        Bajaj has priced the Dominar 400 at an introductory price of Rs 1.36 lakh (Non-ABS) and Rs 1.50 lakh (ABS) models ex-showroom (Delhi).

        Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

        The KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 1.96 lakh and features ABS as standard. The Royal Enfield Classic priced at Rs 1.31 lakh for the 350 and Rs 1.68 lakh to Rs 1.79 lakh for the 500. All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi).

        Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

        Verdict:

        The KTM 390 Duke is best in its performance and design and helps edge over its competitors in comparison. However, the Bajaj Dominar 400 with a price tag of Rs 1.50 lakh for the ABS variant is definitely a best buy for the sheer amount of features and specifications it is loaded with.

        Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

        The Royal Enfield Classic, on the other hand, has its own niche owners who vouch for its design and the cruiser image. If you are looking for a feature-rich and performance bike at an affordable pricing, the Bajaj Dominar 400 could be your choice. The KTM 390 Duke is for buyers who do not compromise on performance even though it is priced higher.

        Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 vs Royal Enfield Classic — Who Will Dominate?

        Most Read: 2018 KTM 390 Adventure Spy Images And Complete Details

Article Published On: Friday, December 16, 2016, 13:01 [IST]
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