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New Bajaj Dominar 350 in Works? Bajaj’s Biggest Shift After GST 2.0
The Bajaj Group is reportedly developing a new 350cc powertrain to capitalise on the revised GST tax structure. Now, multiple reports indicate that a new Bajaj Dominar based on this platform is also in the works. The upcoming model is expected to debut alongside a new wave of motorcycles, including the Pulsar NS350, KTM's 350cc lineup, and Triumph's upcoming 350 range.
Bajaj Dominar 350cc In Works?
Last year, the Indian government introduced GST 2.0, which reduced the tax on motorcycles under 350cc from 28% to 18%. However, the tax on motorcycles above 350cc has been increased to 40%. This move has directly affected brands like Bajaj, KTM, Triumph, and Royal Enfield, all of which have a strong presence in the 400cc segment.
To minimise the impact, Bajaj and its partners, Triumph and KTM, are reportedly working on downsizing their existing 400cc engines to around 350cc. This shift will allow these motorcycles to benefit from the lower tax bracket under the new GST norms.
Despite the reduction in cubic capacity, most core components are expected to remain unchanged, including liquid cooling technology. This ensures that performance levels remain competitive while keeping these motorcycles in direct contention with segment leader Royal Enfield. Additionally, this move will help brands reduce pricing, making the segment more competitive and appealing to buyers.
Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar 400 was one of the earliest premium motorcycles introduced by the Pune-based manufacturer, positioned as a capable touring machine. While a 250cc version is also available, most buyers prefer the 400cc model due to its superior performance and highway capability.
Reworking the Dominar into a 350cc model could make it significantly more attractive to a wider audience. It would continue to offer a comfortable and feature-rich touring experience, with equipment such as a digital display, dual-channel ABS, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, and strong overall performance.
The Dominar 400, currently priced at ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), is expected to benefit from the new GST structure. The upcoming 350cc version could be priced closer to ₹1.90 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a much stronger value-for-money proposition. If marketed well, this could also help Bajaj increase its market share in the mid-capacity motorcycle segment.
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