
A lot has been tried with the Bajaj Dominar. First, it borrowed the engine from the KTM Duke 390. But it added two additional spark plugs to it, and changed the innards. The end result was an engine that was heavier and less powerful but also more usable than the 390. It was then strapped with basic mechanicals, and voila, you had a super affordable 400cc motorcycle that also ushered in a complete new genre called sports touring. That it resembled the Ducati Diavel, I am told, was totally coincidental.
But, not many bought it.
So, the Dominar got itself nicer suspension, a more comfortable ride, and a new colour. It also got a bump up in power. To celebrate that we rode one to, and at, a race track near Chennai. And the bike impressed us both with its touring abilities, and its ability to go around corners.
But still, not many bought it.
So, now the Dominar is multiplying. Say hello to the new 250cc Dominar which will co-exist with the 400. The idea here is to go for upgraders. Essentially, motorcyclists who are done riding 125s and 150s, and are now looking to move to the big leagues. And while the 400 might have been intimidating for this bunch, the 250 with its more manageable power, implies Bajaj, will make them drool.