“Motorcycling at its best” is the perfect sentence to describe the current scenario in India, with almost all the prominent automobile brands have been moving to our country it is probably the best time to be in motoring world. Our indigenous companies are also not leaving behind and they are not letting any stone unturned; companies like Mahindra Two Wheelers have recently stepped into some serious motorcycle manufacturing and their Mojo is appropriate example of it. The Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) has evolved as a major player in motorcycle industry; their success story begins from the advent of Pulsar brand to the acquisition of European giant “KTM”. We all know their collaboration with KTM resulted into one of the trend setting midsize motorbikes in India- Dukes and RCs. Bajaj is not only responsible for bringing iconic brand like KTM in the country but also utilized their technical know-how to bring bikes like Pulsar NS/AS/RS 200. Recently Bajaj has launched their biggest and most powerful motorcycle manufactured till date- Dominar 400.
The Dominar 400 has been priced pretty aggressively by Bajaj, especially considering the bike loaded with all kinds of bells & whistles. Let’s find out how does it fare against the other competition in the segment as the likes of KTM Duke 390 and Mahindra Mojo.
KTM Duke 390-
The KTM Duke 390 is been in the market for couple of years now and has been proven its mettle; the powerful naked machine is the characteristic of the Duke 390 by which it is known among the motorcyclists. The KTM Duke 390 has come up as a potential alternative of Royal Enfield motorcycles especially for those who are looking up cruising on long journeys. The Duke 390 is fairly popular amongst the bikers of the nation despite of its a few shortcomings like limited travel range due to small capacity fuel tank.The KTM Duke 390 along with other small capacity Dukes (Duke 200 & 125) and RCs (RC200 & 125) has been manufactured in India at the Bajaj facility. However, it is said that the quality of the KTM products made in India and exported to rest of the world differs with what we get in our country, the overall built quality of the product is exceptional especially from the point of made in India. The bike is equipped with 373cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine, churning out enormous 44 Ps of Power and 35 Nm of torque. If the figures don’t excite you then consider the power to weight ratio it has by virtue of weighing only 152 Kg (kerb weight).
When we talk about the features that Duke 390 contains are among some of the industry’s very first- a full digital instrument console with loads of MotoGP type information on board, Switchable ABS as standard fitment, Slipper clutch, Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection System (EFI), world class WP suspensions (USD at front and Mono suspension at rear) and a set of Michelin rubber tyres.
Mahindra Mojo-
The Mahindra Mojo has been unofficially awarded as the most tested motorcycle of the country; Pun intended. The reason behind this interpretation of Mojo is the delay in its launch due to extensive and repetitive test conducted by the company before the actual launch which took place last year. Although, the delay in Mojo’s launch might incur few loses to the company but by doing so they have at least made sure an almost perfect product. When launched the Mojo was also priced pretty aggressively by Mahindra two wheelers.Considering the competition in front Mahindra had made several changes to its original design what they had showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo several years ago. It’s not only the design which received numerous alterations but the core structure of the bike has also been changed drastically. The final product which Mahindra launched as “Mojo” is featured with 294.72 cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine, capable of producing 27.2 Ps of power and 30 Nm of torque. The massive weight of the Mojo kills even rest of the element of fun from it, the bike weighs in 182 Kg, making it last in terms of power to weight ratio among the competition.
The Mahindra Mojo comes featured with largest fuel tank among the competition, which helps in justifying its “Tourer” image because with its 15 Lt Fuel tank you can virtually go miles without bothering about refilling the fuel. Mahindra has also equipped the Mojo with their four-wheeler like Remote Access Key, Anti Theft Alarm and foldable & flickable key. The double exhaust cans at Mojo makes it look good and sound great at the same time but it also adds those unnecessary additional weight to the bike.
Bajaj Dominar 400-
Bajaj had showcased the Dominar 400 at the Delhi Auto expo couple of years ago; at that time it was branded as “CS400”. The bike got success in creating a buzz even at that time; good thing is that Bajaj managed to keep the design of the concept model intact in the production model which ultimately launched as Dominar 400. Virtually apart from the front Up Side Down (USD) suspension and alloy swingarm the rest of the bike remains exactly same as the concept CS400. The USD suspension has been replaced by largest in class 43 mm front telescopic forks and a Stamped metal swingarm has taken the place of the lightweight alloy swingarm in Dominar 400. The Dominar 400 is equipped with 373cc liquid cooled, single cylinder Dts-I engine featured with triple sparkplugs. The engine of the Dominar 400 is built on the platform of Ktm Duke 390 integrating with Bajaj’s own technology. The engine of the Dominar 400 is tuned to produce 35 Ps of power output and 35 Nm of torque, here, the power gets detuned in Dominar as compared to Duke 390 resulting drop in its Top speed but the Torque figure remains same in both the bikes. The engine of the Dominar 400 has been tuned in such a way that it produces “Flat Torque Curve “at all rev range, which makes it more ride able in city riding conditions and a fun to ride machine on highways.
The bike comes featured with optional Dual Channel ABS, bigger 320mm front disc brake, Slipper Clutch as standard fitment, fairly large fuel tank to give average range for travelling, double instrument panels (with additional console on fuel tank) and longer wheelbase for better control. The LED equipped front headlight is also featured with AHO (Auto Headlamp On) and brightest of all LED headlamp for better visibility at night.
Verdict & Price-
KTM Duke 390-
The Ktm Duke 390 is certainly most powerful and the performance packed machine with its premium features and auto parts in the segment but these features never come cheap. You have to pay price for these features both at the time of purchase and while maintaining the bike. Some small issues with the built quality of Duke 390 is also been reported, out of those the alloy wheels break off is the most common complain. The smallest fuel tank is also another drawback of the Duke 390, which matter a lot especially when you are off for a far secluded place. The Ktm Duke 390 is available at a price tag of Rs 1.90 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).
Mahindra Mojo-
The Mahindra Mojo is a product of a company which is predominantly known for their 4-wheeler manufacturing prowess but as far as two-wheelers are concerned the Mojo is their biggest bid so far. No matter how rich the Mojo is in term of features but reliability is a factor that hits the brand most. On the contrary the Duke is regarded as premium brand along with its company KTM across the world, this not only gives an edge technology wise to them but also a psychological advantage. Similarly, Dominar 400 is a product of Bajaj, which is considered as makers of reliable products with huge service network and cheap after sale service. Mahindra Mojo is available in non ABS variant only and it is priced at Rs 1.7 Lac (Ex-showroom).
Bajaj Dominar 400-
The Bajaj Dominar 400 has certainly an edge over other competition; it is not only priced extremely competitive but also seems better value for money in all regards. Even if you consider it on the parameter of the now discontinued Pulsar NS200, the Dominar 400 being used the same platform ascertain its own success. Except the fuel injection system and the Slipper clutch almost every bit of Dominar can be considered a bigger version of NS200. For that matter the Fuel Injection system is also now been time tested on Pulsar RS200, therefore eradicating the doubts of malfunctioning or any sort of failure. We are very excited and hopeful at the same time for Dominar 400; it makes lot of sense at a price tag of Rs 1.36 lacs (Ex-Showroom) for non ABS version and 1.5 Lacs (Ex-Showroom) for ABS variant.
The Ktm Duke 390 is certainly most powerful and the performance packed machine with its premium features and auto parts in the segment but these features never come cheap. You have to pay price for these features both at the time of purchase and while maintaining the bike. Some small issues with the built quality of Duke 390 is also been reported, out of those the alloy wheels break off is the most common complain. The smallest fuel tank is also another drawback of the Duke 390, which matter a lot especially when you are off for a far secluded place. The Ktm Duke 390 is available at a price tag of Rs 1.90 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).
Mahindra Mojo-
The Mahindra Mojo is a product of a company which is predominantly known for their 4-wheeler manufacturing prowess but as far as two-wheelers are concerned the Mojo is their biggest bid so far. No matter how rich the Mojo is in term of features but reliability is a factor that hits the brand most. On the contrary the Duke is regarded as premium brand along with its company KTM across the world, this not only gives an edge technology wise to them but also a psychological advantage. Similarly, Dominar 400 is a product of Bajaj, which is considered as makers of reliable products with huge service network and cheap after sale service. Mahindra Mojo is available in non ABS variant only and it is priced at Rs 1.7 Lac (Ex-showroom).
Bajaj Dominar 400-
The Bajaj Dominar 400 has certainly an edge over other competition; it is not only priced extremely competitive but also seems better value for money in all regards. Even if you consider it on the parameter of the now discontinued Pulsar NS200, the Dominar 400 being used the same platform ascertain its own success. Except the fuel injection system and the Slipper clutch almost every bit of Dominar can be considered a bigger version of NS200. For that matter the Fuel Injection system is also now been time tested on Pulsar RS200, therefore eradicating the doubts of malfunctioning or any sort of failure. We are very excited and hopeful at the same time for Dominar 400; it makes lot of sense at a price tag of Rs 1.36 lacs (Ex-Showroom) for non ABS version and 1.5 Lacs (Ex-Showroom) for ABS variant.
By: Farhan Kashif
