Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 250
14.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
14.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 248.77 cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Twin Spark, FI | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 19.85 kW (27 PS) @ 8,500 rpm | 104.6 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 23.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 35.03 Kmpl | 22.2 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 180 | 215 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 880 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc with Abs | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork, 43 mm | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc with Abs | Disc 260 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono-shock, 110 mm travel | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80–17 Tubeless | 90/90 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70–17 Tubeless | 150/70 - 18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Full‑LED with AHO | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12V / 10AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Citrus.avif | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-7.avif | — |
| Cluster | Digital LCD w/ turn-by-turn navigation | — |
| Color Options | Canyon Red | #B32025 Sparkling Black | #1C1C1C Citrus Rush | #C7D300 | Orange | #FF6600 |
| Cons | Heavier Than Most Rivals – The motorcycle's kerb weight is noticeably higher than many competing 250cc motorcycles, which can affect low-speed manoeuvrability. Engine Feels More Relaxed Than Sporty – While refined, the engine focuses on smoothness and usability rather than aggressive acceleration and high-rev excitement. Weight Noticeable in City Traffic – Frequent stop-and-go traffic and tight parking situations may require more effort compared to lighter motorcycles. Limited Fuel Tank Capacity for Touring – Although suitable for highway rides, the 13-litre fuel tank is smaller than what some touring-oriented riders may prefer. Feature Updates Have Been Gradual – Some competitors offer more advanced electronics, riding modes, or traction control systems depending on the price range. Pillion Comfort Could Be Better on Long Trips – The rear seat is adequate for daily use, but some passengers may prefer additional cushioning for extended journeys. Not as Agile as Lightweight Street Bikes – The motorcycle prioritizes stability and comfort, which means it can feel less nimble than lighter sport-oriented alternatives. Maintenance Costs Higher Than Entry-Level Commuters – Routine maintenance and consumables are generally more expensive than those of smaller-capacity commuter motorcycles. | High Seat Height: With a tall seat (~880 mm), the bike can be challenging for shorter riders to manage, especially off-road. Wind Buffeting / Aerodynamics Issues: Some riders report significant wind turbulence and buffeting due to the screen design. Complex Electronics Overload: With so many electronic systems, new riders may be overwhelmed, and there may be occasional software glitches. Reddit users report issues like random throttle shut-offs. Reliability Concerns: There are reported cases of camshaft issues, throttle body problems, and other mechanical issues on the 890 platform. Maintenance Cost: As a premium mid-weight adventure bike, maintenance (especially for suspension, electronics, and engine) can be expensive. Limited Wind Protection: The stock screen offers minimal protection compared to more road-biased adventure bikes, making high-speed touring less comfortable. Weight: Though relatively light for its capabilities, it's still on the heavier side for serious off-road maneuvering, which some may find limiting. |
| Detailed Overview | Positioned as a sports tourer in the 250cc motorcycle segment, the Bajaj Dominar 250 is designed to accommodate both daily commuting and long-distance riding requirements. Drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Dominar 400, the motorcycle combines touring-oriented ergonomics, premium hardware, and a liquid-cooled engine within a package intended for riders seeking versatility. Its design emphasizes stability, comfort, and practicality while incorporating features commonly associated with larger-capacity touring motorcycles. The Dominar 250 features a muscular and substantial appearance characterized by a sculpted fuel tank, split-seat layout, exposed perimeter frame, and LED lighting system. The front end incorporates a compact windscreen positioned above the LED headlamp, helping direct airflow around the rider during highway journeys. Sharp body panels and minimalistic graphics contribute to a modern design, while the overall proportions create a larger visual presence compared to many motorcycles in the quarter-litre category. The motorcycle’s styling reflects its touring-oriented purpose without adopting the aggressive ergonomics of a dedicated sport bike. Powering the Dominar 250 is a 248.77cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine produces approximately 27 PS of power and 23.5 Nm of torque. Liquid cooling assists in maintaining stable operating temperatures during prolonged rides and varying weather conditions, while fuel injection helps ensure consistent throttle response and fuel delivery. The engine is tuned to provide a broad spread of usable power, making it suitable for city commuting, highway cruising, and overtaking manoeuvres. A six-speed transmission allows riders to utilize the available performance efficiently across different riding situations. The motorcycle is built around a perimeter frame chassis that contributes to structural rigidity and handling stability. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension setup. This combination is designed to absorb road imperfections while maintaining composure over varying surfaces. The suspension tuning focuses on balancing comfort and control, enabling the motorcycle to manage both urban roads and extended highway journeys. The relatively long wheelbase further contributes to stability, particularly at higher speeds. Braking performance is provided by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS as standard. The anti-lock braking system helps prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking situations and assists riders in maintaining control on different road surfaces. The motorcycle also features an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces clutch lever effort and improves stability during rapid downshifts. The Dominar 250 incorporates several modern features aimed at improving rider convenience. A fully digital instrument cluster displays speed, fuel level, trip information, gear position indication, and other ride-related data. A secondary display mounted near the fuel tank provides additional information and navigation-related functions. Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation support are available on recent versions, allowing smartphone integration for enhanced functionality. LED lighting is used throughout the motorcycle, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators. Rider comfort remains a key aspect of the motorcycle’s design. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and centrally positioned footpegs create an ergonomic layout suitable for longer journeys. The seat height of approximately 800 mm accommodates a wide range of riders, while the split-seat arrangement provides adequate space for both rider and passenger. A 13-litre fuel tank further supports touring duties by offering a practical riding range between refuelling stops. With its liquid-cooled 248.77cc engine, premium suspension components, dual-channel ABS, navigation features, and touring-friendly ergonomics, the Bajaj Dominar 250 combines performance, comfort, and practicality in a package tailored to riders seeking a versatile 250cc sports tourer. | The KTM 890 Adventure R is a middleweight adventure bike designed mainly for riding on rough roads and off-road terrain, while still being capable on highways. It comes with an 889cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces a little over 100 PS of power and around 100 Nm of torque. The engine feels smooth for its size and has enough strength for both slow trail riding and faster highway cruising. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, and the bike also gets a slipper clutch, which helps during downshifts and makes riding a bit easier in tricky conditions. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame, which is designed to keep the weight balanced. One of the key parts of this bike is its suspension setup. It gets fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension with long travel, which helps in handling bumps, rocks, and uneven surfaces. Because of this, the bike can absorb rough patches quite well, but on smooth roads, the suspension can feel a bit soft or bouncy depending on the setup. The ground clearance is high, which is useful when riding off-road. For braking, the KTM 890 Adventure R comes with disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. It also has an off-road ABS mode, which allows some wheel slip at the rear for better control on loose surfaces. The bike rides on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, which is a common setup for off-road focused motorcycles. These larger wheels help in rolling over obstacles more easily compared to smaller wheels. The design of the bike is quite different from regular motorcycles, especially because of its low-slung fuel tank. The fuel tank has a capacity of around 20 litres, and its shape helps in keeping the weight lower, which improves balance while riding. The seat height is around 880 mm, which is quite tall, and this can make it difficult for shorter riders to manage, especially when stopping or riding slowly. The riding position is upright, and the handlebar is wide, giving the rider better control, especially when standing and riding off-road. In terms of features, the bike comes with a TFT display that shows important information like speed, fuel level, trip details, and riding modes. It also includes electronic aids like traction control, multiple riding modes, and cornering ABS, which can be adjusted based on riding conditions. The bike also has ride-by-wire throttle, which helps in managing power delivery more smoothly. Overall, the KTM 890 Adventure R is built in a way that focuses on handling rough terrain, supported by its engine performance, suspension setup, and overall design. |
| Expert Review | Built around a 248.77cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine, the Bajaj Dominar 250 is designed to balance everyday usability with long-distance touring capability. The engine delivers smooth and predictable performance, with a strong emphasis on refinement and accessible power delivery rather than outright sportiness. Its perimeter frame, upside-down front forks, and rear monoshock contribute to stable handling and confident highway manners, while the upright riding position and well-cushioned seat support rider comfort during extended journeys. Dual-channel ABS, LED lighting, and a digital instrument cluster with navigation support add modern functionality, while the motorcycle's touring-friendly design allows riders to comfortably cover longer distances. The relatively high kerb weight provides stability at speed but can feel noticeable in congested traffic and low-speed manoeuvres. Overall, the Dominar 250 combines touring-oriented comfort, premium hardware, and practical performance within the 250cc sports tourer segment., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | The KTM 890 Adventure R is built mainly for off-road riding, and that is clear in the way it feels on different surfaces. It uses an 889cc parallel-twin engine that delivers strong and smooth power, especially when riding on open trails or highways. The suspension has long travel and feels soft enough to absorb bumps and rough patches, which helps when riding on dirt or broken roads. The riding position is upright and allows the rider to stand easily, which is useful off-road, but the tall seat height can make it a bit difficult for shorter riders. On highways, it stays stable, though wind protection is not as much as touring-focused bikes. It also comes with electronic features like ride modes, traction control, and ABS settings that can be adjusted based on riding conditions, but it may take some time to understand all the options., 4.2, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 248.77cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Bajaj Dominar 250 suitable for touring? A: Yes. The comfortable ergonomics, stable chassis, windshield, and refined engine make it suitable for long-distance highway touring. Q: What mileage does the Dominar 250 deliver? A: Most owners report real-world fuel efficiency between 30–38 kmpl, depending on riding conditions, speed, and maintenance. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Dominar 250? A: The motorcycle comes with a 13-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard equipment. Q: What is the seat height of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: The seat height is approximately 800 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: Is the Dominar 250 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with some basic riding experience can adapt to it comfortably, although the motorcycle's weight may require some familiarisation for complete beginners. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have Bluetooth connectivity and navigation? A: Yes. Recent versions offer Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation through the digital console. Q: What is the top speed of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can achieve approximately 130–140 km/h, depending on rider weight, weather, and road conditions. Q: How is the Dominar 250 different from the Dominar 400? A: The Dominar 250 uses a smaller engine, produces less power, and is generally more accessible for everyday riding, while the Dominar 400 offers stronger performance and higher touring capability. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have a slipper clutch? A: Yes. The motorcycle features an assist and slipper clutch, which helps reduce clutch effort and improves stability during downshifts. Q: Is the Dominar 250 comfortable for a pillion rider? A: Yes. The spacious rear seat and supportive grab rails provide reasonable comfort for passengers on daily rides and occasional tours. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: It is classified as a sports tourer motorcycle, combining touring comfort with everyday practicality and performance. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's extensive service network across India generally ensures good parts availability and maintenance support. Q: Does the Dominar 250 use the same engine as the KTM 250 Duke? A: The engine is derived from the same KTM-Bajaj platform but is tuned differently to suit the Dominar 250's touring-oriented character and riding dynamics. | Q: Is the KTM 890 Adventure R good for beginners? A: Not really. It is a powerful bike (around 100+ PS) and feels tall and heavy, so beginners may find it difficult to handle, especially off-road. Q: What is the real mileage of KTM 890 Adventure R? A: In normal riding, users can expect around 18–22 km/l, depending on riding style and terrain. Q: Is KTM 890 Adventure R comfortable for long rides? A: Yes, the upright position and seat help in long rides, but wind protection is average compared to touring-focused bikes. Q: Can KTM 890 Adventure R be used for daily city riding? A: It can be used, but the weight (around 215 kg) and height make it less convenient in traffic. Q: What is the seat height of KTM 890 Adventure R? Is it suitable for short riders? A: The seat height is quite tall (around 880 mm), so shorter riders may find it difficult to manage, especially at low speeds. Q: How good is KTM 890 Adventure R for off-road riding? A: This is one of its main strengths. The long suspension travel, 21-inch front wheel, and off-road electronics make it suitable for rough terrain. Q: Does KTM 890 Adventure R have ABS and riding modes? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS and multiple ride modes, which can be adjusted based on road or off-road conditions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 890 Adventure R? A: It has a 20-litre fuel tank, which is useful for long-distance touring. Q: Is maintenance expensive? A: Yes, compared to smaller bikes, service and parts can be expensive, especially for a premium ADV bike. Q: What are common issues owners talk about? A: Some users mention things like electrical issues, starting problems, or parts availability delays, though this can vary by usage and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the KTM 890 Adventure R? A: It can reach around 200–210 km/h, though it is not meant for top-speed riding |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 181460 | STD | 1580000 |
| Pros | Refined and Smooth Engine – The 248.77cc liquid-cooled engine offers smooth power delivery with good refinement levels, making it comfortable for both city rides and long-distance touring. Comfortable Highway Cruising – The motorcycle maintains stability at highway speeds and allows relaxed cruising without feeling strained. Touring-Friendly Riding Position – The upright ergonomics, wide handlebar, and spacious seat provide comfort during extended rides and daily commuting alike. Premium Hardware Package – Features such as upside-down front forks, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and a perimeter frame add to the motorcycle's overall equipment list. Confident High-Speed Stability – The chassis and weight distribution help the Dominar 250 remain planted on highways and open roads. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively while maintaining composure over rough surfaces. Modern Digital Features – A digital instrument console and secondary tank-mounted display provide access to essential ride information, navigation support, and smartphone connectivity. Suitable for Touring Accessories – The motorcycle's design accommodates luggage mounts and touring accessories more easily than many motorcycles in the segment. | High Power & Torque: The 889cc parallel-twin engine provides a strong, torquey character that works very well on and off road. Advanced Electronics: Features like multiple ride modes (Rally, Off-road, Street, Rain), cornering ABS, MTC traction control, and Quickshifter+ make the bike very versatile and safe. Capable Off-Road Performance: With long-travel WP XPLOR 48 mm USD forks and a high ground clearance (263 mm), the R is tuned for serious off-road riding. Excellent Suspension: The suspension is fully adjustable, offering great control whether you're on rugged trails or cruising highways. Good Fuel Efficiency for Touring: Owners report good fuel consumption (around 4.4 L/100km in some tests), which makes it practical for long-distance rides. Strong Build Quality: The steel frame, durable engine design, and rugged components make it reliable for adventure applications. Rally-Ready Ergonomics: Features like rally pegs, skid plate, and a 5-inch TFT display with GPS make it a true adventure machine out of the box. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (w/ slipper clutch) | 6 Speed Manual |
