Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 250
15.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Royal Enfield Himalayan
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 248.77 cc | 452 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Twin Spark, FI | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, DOHC, FI |
| Power | 19.85 kW (27 PS) @ 8,500 rpm | 40.02 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 23.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 40 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 17.0 L |
| Mileage | 35.03 Kmpl | 30 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 180 | 196 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 | Standard -825 mm Adjustable to 845 mm, Low-805 mm adjustable to 825 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS (Switchable) |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc with Abs | 320 mm ventilated Disc with Double piston Caliper |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork, 43 mm | Upside-down Fork |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc with Abs | 240 mm ventilated Disc with Single piston Caliper |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono-shock, 110 mm travel | Mono Shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80–17 Tubeless | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70–17 Tubeless | 140/80 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | — |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke Rims |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Full‑LED with AHO | LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 8 AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Citrus.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Himalayan-Black.jpg |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-7.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Himalyan1.jpg |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/himalyan2.jpg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HImalayan3.jpg |
| Cluster | Digital LCD w/ turn-by-turn navigation | 4 Inch round TFT display, Supports Map Navigation |
| Color Options | Canyon Red | #B32025 Sparkling Black | #1C1C1C Citrus Rush | #C7D300 | Hanle Black | #333438,#d1ae75 Kamet White | #f1f5f0,#a7b0ac Slate Poppy Blue | #6d7278,#526887 Slate Himalayan Salt | #616569,#ff7a75 Kaza Brown | #d9d5ca |
| 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. | Heavy Weight: Difficult to handle in city traffic. High Price: Costly compared to rivals in the same segment. Limited Tech: Lacks advanced features found in newer bikes. Moderate Performance: Not meant for aggressive riding. Maintenance Cost: Slightly higher upkeep and service costs. |
| 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 new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is more than just an updated version of the old Himalayan 411 — it’s a complete transformation of what an adventure motorcycle from Royal Enfield can be. Designed for riders who love exploring beyond paved roads, this bike represents a perfect balance between power, comfort, and endurance. It’s built to handle everything from daily commutes to high-altitude expeditions and challenging off-road trails. The Himalayan 450 has been engineered to take riders farther and deeper into unexplored terrain while offering the kind of reliability and comfort that long-distance touring demands. At the heart of the Himalayan 450 is the new 452 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Sherpa engine. This motor produces around 40 PS of power and 40 Nm of torque, giving the bike a strong mid-range punch that’s ideal for adventure riding. Whether you’re climbing steep mountain roads or cruising on highways, the engine feels smooth, refined, and responsive. The addition of liquid cooling ensures consistent performance in tough conditions like high altitudes or hot plains. A six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch and ride-by-wire throttle adds to its modern character, allowing riders to switch seamlessly between relaxed touring and spirited riding. The bike also offers multiple ride modes and switchable ABS, giving more control across different terrains. Where the Himalayan 450 truly shines is in its ability to adapt to any environment. Built on a brand-new steel twin-spar frame, the bike offers impressive stability and balance. The long-travel suspension — with 43 mm upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear — ensures that the motorcycle glides over potholes, gravel, and rocky trails without losing composure. The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, combined with dual-purpose tyres, provide excellent traction on both roads and dirt tracks. With a remarkable 230 mm of ground clearance, the Himalayan confidently clears obstacles that would stop most street bikes in their tracks. Despite its 196 kg kerb weight, the bike feels surprisingly manageable once in motion, giving riders the confidence to take on demanding routes. Comfort and practicality are also at the heart of its design. The ergonomics are upright and relaxed, with a seat that can be adjusted between 825 mm and 845 mm to suit different rider heights. The bike feels comfortable for long hours in the saddle, and the 17-litre fuel tank provides a range suitable for extended journeys without frequent refuelling stops. Whether you’re riding solo or with luggage, the Himalayan 450 feels composed and ready to take on thousands of kilometres of adventure. Royal Enfield has also equipped this bike with modern technology to make every journey easier. The 4-inch round TFT display supports Google Maps navigation, smartphone connectivity, and media controls — features that make long-distance touring more convenient. Full-LED lighting improves visibility during night rides, and the USB Type-C charging port ensures your devices stay powered throughout your trip. Priced from around ₹3.05 lakh (ex-showroom), the Himalayan 450 offers remarkable value for its capability. It’s not just meant for highways or city use — it’s designed for real adventure. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the snowy passes of Ladakh, this motorcycle is capable of handling it all. The new Himalayan 450 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a versatile, tough, and modern adventure companion built to conquer every landscape that India — and the world — can offer. |
| 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 | This motorcycle delivers a compelling blend of adventure-capability, modern tech and strong value. With its 452 cc liquid-cooled engine, genuine off-road hardware (21″ front wheel, long-travel suspension) and a smart feature set, it is very well suited for riders who want to explore highways and rough terrain. On the flip side, it’s heavy for urban commuting, vibrations still creep in, and it lacks some high-end rider aids (like traction control or cornering ABS) found on premium rivals. If your focus is touring, adventure rides and terrain-varied trips—and you’re comfortable with the size and weight—then the Himalayan 450 is a highly worthy buy. If most of your riding is in traffic-heavy city conditions or you favour nimble, ultra-light bikes, you might want to evaluate alternatives. In short: great pick for real adventure use, especially on Indian roads, but less ideal purely as a city commuter., 4, 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. | — |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | STD | 181460 | Kaza Brown | 305736 Slate Himalayan Salt | 310028 Slate Poppy Blue | 310028 Kamet White | 314319 Hanle Black | 319682 |
| 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. | Timeless Design: Retro styling with premium chrome and detailing. Refined Engine: Smooth J-series engine with less vibration. Comfortable Ride: Plush seat and balanced suspension for long rides. Strong Build: Feels sturdy and durable with solid metal parts. Good Mileage: Delivers around 35–40 km/l, decent for a 350cc bike. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (w/ slipper clutch) | 6 Speed Manuel |
