Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 250
19.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 310
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 248.77 cc | 312.2 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Twin Spark, FI | Single Cylinder,4 Stroke, Fuel Injected, Liquid Cooled, Spark Ignited Engine |
| Power | 19.85 kW (27 PS) @ 8,500 rpm | 35.6 PS @ 9,700 rpm |
| Torque | 23.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 27.1 PS @ 7500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 11 litres |
| Mileage | 35.03 Kmpl | 35 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 180 | 169 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with cornering ABS |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc with Abs | Disc |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork, 43 mm | 41 mm USD KYB fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc with Abs | Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono-shock, 110 mm travel | Solid Die-Cast Aluminium Swingarm directly hinged monoshocks, pre-load adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80–17 Tubeless | 110/70 - 17 (Michelin Road 5) |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70–17 Tubeless | 150/60 - 17 (Michelin Road 5) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Full‑LED with AHO | Adaptive Bi-LED headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12V, 8AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Citrus.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fury-Yellow.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-7.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fiery-Red.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Arsenal-Black.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Anniversary-Edition.avif |
| Cluster | Digital LCD w/ turn-by-turn navigation | 5-inch TFT SmartXonnect with Ride Modes, Bluetooth, Navigation, GoPro, etc. |
| Color Options | Canyon Red | #B32025 Sparkling Black | #1C1C1C Citrus Rush | #C7D300 | Arsenal Black | #0B0B0B Fury Yellow | #FFC300 Sepang Blue | #0A4273 Fiery Red | #C1121F Anniversary Edition | #C5A059, #0A0A0A |
| 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. | Vibrations: This is the most common complaint among owners. Vibrations are noticeable in the handlebars, footpegs, and seat, especially when pushing past 6,000–7,000 RPM. Small Fuel Tank: The 11-litre fuel tank (some reports suggest even less usable capacity) limits the bike's touring range, requiring frequent fuel stops. Expensive Top-End Variants: While the base price is competitive, the fully loaded BTO (Build-To-Order) kits can push the price significantly higher, sometimes rivaling the KTM 390 Duke. Service & Parts Availability: Some users have reported long wait times for spare parts and a lack of specialized technicians at certain service centers to handle the advanced electronics. Heat Management: In heavy stop-and-go traffic, some riders have noted that the engine can run quite hot, though this is common for high-compression 300cc+ engines. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 brings together a mix of performance-focused engineering and modern electronics, built on a platform that’s designed to handle both everyday riding and more demanding conditions. At its core is a 312 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a little over 35 bhp and close to 29 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch, which helps keep the bike stable during quick downshifts. The power delivery is tuned in a way that offers a strong mid-range, making it usable in city speeds while still having enough performance when pushed further. The bike also comes with multiple riding modes that adjust throttle response, ABS sensitivity, and traction control levels. These modes change how the bike behaves in different situations, whether it’s relaxed city riding or more aggressive use. Along with this, features like ride-by-wire throttle and cruise control add to the overall riding experience, especially on longer stretches where maintaining a constant speed becomes easier. Underneath, the Apache RTR 310 uses a trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe, which helps in maintaining structural rigidity while keeping the weight balanced. The suspension setup includes upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, with adjustability available in certain variants. This allows riders to fine-tune the suspension based on their preference or road conditions. The setup tends to feel slightly firm, which can be noticeable on rough roads but contributes to better control at higher speeds. For braking, the bike gets disc brakes at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. It also includes more advanced systems like cornering ABS and traction control, which use an IMU to track the bike’s lean angle and movement. These systems continuously adjust braking force and wheel spin, especially when the bike is leaned over or when grip levels are low. The tyres are wide and designed to offer better road contact, adding to stability during cornering and braking. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a relatively compact yet muscular stance. The seat height is around 800 mm, which should be manageable for a wide range of riders. The kerb weight is close to 170 kg, giving it a planted feel without making it too heavy to handle at low speeds. The fuel tank capacity is around 11 litres, which aligns with its performance-oriented nature rather than long-distance touring focus. On the feature side, the Apache RTR 310 includes a fully digital TFT display that shows a range of information such as speed, gear position, ride mode, navigation, and more. It also supports smartphone connectivity, allowing access to call alerts, music control, and ride data. Additional elements like all-LED lighting, different riding aids, and customizable settings reflect the bike’s focus on integrating technology with performance. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 presents itself as a hyper-naked streetfighter that prioritizes a high-tech riding experience through its extensive electronics suite and aggressive mechanical styling. The 312.2cc reverse-inclined engine is engineered for immediate throttle response and agility, making it a competitive option for urban environments and technical corners where flickability is key. While the inclusion of premium hardware like the Michelin Road 5 tyres and a bi-directional quickshifter enhances the overall performance profile, the bike's refinement is characterized by noticeable engine vibrations in the mid-to-high rev range and a relatively compact fuel capacity. The build-to-order customization platform allows for significant hardware upgrades, such as adjustable suspension and climate-controlled seating, though these additions shift the bike into a higher price bracket compared to its base configuration., 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 comfortable for daily use? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 is reasonably comfortable for city rides, but its slightly sporty riding posture and firm seat can feel tiring during long traffic hours or extended rides. Q: How is the TVS Apache RTR 310 engine performance in real riding conditions? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 offers strong mid-range performance and quick throttle response. It pulls well in everyday riding, although low-speed smoothness could be better. Q: Does the TVS Apache RTR 310 heat up a lot in traffic? A: Yes, the TVS Apache RTR 310 does generate noticeable heat in slow-moving traffic, especially in hot weather, which is common for bikes in this performance segment. Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 310 suitable for beginners? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 can be manageable for beginners if ridden carefully, but its power and features may feel overwhelming at first. The riding modes do help make it easier to handle. Q: How good are the brakes and safety features on the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 has strong braking performance and comes with features like ABS and traction control, which improve overall safety and rider confidence. Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 310 good for long rides or touring? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 can handle occasional touring, but it’s not primarily designed for long-distance comfort. Windblast and seat firmness can become noticeable over time. Q: What mileage can you expect from the TVS Apache RTR 310 in real-world conditions? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 typically delivers mileage in the mid-20s to low-30s km/l range, depending on riding style and conditions. Q: Are the electronics on the TVS Apache RTR 310 actually useful? A: Many features on the TVS Apache RTR 310, like riding modes, traction control, and cruise control, are genuinely useful, though some may not be used daily. Q: Is maintenance expensive for the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: Maintenance for the TVS Apache RTR 310 is slightly higher than simpler bikes due to its advanced components and performance-focused setup. Q: What is one downside of the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: One drawback of the TVS Apache RTR 310 is that it can feel a bit complex for riders who prefer a simple motorcycle, and low-speed refinement is not the best. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 181460 | Arsenal Black Base Without Quickshifter | 222740 Fury Yellow Base | 239890 Arsenal Black Base | 239890 Fiery Red Base | 244490 BTO 1 | 275000 BTO 2 | 285000 Limited Edition | 288190 |
| 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. | Feature-Rich Electronics: Riders frequently praise the 5-inch TFT display and segment-first features like cruise control, climatic control (heated/cooled) seats, and a 6D IMU that enables cornering ABS and traction control. Performance & Handling: The 312.2cc engine offers punchy mid-range power and instant throttle response. Users highlight its agility and light kerb weight (169kg), making it excellent for flicking through city traffic. Exceptional Grip: It comes standard with Michelin Road 5 tyres, which are highly rated by users for providing superior confidence in both dry and wet conditions. Smooth Quickshifter: The bi-directional quickshifter is often cited as one of the best in its class, offering seamless gear shifts without using the clutch. Aggressive Styling: Its "Cyborg" inspired design and twin LED headlights give it a massive road presence that consistently turns heads. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (w/ slipper clutch) | 6-speed manual with bi-directional quickshifter |
