Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 400
19.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Oil-cooled with Ram-Air Assist |
| Displacement | 349.13 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, DOHC, 4‑valve, Fuel Injected | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, fuel-injected |
| Power | 40.6 PS @ 9000 rpm | 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 33.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 14.73 Nm @ 7250 rpm (Sport Mode) |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | — | 41 |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 190 | 144–146 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual‑channel ABS | Single/Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc (320 mm) with dual-channel ABS | 270 mm Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, 43 mm USD Fork, Wheel Travel - 135 mm | Upside Down Forks with 37mm dia |
| Rear Brake | Disc (230 mm) with dual-channel ABS | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-step Adjustable Mono Shock with Nitrox, Wheel Travel - 110 mm | Monotube Inverted Gas Filled Shox (MIG) With Spring Aid |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 110/70‑17 tubeless | 90/90 – 17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60‑17 tubeless | 130/70 – 17 (Tubeless, Radial) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | Full‑LED with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) | LED with DRL |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12V, 6Ah MF |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/D400-Green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matte-black-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Granite-black.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Blue.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Black-1.avif |
| Cluster | Bonded digital LCD with turn‑by‑turn navigation | Fully digital with SmartXonnect |
| Color Options | Aurora Green | #4A5D23 Charcoal Black | #232323 | Marine Blue | #315C9B Racing Red | #A50000 Pearl White | #F2F2EE Matte Black | #1A1A1A Glossy Black (BE) | #151515 Granite Grey | #6B6F76 |
| Cons | Heavy Kerb Weight – The motorcycle remains noticeably heavier than many rivals, especially during parking manoeuvres, low-speed riding, and congested city traffic. Heat Felt in Slow Traffic – The larger liquid-cooled engine can generate noticeable heat around the rider's legs during prolonged stop-and-go conditions. Fuel Efficiency Lower Than Smaller Motorcycles – Compared to 250cc and commuter-oriented motorcycles, fuel consumption is relatively higher, particularly during aggressive riding. Less Agile in Urban Conditions – While highly stable on highways, the motorcycle can feel less nimble than lighter street bikes in tight traffic situations. 13-Litre Fuel Tank Could Be Larger for Touring – Riders covering long highway distances may prefer a larger fuel tank to reduce the frequency of refuelling stops. Weight May Challenge New Riders – The motorcycle's size, power output, and kerb weight can take time to get used to for inexperienced riders. Premium Maintenance Costs – Tyres, brake components, and routine servicing generally cost more than those of smaller-capacity motorcycles. Advanced Electronics Still Limited – Some competitors now offer ride-by-wire throttles, TFT displays, multiple riding modes, and traction control systems that are absent on the Dominar 400. Suspension Setup Prioritizes Stability Over Agility – The motorcycle focuses more on highway comfort and stability than sharp cornering responsiveness. | Engine vibrations can still be noticed at higher RPMs, especially during longer highway rides or aggressive acceleration. The seat cushioning and slightly committed riding posture may feel tiring on very long rides compared to more relaxed commuter motorcycles. Fit-and-finish quality in some plastic panels and switches could feel better considering the competition in this segment. The rear suspension can feel slightly firm on rough roads, especially for pillion comfort. Service experience varies depending on the dealership location, and some owners have reported inconsistent after-sales support. The sporty tuning prioritizes performance more than outright refinement, so riders looking for a very smooth commuter bike may prefer calmer alternatives like the Yamaha FZ or Honda SP160. |
| Detailed Overview | Long highway stretches are where the Bajaj Dominar 400 feels most at home. Unlike motorcycles that focus primarily on urban commuting or outright sport riding, the Dominar 400 is built around the idea of covering distance while maintaining comfort and stability. Its substantial dimensions, muscular fuel tank, upright riding posture, and touring-oriented equipment create a motorcycle that is equally capable of handling daily travel and extended weekend rides. At the heart of the motorcycle is a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces around 40 PS of power and 33.2 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, the engine delivers performance across a broad rev range, allowing riders to accelerate confidently, maintain highway cruising speeds, and overtake slower traffic without frequent downshifts. The liquid-cooling system helps regulate engine temperatures during demanding riding conditions, while fuel injection contributes to smooth throttle response and consistent power delivery. The motorcycle’s overall design reflects its touring-focused nature. A compact windscreen sits above the LED headlamp, helping reduce wind pressure on the rider during highway travel. The sculpted fuel tank, split-seat arrangement, and exposed perimeter frame give the motorcycle a muscular appearance, while LED lighting throughout the motorcycle adds a modern touch. The bodywork remains functional rather than overly aggressive, prioritizing rider comfort and practicality over track-inspired styling. Supporting the engine is a perimeter frame chassis combined with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension system. This setup is designed to provide stability at higher speeds while maintaining comfort across varying road conditions. Whether travelling on smooth highways or encountering uneven road surfaces, the suspension works to absorb impacts and maintain composure. The motorcycle’s relatively long wheelbase further contributes to its planted feel during long-distance riding. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both ends, assisted by dual-channel ABS. The braking system is intended to provide controlled deceleration while reducing the chances of wheel lock-up under hard braking conditions. An assist-and-slipper clutch is also included, helping reduce clutch effort in everyday riding and improving stability during rapid downshifts. Technology and convenience features form another important part of the package. The digital instrument cluster displays essential riding information, including speed, fuel level, trip readings, gear position, and navigation-related data. Bluetooth connectivity allows integration with compatible smartphones for call alerts, message notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. These features are aimed at riders who spend extended periods on the road and require easy access to travel information. Comfort remains central to the riding experience. A wide handlebar, upright seating position, and spacious seat help reduce fatigue during longer journeys. The 800 mm seat height accommodates a broad range of riders, while the 13-litre fuel tank provides a practical riding range between fuel stops. Together, these elements create a motorcycle that combines touring capability, modern technology, and everyday usability within the premium sports tourer segment. | Some motorcycles feel fast only when pushed hard, but the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V starts showing its character much earlier. Even in regular city traffic, the bike feels alert and eager, especially when the throttle is opened through the mid-range. The 159.7cc oil-cooled engine has a very different personality compared to basic commuter bikes. Instead of focusing only on mileage and relaxed riding, it delivers stronger acceleration and a sharper response that makes everyday riding feel more active. The 4-valve setup helps the engine pull more freely at higher RPMs, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and highway stretches where the motorcycle continues building speed without feeling strained. The bike uses a 5-speed gearbox, and the gear shifts feel light enough for daily commuting. Newer versions also get ride modes like Sport, Urban, and Rain. Sport mode keeps the throttle response aggressive and lets the motorcycle feel at its quickest, while Urban and Rain modes calm things down slightly for smoother riding in traffic or wet conditions. It is not something most riders constantly switch between every day, but it does change the feel of the motorcycle depending on road conditions. Visually, the Apache RTR 160 4V carries a sharp streetfighter design with aggressive tank shrouds, LED lighting, and sporty graphics. The motorcycle looks compact and muscular rather than bulky, which suits its lightweight and agile nature. The riding posture also reflects that balance. It is slightly sporty with rear-set footpegs and a forward-leaning stance, but not uncomfortable enough to become tiring during normal commuting. Where the motorcycle really stands out is handling. The chassis feels light and responsive, and the bike changes direction quickly without feeling nervous. In traffic, this makes the motorcycle easy to filter through gaps, while on open roads it feels stable enough to maintain confidence at higher speeds. The telescopic front forks and rear monoshock suspension are tuned on the firmer side, which helps during cornering and spirited riding, though rough potholes can sometimes be felt more clearly than on softer commuter bikes. Braking performance is another strong point. Higher variants receive dual-channel ABS along with disc brakes at both ends, and the braking feel remains progressive without becoming too sharp. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres that offer decent grip for both city and highway usage. The Apache RTR 160 4V also packs more technology than many motorcycles in this segment. The fully digital display supports Bluetooth connectivity through TVS SmartXonnect, giving access to navigation, call alerts, gear position indication, ride statistics, and even lean angle data on some variants. The interface feels modern without becoming distracting while riding. Despite its sporty character, the motorcycle still manages decent fuel efficiency. Most riders see around 40–45 km/l in mixed riding conditions, which keeps it practical enough for everyday use. The 12-litre fuel tank also gives it enough range for longer weekend rides without frequent fuel stops. Overall, the Apache RTR 160 4V feels like a motorcycle built for riders who enjoy an active riding experience but still need something usable for daily life. It mixes sporty performance, quick handling, modern features, and commuter practicality in a way that keeps the bike entertaining without making it difficult to live with. |
| Expert Review | Built around an updated 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine, the Bajaj Dominar 400 continues to focus on long-distance touring capability while balancing everyday usability. The engine delivers strong mid-range performance and relaxed highway cruising characteristics, supported by a 6-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch. Its perimeter frame, upside-down front forks, and well-balanced chassis contribute to stable high-speed behaviour, while the upright riding position and spacious seating arrangement enhance rider comfort during extended journeys. Touring-oriented elements such as the windshield, wide handlebar, and luggage compatibility further reinforce its highway-focused nature. Modern features including LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, and digital instrumentation add practicality for daily riding and touring alike. The motorcycle's heavier kerb weight improves stability at speed but can feel noticeable during low-speed manoeuvres and dense traffic conditions. Overall, the Dominar 400 combines strong touring ability, refined performance, premium hardware, and everyday practicality within the sports tourer motorcycle segment., 4.5, MotoAutiv Team | The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V feels like a motorcycle that was built with rider involvement in mind rather than just basic commuting. Its 4-valve engine delivers stronger top-end performance and quicker throttle response compared to the standard RTR 160, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and higher-speed riding. The bike feels sharp while cornering, and the chassis gives a stable and confident feel even when ridden aggressively through city roads or highways. At the same time, it still manages to remain practical enough for everyday use, with decent fuel efficiency and a suspension setup that balances sporty handling with reasonable comfort. Features like ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and the digital instrument console make the motorcycle feel modern without becoming overly complicated. However, the sporty tuning also means some vibrations are still present at higher RPMs, and the slightly aggressive riding posture may not feel as relaxed on long-distance rides. Overall, the Apache RTR 160 4V combines sporty performance, agile handling, and modern features in a way that makes it feel more engaging than a typical commuter-focused 160cc motorcycle., 4.5, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: The latest Dominar 400 is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Bajaj Dominar 400 suitable for touring? A: Yes. The motorcycle is designed with touring in mind and offers comfortable ergonomics, stable highway manners, a windshield, and support for touring accessories. Q: What mileage does the Dominar 400 deliver? A: Most owners can expect a real-world fuel efficiency of approximately 28–35 kmpl, depending on riding style, speed, and road conditions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Dominar 400? A: The motorcycle comes with a 13-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard equipment. Q: What is the seat height of the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: The seat height is approximately 800 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have Bluetooth connectivity and navigation? A: Yes. Recent versions include Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation through the digital instrument console. Q: What is the top speed of the Dominar 400? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can achieve approximately 150–160 km/h, depending on rider weight, weather, and road conditions. Q: Is the Dominar 400 comfortable for long highway rides? A: Yes. The upright riding position, spacious seat, windscreen, and stable chassis make it suitable for covering long distances. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have a slipper clutch? A: Yes. An assist-and-slipper clutch is provided to reduce clutch effort and improve stability during downshifts. Q: Is the Dominar 400 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with some experience can adapt to it comfortably, but its weight and performance may require a learning period for complete beginners. Q: How does the Dominar 400 differ from the Dominar 250? A: The Dominar 400 offers a larger and more powerful engine, stronger acceleration, and enhanced highway performance, while sharing a similar touring-focused design philosophy. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: It is classified as a sports tourer motorcycle, combining long-distance comfort, highway stability, and everyday usability. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's widespread dealership and service network across India generally ensures convenient maintenance and spare parts availability. Q: Does the Dominar 400 support luggage and touring accessories? A: Yes. The motorcycle is commonly fitted with saddle stays, top racks, luggage carriers, tank bags, and other touring accessories, making it suitable for long-distance travel. | Q: What is the engine capacity of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 159.7cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine. Q: What is the power output of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The bike produces around 17.3 bhp in Sport mode and approximately 14.8 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V give? A: Real-world mileage usually stays around 40–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 114–120 km/h. Q: Does the Apache RTR 160 4V have riding modes? A: Yes, newer variants offer Sport, Urban, and Rain riding modes. Q: Does the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V get Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, higher variants support TVS SmartXonnect with navigation, call alerts, and ride analytics. Q: What type of cooling system does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses an oil-cooled engine setup. Q: What brakes are offered on the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: It comes with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS on higher variants. Q: What suspension setup does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The bike uses telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: Depending on the variant, kerb weight is around 144–146 kg. Q: Does the Apache RTR 160 4V have LED lights? A: Yes, the motorcycle gets LED headlamp and LED DRLs in newer variants. Q: Is the Apache RTR 160 4V suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes, despite its sporty nature, the bike remains practical enough for everyday city riding. Q: Is the Apache RTR 160 4V good for highway riding? A: Yes, the motorcycle feels stable at highway speeds and has enough performance for touring, though some vibrations can be noticed at higher RPMs. Q: What tyre setup does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The bike uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 203214 | RM Disc (Black Edition) | 118690 Single Channel ABS | 125440 Dual Channel ABS with USD | 130690 USD with TFT | 138190 |
| Pros | Strong Touring Performance – The updated 349cc liquid-cooled engine delivers strong acceleration and highway cruising ability, making long-distance riding more effortless. Improved Mid-Range Power Delivery – The engine offers better tractability and stronger mid-range performance, helping with overtakes and relaxed highway riding. Excellent Highway Stability – The motorcycle feels planted at higher speeds due to its weight, chassis setup, and long wheelbase, contributing to rider confidence during touring. Comfortable Riding Ergonomics – The upright seating posture, wide handlebars, and spacious seat help reduce fatigue on extended rides. Premium Touring-Oriented Hardware – Upside-down front forks, perimeter frame, dual-channel ABS, assist and slipper clutch, and LED lighting contribute to the motorcycle's equipment package. Refined Engine Character – The liquid-cooled DOHC engine delivers smoother power delivery and better refinement across varying riding conditions. Touring-Friendly Design – The windshield, luggage mounting capability, and stable chassis make the motorcycle suitable for highway travel and touring accessories. Feature-Rich Instrumentation – Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, digital consoles, and ride information displays add convenience for touring and everyday riding. Good High-Speed Cruising Comfort – The engine remains relaxed at cruising speeds, helping riders cover long distances with less strain. | The 159.7cc 4-valve engine feels noticeably stronger and more refined than the regular RTR 160, especially in the mid and top-end range. Acceleration feels quick and lively during overtakes and spirited riding. Handling is one of the bike’s biggest strengths. The chassis feels sharp while cornering, and the motorcycle remains stable even during fast direction changes and higher-speed riding. The suspension setup balances sporty handling with everyday comfort reasonably well, making the bike usable both for city commuting and occasional highway rides. Features like riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, gear position indicator, and a fully digital display help the motorcycle feel modern within the segment. The exhaust note and aggressive styling give the bike a sporty road presence without becoming excessively loud or flashy. Braking performance on the disc variants feels confident, and dual-channel ABS on higher variants improves control during hard braking situations. The bike manages to maintain decent fuel efficiency despite its sporty tuning, with real-world mileage usually staying around 40–45 km/l depending on riding style. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (with slipper clutch) | 5-speed manual |
