Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched with 350cc Engine and Price Cut by INR 37000: Why the Engine Downsizing Matters

The Bajaj Dominar price cut is one of the rare moments in India’s two‑wheeler market where a newer model becomes cheaper than the one it replaces. Bajaj Auto has reduced the Dominar’s price by ₹37,000 after switching to a smaller 350cc‑class engine. The move changes the tax bracket, which is the real reason the price is dropping – not a discount or festival offer.

This matters because the Dominar is a popular touring motorcycle, and pricing is one of the biggest barriers in this segment. Bajaj is trying to make touring more accessible without altering the bike’s overall identity. Let’s break down what has changed, what hasn’t, and what this means for buyers.

What changed: engine size and tax bracket

The Dominar 400 now uses a 349.13cc engine, down from the previous 373cc unit. This change moves the bike into the sub‑350cc GST slab, which is taxed at 18% instead of the higher rate for bikes above 350cc. That tax shift is what makes the ₹37,000 price cut possible.

In earlier week also, popular bike Triumph Tracker 400 downsized its engine size to 350cc for the same reason.

It’s a strategic change and it has re‑engineered it to fit into a lower tax category. That gives Bajaj room to cut prices without hurting its margins too much, while still keeping the bike positioned as a premium tourer.

New price: what buyers pay now

Most reports list the new ex‑showroom price at ₹2.03 lakh (Delhi), down from around ₹2.40 lakh earlier. For buyers, this is a real, upfront savings – not a temporary offer. It also makes the Dominar more competitive against 350cc rivals, especially for riders considering long‑distance touring on a budget.

Downsizing does not always mean weaker performance, but here the changes are small and specific:

• Power is now reported at 40.04 bhp, marginally higher than before.
• Torque drops to 33.2 Nm, about 1.8 Nm lower than the earlier engine.
• Torque also arrives at a slightly different RPM range.

In daily use, most riders won’t notice a big drop in performance – especially if they use the bike for commuting and highway cruising. But heavy touring riders might feel the reduced torque in steep climbs or while riding fully loaded.

Despite the engine change, the Dominar’s core hardware remains the same.

• Perimeter frame
• USD front forks and rear monoshock
• Dual‑channel ABS
• 17‑inch alloy wheels
• 13‑litre fuel tank
• Touring‑oriented ergonomics

That is important because the Dominar’s identity is built around stability, highway comfort, and long‑distance durability. Bajaj appears to have protected those traits while only changing the engine capacity.

Competitor check: where the Dominar now sits

The Dominar competes in the mid‑range touring and performance segment. Its key rivals include:

• Royal Enfield 350‑400 class models
• Triumph 350 series
• Entry‑level KTM touring options

Most of these bikes already sit below or near the 350cc tax threshold. That means Bajaj needed this price correction to stay competitive.

Now, the Dominar can compete on price while still offering strong highway touring performance. Its biggest edge is that it remains a true touring‑focused machine, not just a city‑biased roadster.

Conclusion

The Bajaj Dominar price cut of ₹37,000 is driven by a smaller engine that qualifies the bike for a lower tax slab. The price has dropped to around ₹2.03 lakh ex‑showroom, while the bike retains its touring‑focused hardware and design. Power remains similar, torque is slightly lower, and most daily riders won’t notice a major drop in performance.

For buyers, the result is simple: a well‑known touring motorcycle is now more accessible. If you’ve been considering the Dominar but held back on price, this update makes it far easier to justify. The next step is to test ride and compare against rivals in the 350cc class.

Facts Input- Bikewale