The Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 Duke are two of the most exciting affordable performance motorcycles available in India today. While they share the same basic 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the two bikes offer very different riding experiences, catering to riders with distinct priorities and preferences. Given the Rs. 81,000 price difference, it’s worth asking if KTM 390 Duke is worth the premium over Bajaj Dominar 400, does it offer more, or is it really all that different?
A Shared Heart
At the core, both the Dominar 400 and 390 Duke are powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine developed jointly by Bajaj and KTM. However, the engine is tuned differently in each motorcycle to match their intended characteristics.
In the KTM, this powerplant makes 43.5 PS at 9000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. It’s paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. The 390 Duke’s engine is tuned for explosive performance, with most of its grunt concentrated at the top of the rev range.
The Dominar’s engine, in contrast, is tuned for a stronger bottom-end and mid-range. The motor makes 40 PS at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm at 6500 rpm in this guise, working with a 6-speed transmission. While the peak output figures are slightly lower than the KTM’s, the Dominar offers a more linear power delivery that many riders find easier to manage.
Chalk and Cheese
The distinctions between the Dominar 400 and 390 Duke go far beyond their engines. The Dominar 400 is positioned as a power cruiser, with a heavy front end, relaxed ergonomics, and plush suspension. It uses a beam type perimeter frame suspended on chunky 43mm front forks and a multi-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The bike has a 1453mm wheelbase, 157mm ground clearance, and weighs 184 kg kerb.
All these factors give the Dominar 400 fantastic straight-line stability, making it a great motorcycle for highway cruising. While not a corner-carver, the Dominar is more than happy to lean into sweeping bends at a good clip. The bike’s comfortable ergonomics make it well-suited for long stints in the saddle, with a large, plush seat, and raised handlebars that put the rider in a relaxed posture.
The 390 Duke, in stark contrast, is built to attack twisty roads and race tracks. It employs a steel trellis frame suspended on 43mm upside-down WP forks and a preload-adjustable WP monoshock. The 390 Duke has a shorter 1357mm wheelbase, 185mm of ground clearance, and tips the scales at just 149 kg (dry). Its handlebar-seat-footpeg triangle puts the rider in an aggressive stance, with high-set footpegs and low clip-on handlebars.
On a winding stretch of tarmac, the 390 Duke’s sharp chassis, firm suspension, and eager engine come together beautifully, allowing the bike to make quick directional changes while maintaining impressive composure. The KTM is an out-and-out sport naked, and its ergonomics reflect that, prioritizing control and feedback over long-distance comfort.
Two Ends of the Spectrum
In terms of electronic rider aids and hardware, the KTM 390 Duke is the clear leader. It comes standard with dual-channel ABS (with optional Supermoto mode), a bi-directional quick-shifter, ride-by-wire throttle, full-color TFT dash, and LED lighting all around. The Dominar 400 keeps things relatively simple, offering dual-channel ABS and an LED headlamp in a largely analogue package.
Currently, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is priced at Rs. 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom), while the 2023 KTM 390 Duke will set you back by Rs. 3.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The price difference between the two bikes is substantial, but the KTM does offer more sophisticated hardware and electronics.
So, which one should you pick? That depends entirely on the kind of rider you are. If you’re looking for a comfortable, laid-back motorcycle for leisurely rides and touring, the Dominar 400 is a fantastic choice. It’s stable, comfortable, and has enough performance to keep things entertaining.
However, if you’re an aggressive rider who loves attacking corners and seeks thrills on twisty roads, the KTM 390 Duke is the bike for you. Its explosive engine, sharp handling, and up-market hardware make it a hoot to ride fast, while its edgy styling turns heads wherever it goes.
Ultimately, both the Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 Duke are excellent motorcycles that cater to different audiences. By understanding your own priorities and riding style, you can pick the bike that fits you best, and rest assured that you’ll be getting a highly capable machine no matter which one you choose.
The post Sibling Rivalry: Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 Duke compared first appeared on Cartoq.
Source link
