It has been some time since the Duke 390 and Dominar have indulged in a fierce rivalry, with a number of common traits and a few stand-out highlights of their own, both give a tough competition to one another. Both of them have a character of their own, and so different fan bases as well, but from the perspective of an unbiased buyer which one pack in more potential and sound as the better buy?
If you have had the same query, the parameter based comparison will help you in making an informed decision
BS6 Bajaj Dominar 400 Vs KTM Duke 390: Engine Specifications
Bike/Engine Traits | Engine Displacement | Power | Torque | Fuel Efficiency |
Bajaj Dominar | 373.3 cc | 38.8 BHP | 35 Nm | 32.29 kmpl |
KTM Duke 390 | 373.3 cc | 42.9 BHP | 37.9 Nm | 28.50 kmpl |
Both the bikes get the same single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooling, 373 cc engine. However, as far as the engine output is concerned, Duke 390 has better numbers. It is more powerful & torquey as mentioned in the table. Both the bikes get a 6-speed manual transmission with slipper clutch.
Though for a buyer spending more than Rs. 2 Lakhs on a bike, fuel efficiency figures will not have a large say. If it concerns anybody, Dominar returns slightly better efficiency figures.
Dimensions
Bike / Dimensions | Weight (kg) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Fuel tank Capacity (liters) |
Bajaj Dominar | 184 | 2156 | 836 | 1112 | 13 |
KTM Duke 390 | 163 | 2072 | 831 | 1109 | 13.4 |
As the aforementioned table suggests, the kerb weight difference of almost 21 kilograms comes out as the major difference between the two, it translates into better performance by for Duke 390 whenever taken out on the tracks as compared to the Dominar.
The size, on the other hand, for the two bikes are almost the same, with almost similar width and height dimensions. As far as length is concerned, Dominar takes a marginal lead with a longer stance (80 mm longer than Duke 390).
Underpinnings
Bajaj Dominar 400 | KTM Duke 390 | |
Chasis | Perimeter Frame | Split-trellis Frame |
Front Suspension | 43mm Upside-Down fork (USD) | 43mm WP Upside-Down fork (USD) |
Rear Suspension | 5-Step Adjustable Nitrox monoshocker | 5-Step Adjustable WP Monoshocker |
Front Brake | 320mm Disc (With 4 Piston Radial Calliper) | 320mm Disc (4 Piston Radial Calliper) |
Rear Brake | 230mm Disc (With SIngle Piston Calliper) | 230mm Disc (With SIngle Piston Calliper) |
Front Tyres | 110/70-17 | 110/70 – R17 |
Rear Tyres | 150/60-17 | 150/60 – R17 |
Underpinnings of both the bikes are largely the same, expect the chassis/frame on which they are based on. The Duke 390 sits on a split-trellis frame which is lighter and rigid compared to the dominar's perimeter frame. Also, it comes with a light weight aluminium swingarm. This complete setup helps the duke 390 for superior handling, especially in corners. On the other hand, Perimeter Frame is also known for a better riding performance. However, split trellis is more dominating here.
Features
Features/Bike | KTM Duke 390 | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
DRLs | Yes | Yes |
Braking System | Switchable ABS | Dual-Channel ABS |
Speedometer | Digital | Digital |
Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
Tripmeter | Digital | Digital |
Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
Headlight type | LED | LED |
Tail Light | LED tail lamp | LED tail lamp |
Instrumentation console | Digital | Digital |
Low fuel warning | Yes | Yes |
As far as the features are concerned, both the bikes offer a lot, the feature list on offer justifies the price tag very well.
Even they are well equipped on the safety front as both get Dual-channel ABS, and the Duke manages to take it even further with switchable ABS on offer.
Pricing
Dominar takes this cherry of the cake, as it retails at a price substantially lower than the Duke 390. The Dominar comes at a price tag of Rs 1.94 Lakhs, while the Duke 390 retails at the price of Rs. 2.55 Lakhs, which means that the Bajaj flagship undercuts the Duke 390 with a price difference of almost Rs. 60,000
Conclusion
Though both of these bikes share a lot in common and scores equally on many fronts. They also have USPs of their own. The Dominar 400 sounds as a better bet, well suited to Indian roads, and will deliver brilliantly on the highways. Also, it offers a lot more comforting seating position as compared to Duke 39. Even both motorcycles offers the same set of goodies, the dominar still costs almost Rs 60,000 less than the Duke 390.
Its counterpart, Duke 390 will perform better on the tracks due to significantly lesser weight & better framing. It even has a better build quality but when it comes to sitting comfort and ride quality, the Duke 390 does not fare as well as the Dominar does.
