2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 Duke vs Royal Enfield Himalayan
Bajaj officially launched the 2019 model of Domininer 400 in India. There are several updates to the motorcycle, which has resulted in an increase of 10,795 rupees compared to the previous version. The Sports Tourer is now available at 1.73 lakh rupees (ex-showroom, Delhi). Keeping in view its pricing and displacement, Dominar 400 competes against the Adventure Enhancer of Enfield, the Himalayan. Meanwhile, Dominer 400 also shares its powerplant and bicycle parts with KTM 390 Duke. After saying this, let's see how these three motorcycles piled against each other in comparison to this on-paper.
In terms of design, all three motorcycles have their own character. Domenir 400 is a touring motorcycle that offers a sporty but relaxed approach. It comes with styling elements like headlamps, chiselled fuel tanks, upstep tail sections and dual-barrel exits, which make it aggressive. Now, the KTM 390 Duke is a notch up when it comes to an aggressive design language and takes inspiration from the 1290 SuperDuke R. It sports split-type headlamp setup, spiked tank extension, trail frame and a beautiful tail section. Meanwhile, the design of the Royal Enfield Himalayan wants to justify its bold touring tag with a long stance, long travel suspension, dual-purpose tires, long windscreen and minimalistic body panels.
On the feature front, the KTM 390 Duke leads the pack with its TFT LCD instrument cluster, which displays a host of information and receives Bluetooth-connectivity. There is also an all-LED headlamp, ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch and three modes for ABS. For Domineer 400, it offers complete digital instrument cluster, LED headlamp, slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS. However, ABS is not switched and it misses on ride-by-wire throttle. The Royal Enfield Himalayan keeps it simple in this department and only offers ABS in the case of electronics.
Starting with the most powerful motorcycle, the KTM 390 Duke is powered by 373.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which churns 42.9bhp and 37Nm. This motor comes for a slick six-speed gearbox. Dominer 400 shares its engine with 390 Duke, but Dominer's touring has been designed differently according to the character. For the 2019 model, the motorcycle has got a collision in its power, thanks to the inclusion of the DOHC. Now, it produces 39.4bhp and 35Nm, which is an increase of around 5bhp. Talking about the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Adventure Tourer is powered by 411cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected motor which generates 24.5bhp and 32Nm, which is very low.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is outlined by a split cradle frame and, being a bold tourer, it rides 21-inch and 17-inch rear speak wheels on the front. The bike has been suspended from the dual shock absorber on the telescopic front forks (200 mm) and rear (180 mm). 300 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc are taken care of in braking.
Now, 2019 Domininer 400 is placed under a circumference frame, while the 390 Duke is built around the steel trail frame. In addition, motorcycles share similar mechanicals. Both bikes ride on 17-inch wheels and reverse front facing forks and monoscopes are available. For breaking, both bike fronts are equipped with 320mm discs and 230 mm discs in rear. However, unlike the frame of the Domar perimeter, the 390 Duke is based on steel trail frames.
The three most expensive KTMs are 390 Duke. The street bike worth Rs 2.43 lakh has been focused on lump sum performance and it has major features of the Segment. As for the Royal Enfield Himalayan, for 1.80 lakh rupees, you get India's most affordable Adventure Tourer, which is comfortable to ride and capable of handling different areas. For the 2019 Bajaj Dominer 400, the motorcycle is now sold for 1.73 lakh rupees. Despite the price increase, the bike is a price-for-money proposal, thanks to a comfortable price ergonomics, modern features and perforated performance.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
