KTM Duke 390 vs Bajaj Dominar 400 : The cyclone of, say, two to three years back was very unlike the biking in India of today. It could continue to have its likeness :people started thinking about their motorcycle needs, not only in terms of affordability and fuel economy, but also about performance. So consequently, sporty cruisers’ motorcycles are becoming the hype slowly among today’s younger riders. Some names that gained quite a few media headlines over the years are probably the KTM Duke 390 and the Bajaj Dominar 400, which are in the price range and share the same effecting performance almost at an equal price. The new generation that has been launched in India in 2025 will make it interesting to find out who wears the crown.
Design and style
2025 KTM Duke 390 has never been this angry and sporty looking. The new LED headlight design, sporty tank, and extremely lightweight feeling add to this more of a raceable and sporty trip. To put it bluntly: this was designed for speed and for sporty riding.
The Dominar 400 is, in comparison to the Duke, bulkier and tour-fit. The monster fuel tank, comfortable wide seat, and very rough look fill the position of a tour-fit motorcycle. In brief, the Dominar has an out-and-out muscular look and road presence.
Engine and Performance
A 390cc liquid-cooled engine weighing less than the Dominar and projecting almost 46 bhp at the output shaft. From 0 to 100 km/h, the acceleration takes nothing less than six seconds. State-of-the-art design techniques-a slipper clutch and a quick shifter constitute the newer design.
Long riding and high-speed cruising are made for the Bajaj Dominar 400, which with a 373cc engine puts out around 40 bhp. While the Dominar is less agile than the Duke, it compensates with excellent stability for smooth rides.
Features and Technology
The Duke 390, with TFT instrument consoles, full digital capabilities, smartphone connectivity, riding modes, and ABS, is as modern as you could hope for. The ultimate bike for anyone after a tech-laden dealer with modern controls.
On the Dominar 400, you also get digital instrumentation and dual-channel ABS, accompanied by an impressively long seat and comfort for its price, perfectly in accord with the little vibrations from the engine.
Price and value
The KTM Duke 390 commands a price of ₹3.3 lakh (ex-showroom) while the Dominar 400 is pegged at around ₹2.6 lakh. The Dominar stands to be about ₹70,000-80,000 lesser and gets long-distance highway comfort thrown in. However, the Duke is the best when equally considered for performance and a sporty feel.
What went good?
If you are looking seriously at speed, agility, and style, you would go with the KTM Duke 390. But if you are after much better travel machinery, then the Bajaj Dominar 400-a much more affordable option-would serve you best in the long run.