The Bajaj Dominar 250 has arrived to check competition from the Yamaha FZ250 as well as the Suzuki Gixxer 250. That it also takes on its much more premium KTM cousin is another topic. There are a lot of factors to take into heed. One, the Dominar styling is not fresh. It has been repeated from the 400. The Yamaha still looks new while the Gixxer is fading into oblivion. Let’s take a look at which all features and what else distinguishes these quarter litre offerings.
Features
The Bajaj Dominar 250, we got to give it, is more feature rich than the others here. It has got USD front forks, all-digital instrument cluster, bigger disc brakes, bigger fuel tank as well as bungee straps under the seat.
The Bajaj also makes the most power out of this lot. But it is porky too at 180kg kerb. We will find this out after our first ride if the performance is up to the mark. Bajaj has not only dialled in a 6-speed gearbox but also gave a slipper clutch. The Yamaha FZ250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 have a light clutch too but it will not match a slipper unit.
While Bajaj may have got all the features, the Suzuki with its lighter weight and near about same power numbers might be smoother. The 250cc engine is a gem for low speed trundling but loses steam on the highway. Bajaj claims a top speed of 132kmph from the Dominar and we hope that it can cruise comfortably at 100-110kmph.
All in all, the Dominar 250 might be a bit tiring in the city whereas the FZ250 and Gixxer make mincemeat. However, for the touring oriented, the Bajaj might make more sense. We don’t like the price though. It’s unlike Bajaj.
Bajaj Dominar 250 | Suzuki Gixxer 250 | Yamaha FZ 250 | |
Engine Specification | |||
Type | Single cylinder, liquid cooled | Single cylinder, liquid cooled | Single cylinder, liquid cooled |
Engine capacity | 248.77cc | 249cc | 249cc |
Valvetrain | 4 valves | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Max Power | 27PS | 26.5PS | 20.9PS |
Max torque | 23.5Nm | 22.6Nm | 20Nm |
Power/Weight | 232.67PS/tonne | 169.8PS/tonne | 137.5PS/tonne |
Dimensions | |||
L W H (mm) | 2,156 836 1,112 | 2,010 805 1,035 | 2,015 770 1,075 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1,453 | 1,340 | 1,360 |
Fuel tank capacity | 13 litres | 12 litres | 14 litres |
Kerb weight (kg) | 180 | 156 | 152 |
Suspension | |||
Front | Telescopic, 43 mm USD Fork | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped | Telescopic fork |
Rear | Multi-step adjustable Monoshock with Nitrox | Swing arm type, monoshock | Swingarm (Monocross) |
Brakes | |||
Front | 300mm disc | 300mm disc | 282mm disc |
Rear | 230mm disc | 230mm disc | 220mm disc |
Tyres | |||
Front | 100/80-17 | 110/70-17 | 100/80-17 |
Rear | 130/70-17 | 150/60-17 | 140/70-17 |
Price (ex-Mumbai) | 1.60 lakh | 1.61 lakh | 1.35 lakh |
Also read-
27PS Bajaj Dominar 250 launched in India.
KTM 390 Adventure vs Royal Enfield Himalayan specification comparison