Bajaj Dominar vs RE Classic 350 Comparison Review
Bajaj Dominar vs RE Classic 350 Comparison Review
Pricing & Features
Comparison:
The long awaited and frequently re-named Bajaj Dominar, retails for 1.53 Lakh Rs. for the non-ABS variant and 1.68 Lakh Rs on road Delhi. RE Classic 350 costs 1.47 Lakh Rs. which is just 6000 Rs. cheaper than the equivalent i.e. non-ABS Dominar. Bajaj Dominar is equipped with both front and rear discs and a slipper clutch, as compared to the single disc at front on the Classic 350. The Classic 350 also misses out on basics of today's motorcycles like a fuel gauge and tubeless tyres! However, the Dominar can also be bought with added safety feature, that is its
dual channel ABS in the top-end version. The ABS version is 21,000 Rs. more expensive than the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic 350 misses out on ABS, just like any of RE's current production machines, but then does Royal Enfield really need an ABS!?! The Dominar also gets first of its kind LED headlamps amongst the mass market Indian motorcycles.
Pros:
Bajaj Dominor: LED headlamps, tubeless tires, slipper clutch, 43mm telescopic forks, comfy seat, Dual channel ABS, front and rear disc, high ground clearance, full digital console
RE Classic 350: classic looks, we tried hard but couldn't think of anything else!
Cons:
Bajaj Dominor: heavy weight, difficult to maneuver in city, low resale
RE Classic 350: less reliable, oil leaks, not meant for high speed cruising, electrical issues, heavy weight, tube type tires, analog console, mechanical speedo drive, no fuel gauge
Performance &
Tractability Comparison:
The Dominor is powered by a 373.2 cc engine which is partially borrowed from the Duke 390, the bike manages to generate a massive 35 bhp @ 8000 rpm which is almost twice the power than the Royal Enfield Classic 350 which generates 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm only. Dominor can out perform at any given time against the RE Classic 350 due to it rapid acceleration and refined power-train. Dominor can perform 0-100 in 8.2 sec, where as the Classic 350 may take a yawning 14 sec to do so. Bajaj has improved the low end tractability on the Dominor to maintain its character as a cruiser rather than the hyper active Duke. RE Classic 350 has a very good low end tractability, thanks to its long stroke engine which generates 28 nm @ just 4000 rpm.
Power-to-Weight Ratio
(PS/ton): Bajaj Dominor - 192, RE
Classic 350 – 106 (difference 80%)
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
(Nm/ton): Bajaj Dominor - 192, RE
Classic 350 – 149
Power (PS@rpm): Bajaj Dominor – 35@8000, RE Classic 350 – 19.8@5250
Torque (Nm@rpm): Bajaj Dominor – 35@6500, RE Classic 350 – 28@4000
Kerb Weight (kg): Bajaj Dominor – 182, RE Classic 350 – 187
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| Bajaj Dominor engine specification |
Reliability &
After Sales Service Comparison:
Bajaj auto has been trying hard to live the quality dream, but from the launch of first Pulsar in 2001, Bajaj has progress and continuously making efforts to address the quality. But still many times it fails to match the reliability compared to the Japanese bikes makers. After sales is on margin, but should improve soon. On the other hand we have the legends of India, the Royal Enfield bikes have become symbolic, but the buyer don't understand the incapability of the motorcycle. RE motorcycles keep on getting niggling issue like electrical short circuits, rusting on new bikes, engine color chipping, chrome peeling off, spoke loosening, high rear brake wear, wobbling, etc. RE has not be able solve simple problems even playing with same unit for decades. In comparison of both, Bajaj would always upper hand in terms of the reliability and service support.
Fuel Efficiency
Comparison:
The Bajaj Dominor has an Arai certified mileage of 40kmpl, under test conditions bike was able to give decent mileage of 35-38 kmpl, but the Classic 350 with its own heavy weight and lesser power to weight ratio struggles to give a mileage of 35 many times.
Fuel Cost (for 40,000
km): Bajaj Dominor – 79,000
Rs, RE Classic 350 – 86,000 Rs.
Resale & Cost of
Ownership Comparison:
Bajaj bikes have never been thought by the second hand buyers, mass always prefers the Honda's and the Hero's bikes. But then if left with no option, Bajaj bikes sell at 10-15% lesser than the Hero's and Honda's. Spares price is quite lower to the competition and Bajaj has got parts localized. Taking about the RE bikes, since long time the resale price of the bikes have been too high for no reason!!! Royal Enfield buyers think that after purchasing the bike, it's not a bike but symbol of achievement.
Resale Value (after 3 to
5 years):
Bajaj Dominor Disc –
65,000
RE Classic 350 Disc –
95,000
Total Cost of Ownership:
Bajaj Dominor Disc –
1.89 Lakh
RE Classic 350 Disc –
1.37 Lakh
Handling & Ride
Quality Comparison:
The Dominor has been developed for the tourers, hence the bike has been provided with a higher rake angle fork, which makes it look like a cruiser whereas the Classic 350 is an old school roadster. Handling the Bajaj Dominar can be trick as times, as the bike weighs quite high and has a very long wheelbase. But this give a better advantage on the highways while cruising. The Classic 350 on the other hand cannot be put under rapid directional changes, as the bike is still built on the age old frame design. On the Classic 350 the frame rigidity is very poor due to its single downtube design and engine as a supporting member. Ride quality on the Dominar is tuned on softer side compared to that of the Bajaj NS 200 and the Duke 390. Classic 350 on the other side can be handled very well in city traffic conditions, but parking the bike can be a hectic job due to its heavy kerb weight.
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| Bajaj Doninor frame |
Wheelbase (mm): Bajaj Dominor – 1453, RE Classic 350 - 1370
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| Bajaj Dominor dimensions |
Tyre Size:
Front: Bajaj Dominor – 110/70R17 (tubeless), RE Classic 350 –
90/90R19
Rear: Bajaj Dominor – 150/60R17 (tubeless), RE Classic 350 – 110/90R18
Comfort &
Ergonomics Comparison:
On the Classic 350, the rider seat has been fitted with 2 springs to at rear side to make the rider feel more comfortable. But the in terms of comfort, seat of the Classic 350 is not at par with the Dominar.
Verdict:
Bajaj has been thinking a lot before launching of the bike, after the not so success of the NS200, Bajaj came up with a motorcycle which can take on long distances with excitement. And even those long distances can be covered at a faster pace. Bajaj has clearly mentioned about entering into the market of the Royal Enfield's. This doesn't make any difference to the Royal Enfield manufacturing fellow because the keep on making with they are doing from past 60 years. The RE Classic 350 is being sold due to its classy looks and engine sound, but it's high time now customers understand the difference between emotions and engineering. Among the two, the Bajaj Dominar is a clear winner against the classy heavy metal.