Bajaj may be planning to develop an off-road focused motorcycle which is expected to launch soon after KTM’s much awaited 390 Adventure. The details on the bike are scarce, but we can safely speculate it to house an engine from the Bajaj Dominar 400, which is currently the brand’s flagship motorcycle.
The engine on the Bajaj Dominar is a 373.3cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, triple-spark, liquid-cooled block that produces 40 PS of power @ 8650 RPM and 35 Nm of torque @ 7000 RPM mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper assist clutch. The engine will be tuned for more performance off the road.
The Dominar 400 has a beam type perimeter frame and rides on 43mm upside-down telescopic front fork with 135mm of travel and multistep adjustable monoshock with nitrox with 110mm of travel. The suspension will also be tweaked for a longer suspension travel on the adventure model. The brakes on the Dominar 400 are a 320mm diameter hydraulic disc brake on the front and a 230mm hydraulic disc on the rear and equipped with a dual-channel ABS system. The Bajaj Dominar weighs 184 kg (kerb) and has a fuel tank capacity of 13-litres.
The new off-roader from Bajaj, if it is launched with this engine, will compete directly with the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure which is also likely to be powered by a 373.2cc, single-cylinder, four valves, DOHC motor producing a maximum power of 43.5 BHP @ 9000 RPM and 37 Nm of peak torque @ 7000 RPM coupled with a 6-speed gearbox.
The Bajaj bike is expected to feature new LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and turn signal indicators. The instrument console is expected to be a new fully digital unit and may have smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The hardware is also expected to include 19-inch off-road spoked rims and longer traveling adjustable suspension. Other features like a high mounted exhaust, a small flyscreen, an aluminium bash plate and a high mounted mudguard may be available on the new bike.
The bike is expected to be unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo and will compete with motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G310 GS and the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure. The bike is expected to be priced around the INR 2 lakh.
Image Courtesy – Autologue Design