Bajaj Dominar 400 (Kratos VS400) production starts; to be launched mid-December

Bajaj Auto's Pune plant has commenced production of its upcoming 400cc cruiser sport motorcycle. The new 400cc motorcycle has been linked with the name Dominar 400, which is previously rumoured with the name, Kratos VS400.

Bajaj Auto has rolled out first batch of 400cc motorcycle from Chakan, Pune plant exactly 15 years after the launch of Pulsar sports bike in India. The first batch of Dominar from the plant is managed by women engineers alone.

Dominar will be the new brand of Bajaj Auto that will be positioned above Pulsar and Avenger brands. Dominar will focus only on premium and more powerful motorcycles of the manufacturer. Previously suggested Kratos has been renamed as it has been registered by another automotive brand.

Spy pictures so far indicate that production version does justice to the precursor, the Pulsar CS400 concept unveiled at Auto Expo 2014. Final-spec will sport twin instrument console — one on the handlebar as seen in other bikes and the other on the fuel tank. The upside down front forks of the concept will make way for conventional telescopic front suspension while mono shock will take care at rear.

Dominar will be powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve triple-spark, fuel-injected mill mated to six-speed transmission. The engine is expected to pump in a power of 40bhp and 30Nm of peak torque. The motorcycle is also rumoured to get a base variant with 34bhp of power, and will come with ABS as option, if not as standard.

Bajaj's flagship motorcycle will be pitted against the Royal Enfield range of motorcycles as a touring machine. The Dominar is expected to get a price in the range of Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh, ex-showroom.