RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250
Imagine that you have Rs. 2 lakhs and you want to buy a motorcycle which is apt for commuting as well as touring duties and you also want to be #VocalForLocal. Two accomplished options that fit your check-list and pocket are the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (dual-channel ABS model) and the brand-new Bajaj Dominar 250. But which one deserves your hard-earned money? We help you decide as we put the RE Classic 350 vs the Bajaj Dominar 250 in a spec comparison.
RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250 Design
Both motorcycles feature designs that are no-new to the Indian audience. On one hand, the RE Classic 350 has remained almost the same right from the beginning and has received barely any major updates other than mere paint jobs. While the design is apt for the cruiser segment, even hardcore RE fans will agree that the Classic 350 desperately needs a major physical update to make it look at par with the competition.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Dominar 250 looks exactly like its elder sibling- the Dominar 400. It’s not a new design, but it gets alloys, LED headlamps, LED DRLs and even LED indicators as standard, and it is easily the more modern of the two. The Dominar 250 also gets a beefier fuel tank and sporty twin-barrel exhausts. But the Classic 350 gets various colour schemes and even matte options to choose from, which give it a slight edge over the Dominar 250. We think that people who like old-school bikes will go for the Classic 350 while people with modern taste buds will like the Dominar 250 more.
RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250 Features
Both Royal Enfield and Bajaj are up-to-date on the safety features as both motorcycles get dual-channel ABS for this price, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Classic 350 gets an analogue instrument cluster, halogen lights, and spoke wheels as standard while some variants also get alloys. In addition, the 350 doesn’t even get a fuel gauge, which is a massive disappointment. On the contrary, the Dominar 250 is feature-loaded to the brim. It gets a fully digital console with a plethora of information on offer, alloy wheels, USD front forks, LED headlamp, tail light, DRLs and even LED indicators as standard. The Dominar 250 is definitely the one for you if you’re looking for more features.
RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250 Performance
As you already know, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has proven that its engine is capable of long-distance touring and will take on almost anything you throw at it easily. But the performance figures are not very impressive. The Classic 350 hosts a 346cc engine with air-cooling mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which makes 19.1 BHP at 5250 RPM and 28 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. Coming to the Bajaj, the Dominar 250 has a 248.77cc engine with liquid-cooling mated to a 6-speed gearbox, which makes 26.63 BHP at 8500 RPM and 23.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM.
While the Dominar has a smaller engine, it makes more power than the RE, has an extra gear and will be able to cruise at comparatively higher speeds. On the flip-side, the Classic 350 will be better at lower speeds, considering that the peak power and torque come in at a much lower RPM. For braking duties, both bikes get a dual-disc brake setup. The Dominar gets a 300 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, while the Classic gets a smaller 280 mm front disc and a bigger 240 mm rear disc. Additionally, the RE will be cheaper on the go, as it is more fuel-efficient and will give a better range, thanks to the bigger 13.5-litre tank as compared to the Dominar’s 13-litre tank.
RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250 Ergonomics
By far the biggest thing in the Classic 350’s favour, are its comfortable ergonomics. After all, it is the proven “Ladakh bike” for many. It boasts of conventional 35 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin gas shock absorbers at the rear which, combined with an upright riding triangle and front set footpegs, make it suitable for long hours on the saddle. While the Dominar offers bigger 37 mm front forks and a better monoshock rear suspension, there’s no evidence on how it will perform on long-distances and rigorous terrain yet.
The riding triangle is also upright for the Dominar but being a sports tourer, the footpegs are set a little backward which makes the RE more comfortable overall. The Classic 350 has much more vibrations in comparison to the Dominar 250, though. Also, the Classic 350 weighs 15 kgs more than the Dominar 250, which makes the Dominar 250 easier to ride. Finally, both offer the same seat-height of 800 mm, but the Dominar has higher ground clearance at 157 mm as compared to the Classic 350’s 135 mm.
RE Classic 350 vs Bajaj Dominar 250 Verdict
The BS6 Royal Enfield Classic 350 (with dual-channel ABS) retails at Rs. 2,00,317/- (on-road Mumbai) whereas the Dominar 250 comes at a price tag of Rs. 1,93,997/- (on-road Mumbai). So, should you put your money on the Classic 350? Sure, only if you want a motorcycle which is comfortable, looks old-school, and if you’re okay with not knowing how much fuel you have left in the tank. But if you’re looking for a motorcycle that boasts of features like LED lights, digital speedometer, stylish looks and has better performance and handling, the Bajaj Dominar 250 is the one for you. While the Classic 350 is an accomplished motorcycle, and still sells like a red rose on Valentine’s Day, we choose the Bajaj Dominar 250 as it packs much more at a lesser price.
