Kawasaki Dominar 400

The Kawasaki Dominar 400 has effortlessly nailed the formula of power cruisers, something which was pioneered by Ducati Diavel. However, the Dominar 400 offers the essence of a power cruiser’s looks and stance at a much more affordable and smaller package, which makes it a niche design and something that commands attention.

The front fascia of the Kawasaki Dominar 400 consists of a contemporary-looking full-LED headlamp, which also comes integrated with daytime running LEDs around it. This trapezoidal headlamp with tapered upper edges is placed within a simple curved cowl, which has a diamond-shaped tinted visor at the top and comes attached with LED turn indicators on its upper edges. Apart from the low-positioned headlamp, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 also comes with a stylish front fender, which has a sharpened look from the front tip.

The muscular appeal of the Kawasaki Dominar 400 is at its best when the motorcycle is viewed from the side, with the brawny and long fuel tank stealing most of the visual bulk of the motorcycle. With the radiator and its shrouds placed below its lower front end, this muscular fuel tank of the Dominar 400 flows down to the busy-looking section of side panels, that hide the perimeter frame and have the black-coated engine sitting beneath them. Apart from a compact cowl, the engine also comes attached with a beefy 1-into-2 exhaust pipe, which complements the muscular appeal of the motorcycle.

Towards the rear, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 starts getting a minimalist appeal, with a compact tail section having a dual vertical LED tail setup. With split pillion grab rails placed above it, the tailpiece of the Kawasaki Dominar 400 also comes attached with a long rear fender, which further makes the motorcycle look planted. The Dominar 400 comes with a split seat setup, which is well-cushioned for making long-distance cruising an effortless task.

Another setup which helps in the cruising abilities of the Kawasaki Dominar 400 is the low and wide placement of the handlebar. However, for a sportier riding feel, the foot pegs of the motorcycle are slightly rear-set. The Kawasaki Dominar 400 also comes with modern features like backlit switchgear and a split full-LCD instrument console. While the panel behind the handlebar houses the speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, the small panel placed on the fuel tank reads out the gear indicator, odometer, trip meters and digital clock.

The Kawasaki Dominar 400’s long-distance cruising excellence is backed further by its plush suspension setup, comprising upside-down 43mm telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the back. The motorcycle rides on 110/70 R17 front and 150/60 R17 rear tubeless radial tyres, which are broad and grippy enough to make the motorcycle feel planted on open stretches. The slightly heavy kerb weight of the Dominar 400 might make its low-speed manoeuvrability slightly difficult for newer riders.

The Kawasaki Dominar 400 comes with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 373.2cc engine, which has been shared with the 390cc series of motorcycles from KTM. However, the engine has been tuned in a different way for the Dominar 400 to suit its cruising abilities. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, this engine develops a maximum power output of 40 PS and a peak torque output of 35 Nm. While this engine impresses with a punchy mid-range, vibrations do start creeping in at higher RPMs.

Being an entry-level sports bike, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 gets a dual-channel ABS as standard, while the backlit switches help the rider to use them even in low-light conditions.

The Kawasaki Dominar 400 might not be a corner-carving machine like the KTM Duke 390 on which it is based. However, while its muscular design looks great, the low-slung stance, coupled with a comfortable suspension setup and seat, sticky tyres and relaxed ergonomics, make it a great companion for long rides.