Dominar vs Duke 390 drag race: Are you also one of those who decide ‘my motorcycle is better’ if it is quicker/faster than your friends’?
A video has been going viral on the internet which features an unorganised (and unsafe) drag race between Duke 390 and the new Dominar 400. Before we talk more, let us put up a disclaimer that we do not suggest or endorse public-road drag races and would urge you to resist from doing so…
Talking about the video and the motorcycles – at a traffic signal, the Duke 390 rider gives the Dominar 400 rider a headstart of a few meters. And hence, initially the Dominar rider moves ahead, but covering ground and at around 140 km/h the Duke 390 rider zips through. In another part of the video, the Duke 390 rider just vanishes into thin air leaving the Dominar way behind, almost signifying that in a proper drag race it (the KTM) can run circles around the Bajaj! Here is the video.. watch it yourself…
Dominar vs Duke 390 – Drag Race
BUT…
Now comes the point of clarification! A lot of you have also commented about Dominar 400’s reduced power. Let me say that the outcome is, indeed expected and a good thing if you are a tourer. Basically, the Duke 390’s engine has too much of an urgency to propel forward which had to be subsided for a motor for a touring machine. Understand that Dominar 400 is built for a different purpose and if you are into outright accelerating machines, it is simply not your cup of tea!
For touring purposes, what you need is a lot of torque and a relaxed motor churning out lazy horses between your legs (for example Mojo). Plus, Dominar’s higher weight may also make it a little more stable on highways (though it may be too high for city use). I am sure the gearing will also be taller (as compared to the short ratios of the Duke 390).
Which basically leads us to this – the transition Indian biker is going through. Initially, everything was about cubic capacity and outright power (after the 2-stroke era)! But now, we have dedicated machines to do different tasks – like for example, the very recently launched Kawasaki KX250 which is THE machine you need for dirt rides. You can not compare its power/torque outputs or the machine itself with a CBR650F (which costs about the same) and say CBR is quicker/faster and hence better! Understand the use guys…
So, leave this “Dominar vs Duke 390 – my motorcycle is better” debate to amateurs and just ride your machines where they are meant to be ridden 🙂
Next Read: Mojo vs Duke 390 – SHOOTOUT – From a Duke 390 Owner
