Kawasaki Dominar 400

Mastering the art of power cruisers, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 has taken inspiration from Ducati Diavel's pioneering concept. Yet, the Dominar 400 brings its own unique twist to the table by offering the allure of a power cruiser's aesthetics and stance in a more compact and affordable package. This approach carves out a distinctive niche, commanding attention and admiration.

Up front, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 boasts a modern full-LED headlamp that incorporates stylish daytime running LEDs. Its trapezoidal shape, with tapering upper edges, is housed within a sleek curved cowl. This cowl is adorned with a diamond-shaped tinted visor at its peak, accompanied by LED turn indicators on its upper boundaries. A stylish front fender, showcasing sharp lines from the front, complements the headlamp's low positioning.

The motorcycle's muscular character shines when observed from the side, as the dominant and elongated fuel tank claims visual prominence. The muscular tank flows downward to intricate side panels, concealing the perimeter frame and housing the black-coated engine beneath. These panels juxtapose the compact cowl and the robust 1-into-2 exhaust pipe, harmoniously enhancing the bike's muscular persona.

Moving to the rear, a minimalistic design approach takes over, characterized by a concise tail section featuring dual vertical LED taillights. The split pillion grab rails positioned above contribute to the sense of balance. A lengthy rear fender anchors the motorcycle visually. The Dominar 400's split seat arrangement offers well-cushioned comfort, ideal for unhurried long-distance cruising.

Facilitating its cruising prowess, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 employs a wide and low handlebar, while slightly rear-set foot pegs add a touch of sportiness. Contemporary touches like backlit switchgear and a split full-LCD instrument console enhance the experience. This console is divided into two sections: the one behind the handlebar provides data on speed, tachometer, and fuel level, while the smaller unit on the fuel tank presents information like gear indicator, odometer, trip meters, and a digital clock.

The Dominar 400 has been engineered to make it homely in both the city as well as highway conditions. Kawasaki should be praised to give the Dominar a balanced setup. The telescopic forks at the front and the monoshock at the rear are set on a slightly stiffer side to make it agile. However, the ride quality is equally comfortable as well, and major credits for this go to the excellent ergonomic setup on this motorcycle. The low seat height gives shorter riders an edge as well, however, the long turning radius might be an issue for some. The disc brake setup at both the ends provides excellent feedback too.

Powering the Kawasaki Dominar 400 is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a displacement of 373.2cc. This engine is a sibling of the 390cc series found in KTM motorcycles, although it's been uniquely calibrated for the Dominar 400's cruising prowess. Teamed up with a 6-speed transmission, this powerplant generates a top power of 40 PS and a peak torque of 35 Nm. While its mid-range performance is notably energetic, higher RPMs introduce vibrations into the equation.

The Dominar 400, despite its entry-level positioning, has been blessed with disc brake at both the ends, which get the worthy support of dual-channel ABS as standard.

Although it shares its foundation with the KTM Duke 390, the Kawasaki Dominar 400 doesn't prioritize sharp cornering capabilities. Instead, its robust aesthetics are complemented by a lower riding posture, a comfortable suspension system, a plush seat, grippy tires, and laid-back ergonomics. This combination positions the Dominar 400 as an excellent partner for extended journeys, underscoring its suitability for leisurely rides.