Here’s how Benelli’s upcoming budget power cruiser fares against the already-existing Bajaj Dominar 400
Power cruisers are a unique breed of motorcycles. It offers the dynamics comparable to a sporty motorcycle while maintaining the comfortable riding position of a cruiser. The Ducati Diavel popularised this segment, and Bajaj first introduced a pocket-friendly version in the form of the Dominar 400 in December 2016. The Dominar has been ruling this segment, but things are going to change soon. Under its new ownership, Benelli is planning to compete in this segment with the 402S which the brand will launch next year. Let’s see how it stacks up against Bajaj’s current flagship.
Design:
While Bajaj seems to have taken inspiration from the Ducati Diavel, Benelli’s 402S looks like a proper doppelganger of the Ducati XDiavel. The wide handlebars ensure you get adequate leverage, and the feet-forward ergonomics look comfortable enough in combination of the shapely rider’s seat. The Dominar’s riding position is upright, but the footpegs are slightly aggressive compared to the 402S.
Both the bikes have a muscular forward-biased visual mass, complemented by a fat rear tyre and a stubby tail section. The 402S’ pillion seat looks a lot shorter than the Dominar’s and might be suitable only for short rides. The Italian motorcycle also gets sleek dual exhaust cans which doesn’t exactly go well with the overall design. On the other hand, the Dominar has a stubby unit. Both the bikes get digital instrument console, while the Dominar features a small inset on top of the fuel tank which displays the tell-tale lights. Both the motorcycles get an all-LED lighting system for optimal illumination and power efficiency.
Powerplant:
| Specifications | Benelli 402S | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
| Engine | 399cc inline twin-cylinder motor with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 373.3cc single cylinder liquid-cooled, fuel injected DTS-i Triple spark powerplant |
| Peak power | 40PS at 9000rpm | 35PS at 8000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 35Nm at 7500rpm | 35Nm at 6500rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
Despite sporting a bigger engine with an extra cylinder, the 402S makes only 5PS more, while the peak torque output is the same for both the bikes. However, due to its inherent configuration, the 402S is expected to be more refined and is likely to have a more linear power delivery compared to the Dominar. The Dominar enjoys the benefit of slipper clutch which prevents the rear wheel from locking up under aggressive downshifting. The 402S’ twin cylinder motor should also rev higher than the Dominar, making it ideal for effortlessly sustaining higher speeds.
Underpinnings:
| Specifications | Benelli 402S | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
| Front suspension | 41mm upside down forks | 43mm telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | Preload adjustable monoshock | Nitrox monoshock with preload adjustment |
| Front brake | Dual 260mm petal discs with ABS | 320mm disc with ABS |
| Rear brake | 240mm petal disc with ABS | 230mm disc with ABS |
| Front tyre | 120/70 - ZR17 | 110/70 -17 Radial |
| Rear tyre | 160/60 - ZR17 | 150/60 -17 Radial |
The 402S’ inverted front forks results in sharper dynamics as it reduces the unsprung mass compared to telescopic forks. When it comes to braking, the 402S should offer sharper braking power, thanks to the dual front disc setup. As far as safety goes, both the motorcycles come with dual-channel ABS. The Dominar is available without ABS as well, for the price-conscious enthusiasts. The fatter set of Pirelli Angel ST tyres on the 402S should translate into superior handling compared to the Dominar’s MRF REVZ rubber.
Dimensions:
| Specifications | Benelli 402S | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
| Wheelbase | 1600mm | 1453mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180mm | 157mm |
| Weight | 160kg, dry | 182kg, kerb |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16 litres | 13 litres |
The Dominar’s shorter wheelbase helps in the motorcycle’s agility while having a longer wheelbase like the 402S helps in straight-line stability, especially at high speeds. The 402S is also lighter than the Dominar, and it should translate into quicker acceleration times. It also gets a 23mm extra ground clearance, which should be apt for our roads. The extra large fuel tank should also translate to better riding range as well.
Pricing & Verdict:
Benelli is expected to launch the 402S in the country by mid-2019, and is likely to cost Rs 3.8 lakh ex-showroom. The Dominar on the other hand costs less than half of the 402S, at Rs 1,62,074, ex-Delhi for the ABS variant. The non-ABS variant is cheaper by around Rs 14,000. If you’re in the market for premium small-capacity power cruiser with the feel of a twin, the 402S is the motorcycle for you. Otherwise, the Dominar is the most no-nonsense option for the enthusiasts.
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