TVS Apache RTX 300 vs Bajaj Dominar 400: Detailed Comparison

Here’s how the newest ADV on the market competes against the decade-old power cruiser, on paper

TVS is the latest manufacturer to jump into the ADV-craze with the Apache RTX 300. That said, munching miles can also be done with a touring-oriented cruiser - case in point is the Bajaj Dominar 400. Let’s take a look at how both bikes compare against each other on paper:

Price & Variants

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 is offered in three variants: Base, Top and Built To Order. What really strengthens its case is pricing, as the RTX 300’s Base variant undercuts the Bajaj Dominar 400 by around Rs 40,000. Even the Built To Order top variant is about Rs 6,000 more affordable than Bajaj’s power cruiser.

• Clearly, the Apache RTX 300 has the upper hand than the Dominar 400 in pricing, and that’s going to play a major role in deciding the better pick as we move ahead and compare the two bikes across other parameters.

Dimensions & Design

• The Bajaj Dominar 400 has a longer wheelbase than the TVS Apache RTX 300, which should give it superior straight-line and high-speed stability.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 has a much higher ground clearance than the Bajaj Dominar 400, which should make it far better equipped to handle potholes, bad road conditions and off-road trails.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 is 12kg lighter than the Bajaj Dominar 400, and that should make it a more agile handler on the highway and twisty mountain roads. Its lightness should also help with easy maneuvering in tight parking scenarios.

• In the design department, the TVS Apache RTX 300 looks fresh and sharp, with clean, well-defined lines that strike a nice balance between aggression and cohesiveness. Its muscular styling gives the bike a strong road presence, making it look substantial and purposeful.

• The Bajaj Dominar 400 still looks unique enough even today, thanks to the Ducati Diavel-inspired design. If you like swanky motorcycles with lots of muscle, then the Dominar stands out the best. 

• The Charcoal Black colour scheme is best for those who want to keep things stealthy.

• The Aurora Green paint scheme makes the bike look quite vibrant and highlights the bike’s design lines quite well.

• As for the TVS Apache RTX300, it comes in five really cool colour schemes. Here’s an image gallery showing all the colours of the Apache RTX300. 
  
  

Underpinnings

• Due to its longer wheel travel at both ends and larger front wheel, the TVS Apache RTX 300 should be better equipped to deal with bad roads and potholes, resulting in a more comfortable and settled ride, especially while touring over long distances.

• Both bikes also come equipped with dual-channel ABS and feature similar brake setup, but the Apache’s lighter weight should give it the upper hand in braking. That said, only a proper comparison will give us a clear picture. 
  

Features

• While the Dominar isn’t packed with features, it still has the basics in place. Do note that the ABS intervention also alters based on the chosen riding mode and traction control. The instrument console shows speedometer, odometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, ride mode, clock and fuel gauge readings but the whole console’s layout feels quite cramped and is not that easily readable.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 clearly pulls ahead with its feature-packed TFT instrument console offering Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, call and SMS alerts. It also comes equipped with full-LED lighting, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS, BTO-only), cruise control, three ABS modes, two-level traction control, and four riding modes: Urban, Rain, Tour and Rally, making it the most feature-rich option in this comparison. 

Performance

• The Bajaj Dominar 400’s engine is derived from the 2nd gen KTM 390 Duke and as such, it is quite a rev-happy engine. It comes alive after 6,000rpm and likes to be ridden in the higher levels of the rev range.

• On the highway, the engine offers great performance and quick acceleration, making overtakes easy. It also feels stable at speeds of 100-120kmph.

• But the engine is not that tractable and you’ll find it a bit tricky to do speeds of 35-40kmph in 3rd or 4th gear in the city.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300’s engine is smooth, calm and very tractable. It can easily pull at 35-40kmph in 3rd or 4th gear. This makes it quite easy to ride on trails.

• Out on the highway, the bike offers good mid-range grunt and the acceleration is smooth as well.

• The quickshifter helps in making clutchless gear changes - handy in situations where the speed varies continuously. 

Verdict

Overall, the TVS Apache RTX 300 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. It manages to strike an impressive balance between pricing, performance, comfort and features, making it a very compelling package in the sub-300cc adventure-touring space. One of its biggest strengths is its competitive pricing, which makes it far more accessible than the Bajaj Dominar 400 while still offering a premium feel. If you’re in the market for a capable, modern and value-for-money sub-300cc ADV that can handle daily duties as well as long-distance touring, the Apache RTX 300 is easily one of the best options to consider.

Even though the Bajaj Dominar 400 is uniquely positioned in the segment, and has the basic set of features, it’s showing its age now. The bike feels heavy and doesn’t have the agility or handling capabilities like its modern competitors (which aren’t very surprising given that it’s a cruiser). That said, if cruisers are your thing, and you want one with performance, but are willing to live with the not-so-refined engine & high price tag, then the Dominar 400 makes sense. 

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