When it comes to Indian motorcycles, two names that often capture attention are the Honda Unicorn and the Bajaj Dominar 400. These two bikes belong to different segments, offering varied experiences based on the rider’s preferences. While the Honda Unicorn caters to daily commuters with its simplicity and reliability, the Bajaj Dominar 400 stands as a performance-oriented bike aimed at those who seek adventure and power.
Design and Styling
The Honda Unicorn has always been appreciated for its understated, straightforward, classic design. Those who abhor obtrusive designs will love this bike, as it is minimalistic with clean lines and doesn’t vary much from its previous models. Its design states maturity with smooth lines, and a plain fuel tank and headlamp design are classically traditional.
Bajaj Dominar 400, on the other hand, boasts of an aggressively muscular design. The Dominar does not exactly pass for a miss on the roads, thanks to its bold appearance, highlighted by sharp lines and edgy body panels. It gets all-LED headlamps as standard, which adds to its modern and futuristic appeal.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Unicorn has a 162.7cc single-cylinder unit providing 12.91 PS of power and 14 Nm of torque. Its ride is silky and friction-free, making it perfect for combating the urban grind. It comes with a five-speed gearbox for easy shifting. The Honda Unicorn is popularly known for its fuel efficiency and long life span, making it convenient for everyday use.
On the contrary, this Bajaj Dominar 400 comes with a muscular engine. It is basically a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque. With such a powerful engine, this has been given a very exciting ride experience, especially while touring highways. Features of a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch would ensure good performance at higher riding speeds with a bit of aggression. The Dominar, with its structured speed, has been very aggressive in acceleration and open-road capability.
Comfort and Ride Quality
In terms of comfort, the Honda Unicorn has always been favoured for its rider-friendly ergonomics and smooth ride quality. The bike features a single-piece, wide seat that is comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. Its upright seating position ensures that riders do not experience fatigue, even during longer rides. The suspension setup on the Unicorn, which includes telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, is tuned to absorb bumps and potholes, providing a smooth and balanced ride on city roads. The Unicorn’s lightweight body and nimble handling further enhance its usability in congested traffic.
Meanwhile, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is designed with performance and long-distance riding in mind. Its split seat is well-padded and offers ample comfort, though the seating position is slightly more aggressive compared to the Unicorn. The Dominar’s wider handlebars and slightly rear-set footpegs give it a sportier riding stance, which may take some getting used to for everyday commuters. The bike’s suspension setup, featuring USD (upside-down) forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, provides excellent stability and comfort, especially at high speeds and on uneven terrains. Its heavier weight contributes to its stability on highways, but it can be a bit challenging in tight urban spaces.
Safety and Braking
The Honda Unicorn has a single disc at the front with a side brake and a drum brake at the rear. In addition to the above, the new Honda Unicorn provides single-channel ABS for basic safety in sudden braking under urban traffic conditions. The Unicorn yields sufficient braking performance for commuting purposes but definitely not for aggressive or high-speed braking scenarios.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Dominar 400 features a more advanced braking system with discs on both ends and dual-channel ABS. This has several positive effects on braking control as well as safety, mostly under high-speed conditions. Dominar’s brakes have been designed to provide the best braking power so that it can come up with its powerful engine and feel quite stable while applying emergency brakes. The dual-channel ABS helps the bike prevent the wheel from lock-up due to slippery roads, boosting the confidence of the rider.
Features and Technology
Honda Unicorn is going to be pretty basic but at the same time pretty functional. It hosts an analogue-digital instrument cluster that clearly shows key information: its speed, fuel levels, and trip meters. As practical as it is designed, the bike does not carry many technical features. However, it is fitted with Honda’s Eco Technology for better fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is stuffed with all the modern features. This bike is equipped with a comprehensive digital instrument console offering trip details, gear position, and a clock, making it long on information. The Dominar also comes with the variant of an all-LED lighting system, which gives the overall bike a premium feel. Further, the bike also flaunts a slipper clutch that helps avoid the rear-wheel lock during aggressive downshifts, ensuring both performance and safety.
The Ending Thoughts
Bajaj Dominar 400 enthusiasts look for power, performance, and cutting-edge features. It excels in long-distance touring and high-speed stability, making it fantastic for highway cruisers and adventure riders.
Honda Unicorn, on the other hand, caters to a very specific kind of rider. It is for people searching for a dependably fuel-efficient commuter bike and a perfect blend of simple features yet practical enough to be executed in real efficiency in city rides and short commutes.
Finally, it’s your decision and the amount of requirements you have. For a basic and dependable commuter, go for Honda Unicorn.
