Is Bajaj Dominar Scrambler a real off road capable bike or just a marketing gimmick?
Bajaj has always positioned the Dominar as a sports tourer so the move to introduce a scrambler version has raised some eyebrows. It’s got some visual changes like knobby tires and a raised exhaust, but many people wonder if it’s actually capable of running rough terrain or if it’s just a cosmetic upgrade to cash in on the scrambler trend. Others say the weight and road biased chassis make it unfit for serious off roading, while others say the changes are enough to make it a versatile dual sport machine. The debate is also on whether Bajaj should have gone further with the change in suspension and frame to completely transform the Dominar into a scrambler that is ready for off road riding. With so many opinions out there, riders are left to wonder if the new variant is really a scrambler or just style over substance.
Definitely more than a marketing gimmick. Off road, the knobby tires and raised exhaust do make a difference. I've used mine on some light trails and it's OK. It's no dedicated dirt bike for sure, but it's enough for the average rider who would like to take things beyond tarmac every now and then.
Honestly, it's mostly for show. It’s still too heavy, and too road focused to be a true scrambler. Off road those minor tweaks don't make up for its inherent limitations. If you want a real scrambler, this isn't it. For the posers who want the look, but not the capability.
I think it’s somewhere in between. But Bajaj has genuinely improved things for off road use, and could have done more with things like long travel suspension or a 21 inch front wheel. It’s more capable than the standard Dominar, but you won’t find Adventure levels of off road prowess.
Given that I have ridden both the regular Dominar and the Scrambler extensively, I can say that the Scrambler is a lot more confident on rough roads and light trails. Wider handlebars and revised ergonomics really make a difference in control. Not a hardcore off roader, but a good choice for mixed surface touring.
In fact, I would rather Bajaj didn't go overboard with the off road mods. This dirt capability doesn’t turn the bike into a trail machine, but keeps it versatile and street friendly. Not everyone wants or needs an extreme adventure bike. It's a nice balance for real world.
Sure, the Scrambler version is more capable off road, but let’s not kid ourselves here, this is still very much a road bike. I’ve taken mine on some gnarly trails, but it can do it, it’s just not fun or easy. On fire roads and gravel it's great, anything more technical and you'll be wishing for a proper dirt bike.
Calling it a 'scrambler' is a bit of a stretch, but it's not just a cosmetic job. It’s not a full on off road machine, but the changes do improve its ability to handle rougher terrain. The perfect bike for someone who wants a do it all bike that can go on the occasional adventure without sacrificing too much on the road.
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Discussions and Questions Is Bajaj Dominar Scrambler A Real Off Road Capable Bike Or Just A Marketing Gimmick
Is Bajaj Dominar Scrambler a real off road capable bike or just a marketing gimmick?
29 January 2025 09:02
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