For starters, the 250’s styling will certainly draw a crowd. Much like the 400. But that was a given, after all the two are identical down to the head and tail lamps and every body panel. The telling difference is this red colour, which is exclusive to the 250. It was green in case of the 400. There’s also a D250 badging on the tail to differentiate the younger sibling. And, that’s it.

The biggest difference, of course, is the engine. The 248.7cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine is borrowed from the KTM Duke 250. The outputs for the Dominar read a max power of almost 27bhp and a peak torque of 23Nm that arrives around the 6,500rpm mark. Both these figures are lower than the Duke. The engine meanwhile is mated to a six-speed gearbox, and the Dominar also gets a slipper clutch.

Now, the Dominar might not look it, but it is surprisingly easy to ride. It has a super light clutch, the throttle is light, and it also has a comfy riding position. The handlebar is wide but easy to reach. The footpegs are only slightly rearset. And the 800mm rider seat height allows anyone over five feet eight inches to plant both feet firmly on the ground.

The seat itself is large and cushy. And, the shape of the tank and the way the heel plates are designed, it makes it quite easy to hook onto the bike, especially when riding spiritedly.  On the very topic of spirited riding, for all the talk about the Dominar’s weight, it handles quite well. Okay, it still doesn’t change directions like the Gixxer 250 for instance, but it doesn’t feel lazy or laborious either. You steer, and it goes. There’s no real lag, no real wallowing, or the sort of vagueness one expects from a motorcycle that’s both heavy, and long.

The Dominar 250 is a very likeable motorcycle. Yes, it needs modern instrumentation, and a better visor to deflect the wind. It could also be lighter, and the brakes could do with a little more power.

But overall, as a bike to own and ride everyday – maybe even take it up a switchback over the weekend – the Dominar 250, fits the bill quite well. It’s comfortable, it’s easy to ride, it’s smooth, and it handles decently well too.

Plus, if you like to flaunt your wares… the Dominar is the perfect candidate.