Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[vkclick]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Ok got it.and here is the thing with dominar. The gear shifts are not as smooth as KTM to be honest. Sometimes, I changed at normal speeds and got the thud. other time, I dropped the gear to first at 24kmph and it was still smooth. In other words, gear shift smoothness has not been speed related in my experience.

I agree, dominar's gear shifting behaves on its own

[nirajsingh]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Its not normal and trust me, I had to go through a lot of trouble to sort it out. Ask your local tyre puncture guy to check the rims first for any leakage.

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Ok got it.and here is the thing with dominar. The gear shifts are not as smooth as KTM to be honest. Sometimes, I changed at normal speeds and got the thud. other time, I dropped the gear to first at 24kmph and it was still smooth. In other words, gear shift smoothness has not been speed related in my experience.

I wonder what made you shift to 1st gear at 24 kmph.

[aniD400]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I have been noticing that the tyre pressure drops by 3-4 psi every 200kms (within 5 days).

This happens in both tyres. Is this normal or shall I check with the puncture shop?

What about 4 psi in two weeks.. Is it normal??!!

[xearoum]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I wonder what made you shift to 1st gear at 24 kmph.

Many factors bro..
1) Improvement. rev match, throttle control and understand bikes behaviour. Prepare for a bad situation.

2) Frustration. We have had many bikes in our family and have never faced so many issues. And Bajaj after sales is just unacceptable by my experience. It shows up sometimes.

3) The truth. If I wanted another commuter, a 150cc would have been enough. Spending close to 2 lakh happened for a reason. That reason lies above 5k rpm. I just don't care for the vibrations anymore. Especially after the new shoes she has put on.

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What about 4 psi in two weeks.. Is it normal??!!

It think that's normal. You anyway have to refuel twice a month. Shouldn't be a big deal to top up the air as well.

[ulric_469]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Any doc nagpur?

[rinkz]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

It was Tuesday 6^th of June when I came home early from office as it was getting very boring to go to office and do almost nothing. I was desperately trying to run away from this mundane life and was thinking where to go as since last more than two and half months I had never gone out on a trip or on a long ride. At the same time, since I bought my Dominar 400 (I named it “IVA”) in end of Feb I really had never tested it on long tours and was desperately wanted to take it on roads.
Lot of thoughts passed my mind and suddenly a conversation crossed my mind which I had with my friend. I quickly opened my laptop and googled for Wayanad. I always heard about this place, the road leading to this place and the thought of riding through the Bandipur forest where you can expect wild elephants crossing the roads. I looked at the distance and roughly it showed me around 1260 kms via NH66 the coastal highway. Soon I called up my friend in Bangalore (with whom I had this conversation) and told him about my plan and asked him if he can join either at Wayanad or Mangalore depending on where I reach on Saturday. He soon agreed on it and told me he will confirm about his wife and other friends by late night. By the time I had this conversation it was already 8.00 pm and I was trying to make the list of things which I will need to make this ride successful as I was worried about my back which was not in good shape and that was the reason I was not riding since last more than two and half months. Since it’s a monsoon time on the western coast I wanted a top box rack to keep my luggage for which I called up my regular bike accessories guys in thane and asked him not to shut the shop and wait for me. I rushed there and told him about my plan but sadly since this is a new launched bike the rack was no available but at least I asked him to fit the mobile mount to which he got it done. Finishing this and filling my tank, I came home by 10 after buying few more usual stuffs. By the time I came home I again had a look at the route and decided on my stopover place for day 1 which was Ganpatipule. I went to sleep at around 11 after packing my bag, preparing my gear but due to the excitement couldn’t sleep at all.

Day 1: The plan was to start at around 6am in morning but couldn’t wake up on time as I slept at around 3am in morning due to eagerness of riding through the coastal roads. Finally I started at 7.30am and started towards NH66. Luckily it was not raining so could take a good speed and managed to reach Khed by 11am. Now I had two options, either continue on NH66 or take a detour. The detour meant that I have to ride on unknown roads via Dapoli and had two ferry points on it. But then I thought the detour should be worth the pain as I was expecting loads of sea side rides with good view around. And as expected it was one of the most beautiful rides I had ever done. To ride in cross winds with rains hitting you was an amazing experience. Every 30 to 40 kms I got to sea different landscapes where the sunlight was falling on the sea through small openings between the clouds. Finally around 4.30pm I reached Ganpatipule at the hotel which costed me only 500 bucks with a very good view and the speedometer showed 323kms. After visiting the temple and seeking blessing from Lord Ganesh I wandered around the place till it was dark and returned to hotel with a question where to halt next day. Since Panjim was on the way I thought of spending night there at a friend’s place but suddenly on the google map I saw Gokarna. I have been to Goa now like more than 20 times but not beyond that. Gokarna was a perfect place to stay overnight and soon started looking for places to stay on net and what I was surprised to see Zostel there. Without a second thought I booked a bed for me in the dorm and went on to take my dinner and straight in the bed.

Day2: I woke up again bit late at around 7.30 and looking at the view from my balcony I was all pumped up to hit the roads again. Luckily it was not raining and the again the plan was to take outer most coastal road to Panjim. I started at around 9am from there and until Ratnagiri it was again one of the most scenic rides I have ever done. Post Ratnagiri I continued on the out most roads which were not in great conditions but still opted for it to continue to take all the beauty in my eyes on the route. Riding in the rains with sea on you right and mountains on you left is the best ride you can ever have. But soon I realised that at times it was becoming risky due to the cross winds as at times I was getting dragged on the left with sudden spells of speedy winds hitting the shore. Also the rain were getting heavier and heavier reducing the visibility at times and this forced me to take the NH66 again. Continuing on NH66 I reached Panjim and called up a friend whose office is on the Highway to meet up for lunch. Here I realised I shouldn’t have filled my tank in Maharashtra as the petrol was cheaper in Goa. After lunch and some good conversation my buddy I continued towards Gokarna. I filled my tank at Canacona this time to take advantage of the lower petrol rates. The roads were just awesome and again every 40 to 50 kms I was witnessing the beauty of mother nature. By the time I reached Gokarna it was already 6pm and the zostel was located at top of a small hill. The view of there was just breath taking. With complete view of the beach and the endless view of the sea just took away all the fatigue of riding through the day. The view was so beautiful that even being a cricket fan I choose not to watch the India Srilanka match. Grabbed a beer, sat at a place expecting that I can see the sunset (though there were bit of clouds) and starting writing down few lines of my poem. Entire evening for almost 3 to 4 hours I was just there watching the sky turning dark with a full moon already out and some stars from the gaps between the clouds. Suddenly the guy at the restaurant came and was speaking to me and I realized man I was on a road trip which lead me the obvious question where do I halt next day. I was going through the maps again and realised I am one day ahead as the plan was to reach Mangalore on Saturday but it was hardly few hundred kilometres from here. I called my friend in Bangalore and told him the change in the plan. I asked him to come to Wayanad directly on Saturday and I will make a halt somewhere in Kerela keeping in mind a ride of approx. 400km. This time the plan was to halt anywhere between Bekal and Kahangad in Kerela so that on Saturday I can reach Wayanad by 1pm. By the way, I would highly recommend to stay at Zostel for anyone who is planning to visit Gokarna.

Day3: Woke up on time to the facts that it was raining whole night and it was still raining. I had a good breakfast and geared up with additional raincoat and pants and started off. Karnataka coastal is equally beautiful and NH66 its one of the most scenic roads in India. I took stops at some of the views of the sea and the highway just next to the sea where the splashes were coming on road. On the way I saw the ‘Welcome to Kerela’ board and two thoughts just crossed my mind, first that man I came all the way to Kerela on Bike and second Kerela rice and Sambhar and the same was accomplished at lunch. As soon as you are in Kerela, the road are ruled by local buses, had to be very careful riding on highways and that to in those heavy rains. By 4pm I was at Bekal fort and next to the fort there was a very beautiful beach where I was the only tourist. The locals were looking at me as if some alien has landed on their territory. Few came and spoke to me but language was a major barrier. At last someone told me to stay at Kahangad as there are no hotels to stay at Bekal, so I reached Kahangad checked into a decent hotel and spent my night over there. All excited to start next day for Wayanad.

Day4: Again was an hour late as slept late due to excitement of riding to Wayanad where the land of spices, (Eucalyptus) nilgiri trees, Coffee gardens were awaiting to embrace me. The plan was to skip breakfast, halt at Kunnur, get my bike checked at the service centre and then via Koyilandy go to Wayand so that by 1.30pm I reach there. After getting chain lubricated and few other small stuffs getting checked I started ahead. It was raining continuously and I was seriously amazed to see my Iva handling the roads very well, at no point I felt unsafe on this machine. Soon I reached Koyilandy and left NH66 to take the road to Wayanad. I thought of taking lunch but everything was shut no shops no busses on the roads. For a moment I thought is there any curfew or what than I sorted of convinced myself saying it might be due to the heavy rains. After going around 40 to 50 kms I was stopped by a protest where the locals had blocked the road with coconut tree wood logs and they were throwing stones at the bikers and cars. I almost got hit with one. I tried to ask a biker but he was neither able to understand Hindi or English. But to my rescue I met another biker who knew English and he told me that there might be a road from inside the small town and asked me to follow him. We went through some narrow road but again there were protestor who didn’t allow both of us to go ahead. The biker told the locals that I am driving from all the way to Mumbai and have to reach Wayanad but they were making fun of me and not allowing me to go ahead. But thankfully two men in their 50s came and spoke to the locals and asked them to allow me to go ahead on which they allowed and finally I was again back on the main road. They also told me that this protest is only limited to the district and there is no such nuisance going on in Wayanad. As I moved ahead I soon hit the ghats and to rescue my stomach I found a small tapir where I had bananas which also gave the vital energy to my body. The ghats were one of the most beautiful ones with 9 hairpin bends it was one of the best rides I had done till date. Riding thought lush green mountains, coffee gardens, clouds with almost zero visibility was making me more excited to reach my destination. I took few stops to admire the beauty and same time updated my friends that I would be reaching by 3pm. I was experiencing altogether a new bliss of riding in such heavy rains and through ghats with some back to back hairpin bends. Reached Wayanad at 3.15pm checked into my room and dropped a message to my friend as they already had reached. After freshening up and keeping my gear to dry, we went for a lunch followed by a movie in local theatre that too in 3D and this was again a unique experience. Since it was continuously raining we decided to stay back at hotel and chit chat and have dinner at hotel only. The plan for next day was to ride to Ooty and then take the Bandipur and Madumalai forest reserve road to Bangalore.

Day 5: Since we had breakfast included in our stay we had it the hotel. Luckily it had stopped raining and we had a clear view from our hotel and it was just breath taking with mountain ranges visible as far as you can see. I checked my speedometer and it was almost 1350kms and soon we started for Ooty and once again I was just lost in the beauty of Mother Nature. The ride to Ooty was again something unique as it was chilled, body getting bit numb and at same time riding through clouds, tall Nilgiri trees on both sides, huge coffee gardens was just awesome. By the time we reached Ooty my hands were bit frozen with the cold winds which only a cup of hot tea would give relief. My friend told me that the road to Madumalai Reserve via Ooty - Mysore road is a ghat with 36 hairpin bends and I was again excited to ride on those roads. Since it was a down climb I thought it would be easy but than it had started raining a bit and roads were narrow which was making it difficult to ride at the bends as at one point I witnessed 3 to 4 bends just one after the other. But again to my surprise my machine at no point made me feel unsafe on it. It was handling the curves like a professional, keeping the grip on the wet road very well (thanks to MRF RevZ C1 tyres). On the way from Madumalai to Bandipur jungle road we saw lot of dears and wild pigs and also spotted an elephant too. Throughout my ride in the jungle I felt a kid emerging in me who had his eyes in the jungle to see spot some animals freely wandering. At last I made it, I had achieved it of what I had just thought few days back with no pre planning. Taking some halts I reached Bangalore with my friend and stayed at his place. Earlier I thought I will leave next day morning take a halt in between somewhere and reach Mumbai by Tuesday night. But I have many other friends in Bangalore so thought of spending whole day there and also get my bike chain lubricated.

Day 7: Since Monday was whole day in Bangalore, Tuesday I decided to leave for Mumbai and the plan earlier was stay either at Kolhapur as Bangalore to Mumbai is little over 1000kms and I was not sure if I can do that in a day. I left Bangalore at around 9.30am and again to my luck it was not raining at all. Soon I was able to pick up speed and I remember I was constantly riding at 153+kmph which helped me to reach Davangere by 12pm. Here I got a thought of making to Mumbai in one go and if my body gives up than I will halt either at Satara or Pune. But since it was not raining and well-constructed roads I reached Pune by 8.30pm. Since I had done Mumbai Pune many times I decided to carry on as soon I made to my home by 10.35pm. The speedometer for the day was 1022kms and I was feeling nothing less than proud of myself (obviously I did with halts). I was so happy that Iva (my bike) never made me feel that she would give up. The total journey was approx. 2800kms over 7 days. I still wonder that how did I do this while I write this and the only answer I have is it’s my passion to ride, explore new places, meet new people which keeps me moving at the age of 34.

Videos are here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCat...yc07m14G5k-E1Q

Anyone who need details on the stay or need help to plan a trip on this route can get in touch with me through Social media or mail me on [email protected].

[sstherockz]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Awesome pics sir

[deepDmnr]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Installed 25mm handlebar risers from viaterra. Sitting position is a lot relaxed. It's feels great in traffic but for empty stretches, i would rather be without them. I will keep them thru the rains and take them off in winter.

[deepDmnr]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

What about 4 psi in two weeks.. Is it normal??!!

Same here, i get air topped 4-6 psi every two weeks.

[Lalzova]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Installed 25mm handlebar risers from viaterra. Sitting position is a lot relaxed. It's feels great in traffic but for empty stretches, i would rather be without them. I will keep them thru the rains and take them off in winter.

Whats the cost, i feel not comfortable with the stock during city ride.

[deepDmnr]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Whats the cost, i feel not comfortable with the stock during city ride.

https://viaterragear.com/shop/brands/viaterra/viaterra-dominar-400-handlebar-risers/

900
Check out carbon racing , the have shop on Facebook. They got the same too.
Vijay Hansora has YouTube video on installation procedure. Took me an hour at most.

[manjush3v]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Took my dominar for Nandi Hills today. I am able to hit 110 at 5.5 k rpm in sixth gear. I did this 3 times. Somehow after doing this, 5 th gear is able to do 75 easily at 4.5k rpm. The gear shifting keeps giving thud sounds which is annoying. I felt horrible vibrations at around 5k rpm. So horrible that my leg became numb. I completed close to 300 kms on odo. Hoping that vibrations will go away after servicing. Heating is least concerning issue. I did try little bit of cornering today. Bike experience is great during cornering, but ya I had to be bit cautious about balancing.

[I Ride Alone]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Same here, i get air topped 4-6 psi every two weeks.

Checked with Michelin tyre shop...the 2-4 psi drop in pressure in 2 weeks is normal for bikes. If any leak, he said, the pressure would go down as low 15 psi.

[aniD400]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Installed 25mm handlebar risers from viaterra. Sitting position is a lot relaxed. It's feels great in traffic but for empty stretches, i would rather be without them. I will keep them thru the rains and take them off in winter.

Does it reduce the handle bar vibrations?

[deepDmnr]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Does it reduce the handle bar vibrations?

I don't feel any change as such.