Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[@sharath]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi,

After a lot of confusion decided to go with the Dominar 400.
March 03, its my Birthday and I am going to take the delivery of my new Dominar 400.

Gone through several PDI threads and videos and I am quite confident on myself in doing my personal PDI on the delivery day.
But I am here to know any other unique things to do in my PDI. Like if you guys had missed something to check when getting your bike and later you regretted for it. So I need some different kind of suggestions if anyone has.

Coming to the bike, price has been finalized to 1.76L on road here in Hyderabad which includes the Permanent Registration also.
I have gone for the Zero Dep Insurance of Bharathi (don't know the exact name, but that's the only insurer from that dealer).
The dealer has agreed to get the insurance on my own but somehow I thought getting the insurance for the first time, its better to go with the dealer only.
I felt very strange that the sales person doesn't know what IDV is or atleast the percentage. Talking with his manager I made the IDV to be 95% of the Ex-showroom value.

I have raised a lot of questions and strictly informed them my requirements and conditions of the delivery.
The things I had informed them strictly are:
1) I will select a bike from your lot on my own.
2) I will look for the scratches, oil levels, handle bar alignment, switches, etc etc...
3) I will select 2 bikes and I want the battery to be connected and the bikes to be started so that I could listen to the engine noise (Thanks to a person who mentioned this. Sorry bro I don't remember you name)
4) Talking about the odo reading the sales guy said it wont be more than 4kms for sure. Don't know how true it is because I could see the bike I test rode had its speedo and odo not working (test ridden the RS200). Anyhow I am going to look for the grip on the handle bars, footpegs and tyres and find out whether the bike has been ridden or not.
5) I could see the Bajaj sticker on the right side of the engine just beside the brake pedal. It is some what blur or dull on the display bike. I think this would be because of a lot of people getting onto the bike and their legs scraping on that sticker. I feel this is also an indication to check whether the bike has been used or not. Might be a minor thing but it adds value for my PDI.
6) Strictly insisted them I don't want any spelling mistakes in my name and in any other documents and also regarding the IDV I want it to be 95% as promised and in case of any issue regarding insurance I will not proceed with that until it is clear.

After doing my own PDI then I will select my Dominar and those guys can proceed with getting ready the papers and the Temporary Registration.


Choosing color is a big task for me now. Initially thought to go for the blue one and get a gold or cream color seat cover for it (saw a pic somewhere).
But when I saw the canyon red beside the blue, fell down in confusion. Red is obviously eye catching and striking but I doubt whether it lasts that charm over the years. Coming to blue it is not that attractive so there is no need to bother about the color fading away because it is already a dull color.
Took a small poll in facebook groups and with my family and most of them voted for the Red one only. Some people said that when you are paying 1.8L for a bike it need to be a head turner in the traffic so go for the Red one because it catches a lot of eyes.
If you have any suggestions please do mention here but don't say that "Bro, go with what you like because its your personal liking and interest".
Bored with this kind of answers

Still 2 days to get my new beast into my hands. Hope everything goes well on the delivery day.
I am new here in posting on xbhp though following this site from years.
Will try to post as many posts in future which would make me close to my fellow riders and also for me to know what's happening with other bikes also.

I will get back soon with some pictures. Stay tuned...

[Rajas Sheth]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi,

After a lot of confusion decided to go with the Dominar 400.
March 03, its my Birthday and I am going to take the delivery of my new Dominar 400.

Gone through several PDI threads and videos and I am quite confident on myself in doing my personal PDI on the delivery day.
But I am here to know any other unique things to do in my PDI. Like if you guys had missed something to check when getting your bike and later you regretted for it. So I need some different kind of suggestions if anyone has.

Coming to the bike, price has been finalized to 1.76L on road here in Hyderabad which includes the Permanent Registration also.
I have gone for the Zero Dep Insurance of Bharathi (don't know the exact name, but that's the only insurer from that dealer).
The dealer has agreed to get the insurance on my own but somehow I thought getting the insurance for the first time, its better to go with the dealer only.
I felt very strange that the sales person doesn't know what IDV is or atleast the percentage. Talking with his manager I made the IDV to be 95% of the Ex-showroom value.

I have raised a lot of questions and strictly informed them my requirements and conditions of the delivery.
The things I had informed them strictly are:
1) I will select a bike from your lot on my own.
2) I will look for the scratches, oil levels, handle bar alignment, switches, etc etc...
3) I will select 2 bikes and I want the battery to be connected and the bikes to be started so that I could listen to the engine noise (Thanks to a person who mentioned this. Sorry bro I don't remember you name)
4) Talking about the odo reading the sales guy said it wont be more than 4kms for sure. Don't know how true it is because I could see the bike I test rode had its speedo and odo not working (test ridden the RS200). Anyhow I am going to look for the grip on the handle bars, footpegs and tyres and find out whether the bike has been ridden or not.
5) I could see the Bajaj sticker on the right side of the engine just beside the brake pedal. It is some what blur or dull on the display bike. I think this would be because of a lot of people getting onto the bike and their legs scraping on that sticker. I feel this is also an indication to check whether the bike has been used or not. Might be a minor thing but it adds value for my PDI.
6) Strictly insisted them I don't want any spelling mistakes in my name and in any other documents and also regarding the IDV I want it to be 95% as promised and in case of any issue regarding insurance I will not proceed with that until it is clear.

After doing my own PDI then I will select my Dominar and those guys can proceed with getting ready the papers and the Temporary Registration.


Choosing color is a big task for me now. Initially thought to go for the blue one and get a gold or cream color seat cover for it (saw a pic somewhere).
But when I saw the canyon red beside the blue, fell down in confusion. Red is obviously eye catching and striking but I doubt whether it lasts that charm over the years. Coming to blue it is not that attractive so there is no need to bother about the color fading away because it is already a dull color.
Took a small poll in facebook groups and with my family and most of them voted for the Red one only. Some people said that when you are paying 1.8L for a bike it need to be a head turner in the traffic so go for the Red one because it catches a lot of eyes.
If you have any suggestions please do mention here but don't say that "Bro, go with what you like because its your personal liking and interest".
Bored with this kind of answers

Still 2 days to get my new beast into my hands. Hope everything goes well on the delivery day.
I am new here in posting on xbhp though following this site from years.
Will try to post as many posts in future which would make me close to my fellow riders and also for me to know what's happening with other bikes also.

I will get back soon with some pictures. Stay tuned...

Go for red and it ceramic pro coated or apply PPFs ( Paint protection films ) as soon as possible...
Reapat the process after some years..
That way you don't loose the " CHARM" of the red colour!

[ndinesh]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

It looks Dominar prices has been increased by Rs 2000 from yesterday.

[sumith.jagadisan]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Is it bad to buy the non abs version of domimar as i heard my friend say that it has too much power and need abs? I cant afford the abs model. If there is a concern about the abs, I'll probably get fz250 since it's less powerful

There seems to be a lot of myth floating around with regards to braking on a bike fitted with ABS.

Let me start by saying how to brake effectively on non-ABS bike.

When braking on non-ABS bike always use pumping action i.e. pull brake lever mildly (feeling of brake pad biting disk) then let go, again pull brake lever mild then let go (in a continue action) until bike comes to a complete halt. This will bring your bike to complete halt without skidding or loosing balance in emergencies. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Above procedure requires practice (try n master it on open EMPTY roads). Also keep in mind braking distance, never follow any vehicle at a close distance. Depending on speed, effective braking requires 5m to 15m. Pumping actions works on both front and rear brake lever.

On personal experience, using 60-40 i.e 60% pressure on front brake and 40% pressure on rear brake works the best in emergencies.

Coming to bikes with ABS, this is bit different.

On bikes with ABS, pull the brake lever mildly (feeling of brake pad biting disk) but continuously until bike comes to a complete halt. Here as well, pumping actions comes to play but this is managed or taken care by bike’s ABS computer. Here as well remember braking distance. Bikes with ABS also take up to 5m to 10m for stopping, depending on speed. Whenever ABS system comes online a mild vibration can be felt on the brake lever (if u pay attention).

I read somewhere on this topic, someone saying bike came to instant halt with ABS. This is not true. Try it on empty road to know better.

Now, whether you should buy ABS or non-ABS Dominar.. well always ABS is best option for simple fact.. every second counts when it’s a matter of life or death.

PS- I’m a Proud owner of Matt black Dominar ABS variety. [emoji1308][emoji7]

[sumith.jagadisan]

Re: DOminar ABS issue

Hi Guys . I got My Dominar 400 2018 edition about a month ago. Mine is an ABS variant and i feel there is an issue with the ABS system on the front break.
The issue is sporadic and not consistent at all. The break lever jams up for a fraction of a second the breaks dont engage, normally it requires for me to relese and pull the lever again for the breaks to work . this mostly happens when there are bad roads but it also occurs during normal highway riding. When i mentioned this to the service guy he told its normal and that is how the ABS fuctions.

Has any one else experienced this ?

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----



Hi did this get resolved ? i am experienccing the same issue with my 2018 edition

This may be due to excessive braking and/or hard braking over long duration. Try this.. next time you face similar issue, check if front disk is unbearable hot if yes, avoid aggressive braking over long period.

It’s not lever jamming up but disk pads sticking to disk due to excessive heat.

If above is not the case then...let me know, it may be due to wear and tear of small button on the brake assembly. Will explain If above does not help

[emoji1308]

[IntoOblivion]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Since i took delivery on Thursday, i was waiting for a long ride so that i can finish 1st part of my run-in soon.Got a chance today. Did a customary run-in ride ( with my wife) to Pondychery and now the service reminder icon ( of a spanner!) is on!!
It was a sunny day with slight chill in the air ( as if winter doesn't want to give up yet.!). Few things i noticed on the 280+ kilometers run are given below
1) There is fair bit of buzz post 4000 rpm ( hope it will die down soon after 1st service)
2) 6th gear is quite tall with recommended 73 kph run-in speed feeling like just enough ( for 6th gear)
3) 2,3 & 4 gears are the best ones ( 1st is short and 5-6 seems like cruise gears)
4) Power delivery is calm and relentless
5) Ride is on slightly stiffer side
6) Due to point no 5, the bike flows from corner to corner
7) Braking is good
8) Got close to 35 kmpl!! (mostly keeping it below 73 kph with couple of short bursts to 80+ for overtaking)
9) Even-though recommended max rpm is 4000 rpm, during one overtaking i went near 5500 rpm ( few seconds) and limiter light started to blink (i am confused!)

Guys, please let know if you guys had ( or having) similiar experience/impression(POINTS ABOVE)
I am attaching couple of pics as well

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[MENTION=70066]IntoOblivion[/MENTION] Bhai who says recommended max rpm is 4000 during run in, it is not mentioned in the manual or recommended by the company. This is the high revving engine and it is safe to ride in higher rpm the key is not the stay in one band for too long.
Company itself has given 5.5k as Waring light and 6 k as cut off for new owners so it is safe till there.
We first lot owners had no such rpm warning, only the 8.5k and 9k cut.
Try not to strain the engine by riding in higher gears at low rpm it is not an 100 or a 150 cc engine. Keep 4k rpm as your upshift point the gears would be lot smoother then.

The 4000 to 5000 revv band vibrations would remain there but would be lower with more services , get the engine mounting bolts tightened at the service for same.
An should be shown every rpm during its run in for a proper way, otherwise it would keep shedding its particles as the piston would be reaching new depths.
Saying again the key is not to stay at one rpm or one speed for too long and be gradual with throttle input.

I have seen many owners riding Dominar at low speed in higher gears, the power band kicks in at 3.5k rpm and after 5k rpm it gets more punchier and and post 6k it shoots like a rocket.
And yes sixth is very tall and never found the need to downshift to fifth for overtaking while cruising at highway speeds.

One more point i would like to add , is to change the oil at all three first services don't go for topup at second, fresh oil is always good for new engine.

At service new engine oil, new oil filter with ne oring, and get the bottom wala magnetic filter cleaned and also the plastic filter inside the drain bolt. And engine mounting bolts tightened with all the screws and bolt checked specially gear lever and break paddle and rear rotor.


Enjoy the ride be safe.

[IntoOblivion]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

@IntoOblivion Bhai who says recommended max rpm is 4000 during run in, it is not mentioned in the manual or recommended by the company. This is the high revving engine and it is safe to ride in higher rpm the key is not the stay in one band for too long.
Company itself has given 5.5k as Waring light and 6 k as cut off for new owners so it is safe till there.
We first lot owners had no such rpm warning, only the 8.5k and 9k cut.
Try not to strain the engine by riding in higher gears at low rpm it is not an 100 or a 150 cc engine. Keep 4k rpm as your upshift point the gears would be lot smoother then.

The 4000 to 5000 revv band vibrations would remain there but would be lower with more services , get the engine mounting bolts tightened at the service for same.
An should be shown every rpm during its run in for a proper way, otherwise it would keep shedding its particles as the piston would be reaching new depths.
Saying again the key is not to stay at one rpm or one speed for too long and be gradual with throttle input.

I have seen many owners riding Dominar at low speed in higher gears, the power band kicks in at 3.5k rpm and after 5k rpm it gets more punchier and and post 6k it shoots like a rocket.
And yes sixth is very tall and never found the need to downshift to fifth for overtaking while cruising at highway speeds.

One more point i would like to add , is to change the oil at all three first services don't go for topup at second, fresh oil is always good for new engine.

At service new engine oil, new oil filter with ne oring, and get the bottom wala magnetic filter cleaned and also the plastic filter inside the drain bolt. And engine mounting bolts tightened with all the screws and bolt checked specially gear lever and break paddle and rear rotor.


Enjoy the ride be safe.

Hi
Thanks for the advice, but at the same time, attaching here with the pic of a page from service manual which shows recommended speed limit for 1st & 2nd service.
Hence i was sticking to 4000-4500 rpm ( 73 kmph)

[elangoas]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello Dominar owners,

Am considering getting either a Dominar ABS (or) CBR250R ABS .. Still confused which one is better..I took a test ride of the Dominar 400 ABS, liked it.. But had one concerns..(Windblast)..So wanted to get actual feedback from owners.. Have been using Suzuki Gixxer SF FI at the moment..

I would not duck on my tank, and assuming i ride between 90 - 130 Kmph during my commute (50% highways), how does it feel with stock windscreen (Almost non existent)..

I have seen lot of videos on youtube, owners trying to fit aftermarket windshield.. How effective are they?.. Some taller windscreens are fully dark and i believe will create blind spot ahead..

Sorry for barge, but your inputs will help me finalise..

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[MENTION=70066]IntoOblivion[/MENTION] yes bhai these numbers are written in the manual too, and these are basically for very fresh or first time owners, and to add more these are same which were in my avenger 220's manual.
You won't go wrong with these, but it is safe to take you bike to 5 or 5.5 k rpm if you do it gradually.
Key is not to rush and never to open the full throttle in cold engine. Morden day engines are advanced enough to handle heat and pressure.
One more thing is try not to rid in higher gear in low rpm means if u r using 5 or sixth then try to be at 4k and above.

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[MENTION=13486]elangoas[/MENTION] brother this thing you are talking about also depends on the riders height, i am 5.4ft and find the wind blast to be manageable till 120kmph without ducking. And there are many options available for after market windshields.
Cbr250 is good but it is still the same old bike with some leds at a higher cost then Dominar.

[elangoas]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

@elangoas brother this thing you are talking about also depends on the riders height, i am 5.4ft and find the wind blast to be manageable till 120kmph with ducking. And there are many options available for after market windshields.

Thanks for your inputs..Am abt 5.9 ft, so wind-blast may may be a concern as i mostly wont duck on regular commute..

Cbr250 is good but it is still the same old bike with some leds at a higher cost then Dominar.

Right.. Just waiting for Honda to announce the CBR pricing for 2018.. This will also influence my decision..

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Thanks for your inputs..Am abt 5.9 ft, so wind-blast may may be a concern as i mostly wont duck on regular commute..



Right.. Just waiting for Honda to announce the CBR pricing for 2018.. This will also influence my decision..

I wanted to write without ducking but this damm auto correct.[emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13]

[elangoas]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I wanted to write without ducking but this damm auto correct.[emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13]

Cool.. So 120 Kmph is manageable with stock windscreen.. Hope, the taller one should help for higher speeds..

[IntoOblivion]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[MENTION=70066]IntoOblivion[/MENTION] yes bhai these numbers are written in the manual too, and these are basically for very fresh or first time owners, and to add more these are same which were in my avenger 220's manual.
You won't go wrong with these, but it is safe to take you bike to 5 or 5.5 k rpm if you do it gradually.
Key is not to rush and never to open the full throttle in cold engine. Morden day engines are advanced enough to handle heat and pressure.
One more thing is try not to rid in higher gear in low rpm means if u r using 5 or sixth then try to be at 4k and above.

I don’t think these are just for fresh and first time owners - a friend of mine who works in engine testing told me that there is a high chance of getting cylinder/piston scratched during initial periods due to small particles.
But he also said no issues in occasionally taking it to higher rpm (few seconds)