Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[Arjunachu]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Guys,

I am planning an upgrade to my 10 year old Pulsar 180 (Have another 8 year old P220 still going solid). I commute mostly in city (60 kms/day) mostly in night and occasionally on highways (~1100kms). All I look for is comfort in ride, great smooth engine, okayish looks, not too street urchin appealing and not too horrid enough to make the eyes bleed.

I have shortlisted several other bikes including Dominar. Just a few observations:
1. Puny fuel tank - I am used to ~600km range in a tankfill. Domi's 13L plus mileage of 25-26 will ensure a fuel stop for me at almost half of 600 I am used to. Also, in the long rides, this isn't helpful either. To add insult to injury, no reserve. Have to fill the moment fuel bar starts blinking even if I am in mid of nowhere. It starts blinking at I guess last 3L of fuel reserve. Biggest turnoff! Carburetor bikes with huge tanks have ruined me! In cities its ok but on long rides, I can't imagine being in a binding position to refill every 300kms as I often travel to remote, away from usual route villages in mountains. The fuel availability there is just a matter of your stars and your deeds staring back at you.
2. Absolute brute presence and apex predatory stance - I am just in awe of its presence and appearance at front. Rear is too skinny as per me but front..dude! Blew me away moment I saw it in real-life. If I ever ignore all its negatives and buy it, it will be just because of its frontal presence!
3. Headlights - While good in lights, were below expectations. The corner remains dark, another deal breaker. I travel mostly in nights, and often on dark patches. While nothing that a P180 stock headlight could not save me from, it actually illuminates the corners well. Pretty amusing seeing a Domi lagging behind on this especially to its 10 years old cousin. Also, LED DRLs aren't too good in foggy winters of Delhi, atleast not better than halogens. Another letdown. Any thing we need to do to alter this situation?

I guess that's mostly it. Look forward to your responses and a subsequent decision making based on that. Thanks!

1 & 2. Great smooth engine : Then this is not a option for you. Not sure on D400 2019 if it has a DOHC you might consider it . If u need a butter smooth engine go for a dual cylinder engine like Ninja or RE Interceptor 650 kind of, But apart from that i think rest all is same almost in all the bikes above 300cc(I mean kms range of tankfull)

3. This is the best lit Headlight you can find so far. Use beams appropriately for right illumination. Else use additional fog lights

anything to alter this situation is you can carry extra fuel racked up the bike if ur reaching remote place or hilly regions and use auxiliary lights for corner illumination.

One thing is you cant get anything better than D400 at its price segment.

[whytryharder]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

1) Tank range will be definitely less in 300-400cc category until and unless you go for R3 which has a better tank range than its competitors. But that's where you will be making the sacrifice.

R3 is second under my radar but provision for no side pannier (dikki) since I am a consultant and visit different offices and keep two laptops with me all the time, it may be the most doofy and idiotic one, still a deal shaker, if not breaker for me.

[AP_SF]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

R3 is second under my radar but provision for no side pannier (dikki) since I am a consultant and visit different offices and keep two laptops with me all the time, it may be the most doofy and idiotic one, still a deal shaker, if not breaker for me.

Okay I understand your point. Instead of putting a dikki, why don't you carry a bag with you? Or else get a saddle bag which can double up as bag pack (I have seen somewhere but I don't exactly remember). It might be a bit big in size but there are good alternatives around.

[whytryharder]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

1 & 2. Great smooth engine : Then this is not a option for you. Not sure on D400 2019 if it has a DOHC you might consider it . If u need a butter smooth engine go for a dual cylinder engine like Ninja or RE Interceptor 650 kind of, But apart from that i think rest all is same almost in all the bikes above 300cc(I mean kms range of tankfull)

Actually there is one bike with splendid tank range - Mojo with 21 L of fuel tank, great engine and comfort should be the ideal one for me, no? That thing looks menacing, definitely a squid/street kid/poser magnet. And I am not too fond of RE style loud exhaust note which Mojo has. I wanted a smoother and linear sounding exhaust that could've been conspicuous enough for me to carry out a highway robbery. Other than that, it almost ticks off my entire list.

3. This is the best lit Headlight you can find so far. Use beams appropriately for right illumination. Else use additional fog lights

Agree headlight is fricking lit...literally! But certainly not pointed correct. And not a fan of fog lights, to me they seem like some cheap after market modification...

I am a confused/ing soul

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Okay I understand your point. Instead of putting a dikki, why don't you carry a bag with you? Or else get a saddle bag which can double up as bag pack (I have seen somewhere but I don't exactly remember). It might be a bit big in size but there are good alternatives around.

How I wish your saying was true. But most organizations bar us from bringing personal laptops and electronics in their campuses. And since I keep on visiting atleast two of three of them daily, I need a place to put the lappies back with the bike and hence the ever helpful dikki! :P Saddle bags don't have a lock and when they do, they look far too inviting for onlookers to have an experience on doing their best to ruin it for once and for all.

[Vaibhavt]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Have a weird problem. I bought the Dominar last month. Didn't like the tyres. Upgraded them to pirelli sports demon in front. But now, it sends vibes. There is a wierd buzzy sound and vibes, more than when I had not installed the tyres.

[Arjunachu]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[QUOTE=whytryharder;1364394]Actually there is one bike with splendid tank range - Mojo with 21 L of fuel tank, great engine and comfort should be the ideal one for me, no? That thing looks menacing, definitely a squid/street kid/poser magnet. And I am not too fond of RE style loud exhaust note which Mojo has. I wanted a smoother and linear sounding exhaust that could've been conspicuous enough for me to carry out a highway robbery. Other than that, it almost ticks off my entire list.


Agree headlight is fricking lit...literally! But certainly not pointed correct. And not a fan of fog lights, to me they seem like some cheap after market modification...

I am a confused/ing soul


Yes Mojo engine is smooth and bulky looking bike. But odds are mojo is not very successful as the front seems very heavy while riding as well.
Rear seat is not comfortable and personally sound seems good for me though.

[DJD]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Recently crossed 10K km in my dominar. One thing i want to say is the gear shifting has become super smooth compared to the earlier days, specially the up-shifts. I am using only bajaj engine oil

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Recently crossed 10K km in my dominar. One thing i want to say is the gear shifting has become super smooth compared to the earlier days, specially the up-shifts. I am using only bajaj engine oil

#meetoo bajaj oil only.

[ginzon]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Anyone gets a thak kind of noise from the handle bar/fork when front wheel gets a sudden jerky break or in a pot hole...?

I'm planning to get the setting at the handle point tightened for the same, had this issue with my brother's fazer...

Update: Got it fixed, same that I mentioned...

[vengalabdj]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Anyone gets a thak kind of noise from the handle bar/fork when front wheel gets a sudden jerky break or in a pot hole...?

I'm planning to get the setting at the handle point tightened for the same, had this issue with my brother's fazer...

Update: Got it fixed, same that I mentioned...

Its a common issue with dominars. The sound will come back over time. You just have to replace the "cone bearing set" periodically. Like every 20k kms.

[Indivar]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Anyone gets a thak kind of noise from the handle bar/fork when front wheel gets a sudden jerky break or in a pot hole...?

I'm planning to get the setting at the handle point tightened for the same, had this issue with my brother's fazer...

Update: Got it fixed, same that I mentioned...

Its normal with all motorcycles, just tightening the handle T bolts should fix it as you already mentioned.

[krishh013]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Yes u can carry the copy of said judgement or order if u have any as a fail safe, i have pinged my source will follow up with u when i get a reply.

Bhai, anything from your source?? Or any idea where I can get that judgement copy??

I talked to a traffic cop yesterday.. he says out of state vehicles are allowed only for 10 to 15 days which clearly proves that they have no knowledge of this law.

[Ijs]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Bhai, anything from your source?? Or any idea where I can get that judgement copy??

I talked to a traffic cop yesterday.. he says out of state vehicles are allowed only for 10 to 15 days which clearly proves that they have no knowledge of this law.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/citi...x-1804771.html

Check this one and do check ur inbox i will give you his contact number.

[krishh013]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

http://www.newindianexpress.com/citi...x-1804771.html

Check this one and do check ur inbox i will give you his contact number.

Thanks Ijs. Got the message.

[prasadD400]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi guys..
Its almost a year and time for some expenses on D 400..
Need some advice..

1.Which insurance company is best?
Present one is HDFC which has tie up with show room..(0 CLAIM till now).

2. Best budget tyre for front? (dry and wet grip + marginal life)

3.wat ll happen if handle bar play is less(tight). Wat is the cone set life..

4. Recently changed chain sprocket to rolon. Anybody used it already? At wat frequent it needs adjustment and cleaning?
SVC guys recommended to use sae 90 oil..
Telling lube spray holds more dust which wont leave in normal water wash. Is it true?

5.auxilary lights... Some say connect it with relay.. where to get it..?
Already contacted once directly but not working within 5-6 months.(supply taken from front break light)

6 front shocks working fine. Bike is @18k so when should be the oil change?

(Lost bike manual so i am asking with u guys)

Thank you.