Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Is there any Dominar club of some sorts, where Dominar owners can meet and have some rides together? Probably a whatsapp group of Dominar riders?

Which city are you from? Check the Facebook page of Dominar and post your query there. It may also have the links of the groups of various cities in there.

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I have always been the guy that thinks that nothing in the world is perfect and when it comes to bikes they do come with their fair share of niggles but the water is now above the head. You would always find me praising the dominar no matter what because she has impressed in almost all ways possible. Apart from the coolant drop(no it's not mixing with the engine oil nor its leaking i seriously am amused as where is it going) and a broken oil seal I've never faced any issue. As I soon near the 2nd birthday of my bike this is what I receive as a gift. The area near the tank pad(which of being low quality wore off after some time) has started developing a unique pattern in the paint. Definitely air has creeped inside and now the paint would start to chip off. Before you start blasting me with all the maintenance related concerns let me satisfy you.
The bike has only been ridden for approximately 9k kilometres in 2 years.
No tank pad of any other kind has been used so that it's glue would cause such mishap.
The bike is always parked in shade.
The bike is washed once in a week or two.
Now the dilemma is what should I do, I will be taking my concern tomorrow to the service centre to see there reply but I already know that they wouldn't give a shot about what is going on.
My request is any of the member has ever faced such a situation and how to handle with this right now.
Ride Hard Ride Safe
Amogh Sharma[ATTACH]249605[/ATTACH][ATTACH]249606[/ATTACH]

Oh man, the design actually looks good/unique :-) but get it checked at a local bike/car paint maintenance shop and they'll know exactly what it is. My bike's a year old and hasn't faced this issue as yet.

[VJdesert]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi guys
Anybody removed box type catcon and connected stock exhaust.? Or is there any way to do it? It is hitting large bumbs with or without pillion rider.
If the same thing is already shared, please repost it here.

[nirjhar1997]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello guys...i have a question...how is GOLD X ROLON CHAIN kit as conpared to stock kit on dominar 400...should we use it

[ghatotkatch]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello guys,

New to the forum (in terms of posting). I too, got delivery of my Dominar 2019 last week on 7th May from Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road in Bangalore, after booking it in March, couple days after bookings opened. I had been driving an Avenger for about 5yrs before this, and had been to Ladakh, Spiti and many other long drives with wife and a lot of luggage mounted on the bike. Since returning from Spiti last September, I had been yearning for more power and ability to ride beyond 100kmph without irritating vibrations that were rampant post 90-95kmph on the Avenger. Since getting the Dominar last week, I have been to a few engine break-in rides in the hills (the Anchetty circuit, the Anekal Harohalli hilly route etc) before I gave the bike for service at about 510kms last wednesday. The bike's at around 900kms now, and here are a few observations -

1. The bike is an absolute hoot to ride. Especially around the corners. It handles phenomenally well. I have had never felt so confident either on the Apache or the Avenger when taking corners at such aggressive angles before. The bike never feels unsettled anywhere, and the chassis is a gem.


2. The bike reeks quality everywhere; so much so that I couldn't find out something to point at and say "Duh, Bajaj!". The attention to details is great; a case in point - the bungee cords the come attached to bolts under the pillion seat, have elaborate hooks to keep them neatly tucked in when not needed. I just couldn't find a spot where it seemed like Bajaj has cut corners. It's a very well built, quality bike.


3. There *are* vibrations. Quite a lot of them in fact, especially in the low-end, and especially noticeable when I drive it after Avenger. The mid-range is getting smoother as I have been noticing, since the service. But the low-end hammers the living daylights out of my hands and fingers. Definitely need something to smoothen the handlebars out during the city rides when the bike remains in the low-end most of the time.


4. Even I had strongly noticed my bike pulling on the right a lot, when I would let go of the handlebars. I had mentioned it during first service, and while the problem has reduced a fair bit, there still remains a slight pull on right. The service-advisor has asked me to bring the bike to service center again for another look, and to his credit, he has been quite proactive in reaching out.


5. The sales as well as service experience at Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road, has pleasantly surprised me so far. I had heard quite a few bad words about Bajaj this and Bajaj that, but these folks have been professional through and through. They have been upfront about everything, warm in their communication, and the service advisors or even the billing department have been responsive even at late evening hours.


6. The odometer read 3kms on delivery, and I have been religiously keeping the bike under 5-5.5k RPM since then, which means speeds of under 90kmph most of the time. Have avoided highways in most of the rides.


7. Since the first service I have been noticing the bike needs 500 RPMs less to reach speeds like 90kmph. It almost got close to 5.5k RPM before the service, while now it just needs 4.5k to 5k RPM.


8. Have been keeping a tab on the coolant level right since the delivery, and the level has been stable all through. It increased after first service due to top up, I assume, and it has remained there since last 350kms. So finger crossed about not having the infamous engine-oil coolant mixup issue in the upgraded Dominar.


9. I slightly opened the bike (removed seats and slightly lifted the tank cover) to route a USB charger wire to the battery, and in the process noticed the vibration kit is pre-installed from factory, in the new Dominar. Wish they had done something to dampen the handlebar vibes as well.


10. As for mileage, i have been noticing around 28-30kmpl in my rides so far. No complaints there, as I suspect my carbureted Avenger gave less than that on most of the rides.


11. I have a lot of mods in the mind, and have already ordered a handlebar rider, windshield, backrest and evo-x saddle-stays from Carbon Racing. I had loved the front frame attachment on Himalayan, and might get a similar one manufactured to fit onto the frame bolts provided on Dominar. That stuff could potentially allow me to add couple of jerry cans (rotopax style), and will double the touring range of the bike.



All in all, I feel this Dominar to be a keeper, for a long time. Fingers crossed. Now awaiting to complete the 2k kms mark in as sedate manner as possible, before I can go berserk on the bike.

Update 20-05-2019: Adding a couple of photos of the beauty -

Just out of the showroom after delivery -


At home after small pooja -

[Jackharrisw]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello guys,

New to the forum (in terms of posting). I too, got delivery of my Dominar 2019 last week on 7th May from Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road in Bangalore, after booking it in March, couple days after bookings opened. I had been driving an Avenger for about 5yrs before this, and had been to Ladakh, Spiti and many other long drives with wife and a lot of luggage mounted on the bike. Since returning from Spiti last September, I had been yearning for more power and ability to ride beyond 100kmph without irritating vibrations that were rampant post 90-95kmph on the Avenger. Since getting the Dominar last week, I have been to a few engine break-in rides in the hills (the Anchetty circuit, the Anekal Harohalli hilly route etc) before I gave the bike for service at about 510kms last wednesday. The bike's at around 900kms now, and here are a few observations -



All in all, I feel this Dominar to be a keeper, for a long time. Fingers crossed. Now awaiting to complete the 2k kms mark in as sedate manner as possible, before I can go berserk on the bike.

Congrats for your new ride. Indeed, the new Dominar is quiet a looker.That's a good and detailed initial review you have posted about the new 2019 model, but a couple of photos of your new bike would have made it look more complete .

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello guys,

New to the forum (in terms of posting). I too, got delivery of my Dominar 2019 last week on 7th May from Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road in Bangalore, after booking it in March, couple days after bookings opened. I had been driving an Avenger for about 5yrs before this, and had been to Ladakh, Spiti and many other long drives with wife and a lot of luggage mounted on the bike. Since returning from Spiti last September, I had been yearning for more power and ability to ride beyond 100kmph without irritating vibrations that were rampant post 90-95kmph on the Avenger. Since getting the Dominar last week, I have been to a few engine break-in rides in the hills (the Anchetty circuit, the Anekal Harohalli hilly route etc) before I gave the bike for service at about 510kms last wednesday. The bike's at around 900kms now, and here are a few observations -

1. The bike is an absolute hoot to ride. Especially around the corners. It handles phenomenally well. I have had never felt so confident either on the Apache or the Avenger when taking corners at such aggressive angles before. The bike never feels unsettled anywhere, and the chassis is a gem.


2. The bike reeks quality everywhere; so much so that I couldn't find out something to point at and say "Duh, Bajaj!". The attention to details is great; a case in point - the bungee cords the come attached to bolts under the pillion seat, have elaborate hooks to keep them neatly tucked in when not needed. I just couldn't find a spot where it seemed like Bajaj has cut corners. It's a very well built, quality bike.


3. There *are* vibrations. Quite a lot of them in fact, especially in the low-end, and especially noticeable when I drive it after Avenger. The mid-range is getting smoother as I have been noticing, since the service. But the low-end hammers the living daylights out of my hands and fingers. Definitely need something to smoothen the handlebars out during the city rides when the bike remains in the low-end most of the time.


4. Even I had strongly noticed my bike pulling on the right a lot, when I would let go of the handlebars. I had mentioned it during first service, and while the problem has reduced a fair bit, there still remains a slight pull on right. The service-advisor has asked me to bring the bike to service center again for another look, and to his credit, he has been quite proactive in reaching out.


5. The sales as well as service experience at Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road, has pleasantly surprised me so far. I had heard quite a few bad words about Bajaj this and Bajaj that, but these folks have been professional through and through. They have been upfront about everything, warm in their communication, and the service advisors or even the billing department have been responsive even at late evening hours.


6. The odometer read 3kms on delivery, and I have been religiously keeping the bike under 5-5.5k RPM since then, which means speeds of under 90kmph most of the time. Have avoided highways in most of the rides.


7. Since the first service I have been noticing the bike needs 500 RPMs less to reach speeds like 90kmph. It almost got close to 5.5k RPM before the service, while now it just needs 4.5k to 5k RPM.


8. Have been keeping a tab on the coolant level right since the delivery, and the level has been stable all through. It increased after first service due to top up, I assume, and it has remained there since last 350kms. So finger crossed about not having the infamous engine-oil coolant mixup issue in the upgraded Dominar.


9. I slightly opened the bike (removed seats and slightly lifted the tank cover) to route a USB charger wire to the battery, and in the process noticed the vibration kit is pre-installed from factory, in the new Dominar. Wish they had done something to dampen the handlebar vibes as well.


10. As for mileage, i have been noticing around 28-30kmpl in my rides so far. No complaints there, as I suspect my carbureted Avenger gave less than that on most of the rides.


11. I have a lot of mods in the mind, and have already ordered a handlebar rider, windshield, backrest and evo-x saddle-stays from Carbon Racing. I had loved the front frame attachment on Himalayan, and might get a similar one manufactured to fit onto the frame bolts provided on Dominar. That stuff could potentially allow me to add couple of jerry cans (rotopax style), and will double the touring range of the bike.



All in all, I feel this Dominar to be a keeper, for a long time. Fingers crossed. Now awaiting to complete the 2k kms mark in as sedate manner as possible, before I can go berserk on the bike.

Great write up! The bike leaving to the right has been raised by few new owners on this forum as well. One guy in DOCB tested it few days back but he didn't face it, though he has changed his tyres and did wheel balancing post the change (2019 edition itself)

Vibrations - yes they are but I was told that the handle bar end weights have helped reduce it even further from the 2018 version. One big advise is to install the duke 390 handle grips. It seems they are excellent! Though you may have to do bit of adjustments on the grip before they can be fixed directly.

Get the centre stand by Sahyadri if you'd like to. It'll help with the cleaning lubing during your tours

[dip_avvy]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello guys,

New to the forum (in terms of posting). I too, got delivery of my Dominar 2019 last week on 7th May from Khivraj Bajaj, Kasturba Road in Bangalore.

Hello, another fellow here coming from Avenger. I couldn't agree more on the vibes part. Yes, Dominar gets smooth on higher rpm.

Bike pulling to the right is a problem for me too, as I have mentioned previously.

Your avenger gave you that low mileage? I got 40 kmpl from it, rode it 56km daily.

People might differ in opinion, but seating on Dominar is way more comfortable than on avenger. Avenger gave me back pain while riding at a stretch. But some people found avvy to be quite comfy.

My hands are also getting numb while riding at lower rpms, do post here how you've managed to rectify the issue.

Regards

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

Which city are you from? Check the Facebook page of Dominar and post your query there. It may also have the links of the groups of various cities in there.

I am from Kolkata. Have joined the fb group, but the activities there is very less. Informative discussions on the bike and riding would be great. Please share group link if you find any

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I am from Kolkata. Have joined the fb group, but the activities there is very less. Informative discussions on the bike and riding would be great. Please share group link if you find any

I don't have any links for the Kolkata based groups. I generally refer to xbhp or teambhp for all my reviews and references. Read through the past 50-100 pages to understand what types of discussions are happening on this forum. Very little for the 2019 version though since it's recently launched.

[dip_avvy]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Found something interesting just now.
The main console has two brightness modes. When the bike is under strong light or sunlight, the display brightens up, and when that source is removed, the display dims. I checked again using flash light of my phone.

Interesting. How many of you know of it?

[ghatotkatch]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

That's a good and detailed initial review you have posted about the new 2019 model, but a couple of photos of your new bike would have made it look more complete .

Absolutely! Added a couple of photos.

One guy in DOCB tested it few days back but he didn't face it, though he has changed his tyres and did wheel balancing post the change (2019 edition itself)

Vibrations - yes they are but I was told that the handle bar end weights have helped reduce it even further from the 2018 version. One big advise is to install the duke 390 handle grips. It seems they are excellent! Though you may have to do bit of adjustments on the grip before they can be fixed directly.

Get the centre stand by Sahyadri if you'd like to. It'll help with the cleaning lubing during your tours

Those are excellent tips and suggestions. Will definitely try these. Thanks a lot!

Your avenger gave you that low mileage? I got 40 kmpl from it, rode it 56km daily.

Well, I rarely ever used it in the city. Apache made for a much better and nimbler handler due to shorter forks and smaller wheelbase. And on the highway, I didn't exactly measured it tankful to tankful, but over the time, I think around 28kmpl is what I got from the bike. I didn't mind it much for the comfort it provided.

People might differ in opinion, but seating on Dominar is way more comfortable than on avenger. Avenger gave me back pain while riding at a stretch. But some people found avvy to be quite comfy.

Oh I threw the original seat and replaced it with an excellent seat that supports my lower back very well. I could do long hours in the saddle without much problem. And my wife loves the avenger too. Had it have a little more GC, EFI instead of carb (lack of oxygen in ladakh means 10-15kmph at constant throttle in most of the passes), ABS, more power ... ah well...

My hands are also getting numb while riding at lower rpms, do post here how you've managed to rectify the issue.

Sure thing. I am going to try whatever suggestions that come my way to reduce this low end irritation. Will definitely post if and when I have some success.

[Dandamudi Mohan Krishna]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Absolutely! Added a couple of photos.


Those are excellent tips and suggestions. Will definitely try these. Thanks a lot!


Well, I rarely ever used it in the city. Apache made for a much better and nimbler handler due to shorter forks and smaller wheelbase. And on the highway, I didn't exactly measured it tankful to tankful, but over the time, I think around 28kmpl is what I got from the bike. I didn't mind it much for the comfort it provided.


Oh I threw the original seat and replaced it with an excellent seat that supports my lower back very well. I could do long hours in the saddle without much problem. And my wife loves the avenger too. Had it have a little more GC, EFI instead of carb (lack of oxygen in ladakh means 10-15kmph at constant throttle in most of the passes), ABS, more power ... ah well...


Sure thing. I am going to try whatever suggestions that come my way to reduce this low end irritation. Will definitely post if and when I have some success.

I'm not sure why people are not talking about exhuast note, I was on a ride on Saturday and a Dominor came behind I thought some big bike has came , when I looked back its Dominor. infact now it has its own distinct exhaust note which can be identified without looking at the bike.

[Nick36]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Welcome to the family Nick! For the time, put the key in the ignition level. Click on M (which will take you to Trip 1 screen), then click on M&S together till the clock starts to blink. Then click on M and S to change the hour and second, and then M&S once again to save the time.

Regarding service, try Khivraj Kasturba Road. They seem to be the best. Domlur service is also pathetic. Khivraj Marathalli is good but you need to know what needs to be done exactly and they'll get it done.

Thank you Sanjeet.
I was able to setup the clock and the user manual was given by the dealership after a few days.

I received a call from Amba Bajaj BTM layout requesting feedback on the bike which was a pleasant surprise. I have told them about the issue where the bike pulls towards the right. Their service manager called me and said they'll arrange someone to visit my house and look into this. No update after that, it's been about a week.

I have read bad reviews about service in Amba Bajaj BTM. I think I'll avail the first service from khivraj Bajaj Kasturba road.

Will update once the service is done.

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I received a call from Amba Bajaj BTM layout requesting feedback on the bike which was a pleasant surprise. I have told them about the issue where the bike pulls towards the right. Their service manager called me and said they'll arrange someone to visit my house and look into this. No update after that, it's been about a week.

I have read bad reviews about service in Amba Bajaj BTM. I think I'll avail the first service from khivraj Bajaj Kasturba road.

Haha. Even I was shocked with Amba bajaj calling you, but within couple of lines it seems they are back to their best (read: poor service). Yes Khivraj Kasturba is among the best Bajaj SCs you'll find.

[leedonotrix]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi Guys! Has anyone tried installing the new dual-port exhaust in the old Dominar(2017/2018)?

If yes, could anyone tell me the cost of the entire installation including the exhaust?

Also, if anyone has faced any issues with the process?