Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[Greymatter]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello Folks,

I know it's 10th Jan but still Happy New Year Everyone [emoji3526]

To be honest I'm not sure if am overreacting, it's just that I don't wanna take any chances and I'd believe what experts say here then SVC chaps.

So, yesterday as usual I started my D400 and everything was normal. I let it idle for 30ish seconds then I rolled her out from under the shed. As I sat on her and pulled the clutch I heard a loud & fast tak-tak-tak noise and it vanishes the moment I released the clutch. It was something I never heard before so I did it again and this time made a video.

After that, I took my bike straight to SVC and showed the video to head mechanic. He promptly started the bike and this time sound was completely gone. He then checked the clutch cable and took my bike for a spin. When he returned he asked me if I ride my bike everyday? I replied "No" as I take her out twice or thrice a week and rest of the time it stays parked at home. He then explained that since the bike isn't used much and the weather is chilly a part inside gets dried or hard something like that and causes this sound that's why when engine gets adequately warmed up and lubed inside the sound vanishes. He assured me that there is nothing to worry about and I can keep riding without worrying.

BUT I still have some doubts, like my bike is AUG'18 MFR and I took delivery on 30th Jan'19. So, it was sitting idle at showroom without battery for 5 months. After taking delivery I sparingly used it till I got my RC and the weather then was cold too. Why it didn't make any noise then...why now? Today I started her and heard the same noise upon pulling the clutch but after bike was warmed up the noise vanished on it's own.

Here's the video - https://youtu.be/MODPoGRIml4

[Throttlefreak]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello Folks,

I know it's 10th Jan but still Happy New Year Everyone [emoji3526]

To be honest I'm not sure if am overreacting, it's just that I don't wanna take any chances and I'd believe what experts say here then SVC chaps.

So, yesterday as usual I started my D400 and everything was normal. I let it idle for 30ish seconds then I rolled her out from under the shed. As I sat on her and pulled the clutch I heard a loud & fast tak-tak-tak noise and it vanishes the moment I released the clutch. It was something I never heard before so I did it again and this time made a video.

After that, I took my bike straight to SVC and showed the video to head mechanic. He promptly started the bike and this time sound was completely gone. He then checked the clutch cable and took my bike for a spin. When he returned he asked me if I ride my bike everyday? I replied "No" as I take her out twice or thrice a week and rest of the time it stays parked at home. He then explained that since the bike isn't used much and the weather is chilly a part inside gets dried or hard something like that and causes this sound that's why when engine gets adequately warmed up and lubed inside the sound vanishes. He assured me that there is nothing to worry about and I can keep riding without worrying.

BUT I still have some doubts, like my bike is AUG'18 MFR and I took delivery on 30th Jan'19. So, it was sitting idle at showroom without battery for 5 months. After taking delivery I sparingly used it till I got my RC and the weather then was cold too. Why it didn't make any noise then...why now? Today I started her and heard the same noise upon pulling the clutch but after bike was warmed up the noise vanished on it's own.

Here's the video - https://youtu.be/MODPoGRIml4

That's normal. Mine is a July 2018 bike. I suppose it the oil that causes the noise. The oil is cold and hence the clutch plates whip the the oil around. It goes away once the bike is at operating temperature.

[Indivar]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Might be the case, maintain 28 front 32 back. Sad I got a quote of 10k for the fork replacement. Crashed the bike at 60ish km head on into a scooter on the wrong side of the road [emoji58]

Dominar front tire pressure is 29 PSI.

[kiran2508]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hey guys,

Just came back from 4800km mumbai - south India ride with my wife. The bike's performance was great, except for rear tyre. There were 3 punctures and the tyre now has developed bubbles.

The odo is now at 18k km and we are planning to do ladakh this season. Could you guys suggest ideal tyres for ladakh plus regular city use?

For your mixed usage requirements Timsun TS-822 makes the best choice:

1) Mixed use 50% City/50% Offroad - Timsun TS-822 160/60 or 150/70(it's not available in 150/60 here, but should not a be problem, increased ride height will save the alloys in rough terrain)
2) 70% City use, 30% Offroad - Timsun 659A 150/60
3) Only Offroad - Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/60

P.S. Don't buy any of these above tyres online even if you get a very tempting deal, they are known to be of very old batch and plagued with issues.

[Throttlefreak]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Started using the 390 Duke's adjustable brake lever. The lever action is much more precise. Also I have stripped the paint on both the brake and clutch levers to give it a nice aluminium coloured look.

[rohitsalvi31]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hey Greymatter,

If you are not using bike daily and keeping it parked for more than a day or two, then you can try warming up the engine by keeping it in idle for 1-2 mins atleast and then check if it's still making that noise. That sound seems normal in winters if the engine is not warmed up.
Let us know after trying this if the sound still comes or not.

Hello Folks,

I know it's 10th Jan but still Happy New Year Everyone [emoji3526]

To be honest I'm not sure if am overreacting, it's just that I don't wanna take any chances and I'd believe what experts say here then SVC chaps.

So, yesterday as usual I started my D400 and everything was normal. I let it idle for 30ish seconds then I rolled her out from under the shed. As I sat on her and pulled the clutch I heard a loud & fast tak-tak-tak noise and it vanishes the moment I released the clutch. It was something I never heard before so I did it again and this time made a video.

After that, I took my bike straight to SVC and showed the video to head mechanic. He promptly started the bike and this time sound was completely gone. He then checked the clutch cable and took my bike for a spin. When he returned he asked me if I ride my bike everyday? I replied "No" as I take her out twice or thrice a week and rest of the time it stays parked at home. He then explained that since the bike isn't used much and the weather is chilly a part inside gets dried or hard something like that and causes this sound that's why when engine gets adequately warmed up and lubed inside the sound vanishes. He assured me that there is nothing to worry about and I can keep riding without worrying.

BUT I still have some doubts, like my bike is AUG'18 MFR and I took delivery on 30th Jan'19. So, it was sitting idle at showroom without battery for 5 months. After taking delivery I sparingly used it till I got my RC and the weather then was cold too. Why it didn't make any noise then...why now? Today I started her and heard the same noise upon pulling the clutch but after bike was warmed up the noise vanished on it's own.

Here's the video - https://youtu.be/MODPoGRIml4

[Domigreen]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Started using the 390 Duke's adjustable brake lever. The lever action is much more precise. Also I have stripped the paint on both the brake and clutch levers to give it a nice aluminium coloured look.

Can you share price pic and details of installlation

[Throttlefreak]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Can you share price pic and details of installlation

Here's the picture of the lever. The brake lever costed about 1800 rupees without a master cylinder and the clutch lever costs about 340 rupees. Buy the paint stripper from any hardware store. Apply a generous amount on the lever and keep for about 5-10 minutes. The paint will start peeling off (pretty fun to watch too). Clean the levers using a steel scrubber, remove the paint from the all cracks using a cotton earbud. Make sure you wear a pair of rubber gloves. The stripper will cause burning sensation if it comes into contact with the skin. You can also go ahead and polish the levers if you want. I left them unpolished because I like the matte look.

[sanjeet286]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I had the pics earlier but can't find it now. But here are the pics of another Domi with the stand.

And I didn't have the reqd tools so had to go to Highlander, HSR Layout, Bangalore to get it fitted.

Can you share the price you paid for this centre stand, is it a easy fit or you need to go to any guarage to get it fit? Also do share the pic of your bike with centre stand fitted.

[Throttlefreak]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I had the pics earlier but can't find it now. But here are the pics of another Domi with the stand.

And I didn't have the reqd tools so had to go to Highlander, HSR Layout, Bangalore to get it fitted.

Here's mine for reference. I'm giving this link as well. The guy in the video explains the installation.

https://youtu.be/Qx5rS6JeuQA

[Greymatter]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hey Greymatter,

If you are not using bike daily and keeping it parked for more than a day or two, then you can try warming up the engine by keeping it in idle for 1-2 mins atleast and then check if it's still making that noise. That sound seems normal in winters if the engine is not warmed up.
Let us know after trying this if the sound still comes or not.

Hi,

Like I said, if I let the bike warm up for a min then it doesn't make any noise upon pulling the clutch. But yeah earlier sometimes I had to start riding as soon as I start her up but then I never heard this noise. Well it could be due to cold weather, and this is my first bike with slipper clutch so maybe this is how it is.

[Tushark]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi everyone,

I got dominar about 20 days ago, have clocked 1000+ km till now.

Looking for some insight on the issues below

1. I read somewhere on this thread about someone welcoming to thud life, I have experienced it on 1,2 and 3 rd gear. At lower speed the noise is minimum to nill , 2 nd gear between 10 to 20 km/h. I am not worried about 1st gear as the sound is understandable.
I did visit the service center however the guys said it's normal and not to worry, the manager even took a spin with me as a pillion and while he was shifting at lower speed did not hear any sound. So is the shifting done at certain speeds ? If yes can someone pls tell me the same!

2. Rear brakes- they are non existent, I know it's a universal issue but still anyway to make it work. I don't really use rear break on day to day ride but on highway it's needed for confidence sake.

3. Front fork- the issue I have is really weird, there is a small sound as if something is getting adjusted. And it happens only at the first pothole then it's fine.

4. Rear suspension- is it advisable to change it to soft , right now it's too hard. Will making it soft affect me on highway.

5.engine sound- after a certain speed there are hints of KTM sound , is this normal.

6. Is the bike inherently rough at lower rpm.

I come from 2004 150 pulsar have clocked more then 2 lks on it. Won't be surprised if I am riding the dominar wrong. Any feedback would be helpful.

[Indivar]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi everyone,

I got dominar about 20 days ago, have clocked 1000+ km till now.

Looking for some insight on the issues below

1. I read somewhere on this thread about someone welcoming to thud life, I have experienced it on 1,2 and 3 rd gear. At lower speed the noise is minimum to nill , 2 nd gear between 10 to 20 km/h. I am not worried about 1st gear as the sound is understandable.
I did visit the service center however the guys said it's normal and not to worry, the manager even took a spin with me as a pillion and while he was shifting at lower speed did not hear any sound. So is the shifting done at certain speeds ? If yes can someone pls tell me the same!

2. Rear brakes- they are non existent, I know it's a universal issue but still anyway to make it work. I don't really use rear break on day to day ride but on highway it's needed for confidence sake.

3. Front fork- the issue I have is really weird, there is a small sound as if something is getting adjusted. And it happens only at the first pothole then it's fine.

4. Rear suspension- is it advisable to change it to soft , right now it's too hard. Will making it soft affect me on highway.

5.engine sound- after a certain speed there are hints of KTM sound , is this normal.

6. Is the bike inherently rough at lower rpm.

I come from 2004 150 pulsar have clocked more then 2 lks on it. Won't be surprised if I am riding the dominar wrong. Any feedback would be helpful.

1. Dont shift into 2nd before 20k.
2. Rear brakes are kinda useless. Nothing much can be done
3. What kind of sound?
4. Try and adjust to a setting you are comfortable with. Trial and error.
5. Cant really say
6. Yes, it is.

[Tushark]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Thank you for the reply indivar .

If I shift between 25 to 30 the sound is there however not that loud

I don't know how to describe the sound , somewhat like "khat" but only first pothole not later.

1. Dont shift into 2nd before 20k.
2. Rear brakes are kinda useless. Nothing much can be done
3. What kind of sound?
4. Try and adjust to a setting you are comfortable with. Trial and error.
5. Cant really say
6. Yes, it is.

[DoubleO7]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hello folks, have a couple of questions... thanks a lot in advance
1. How do we know the abs on D400UG actually works (without considering the abs light turning off on starting to drive)? Is there a way it can be tested?
2. The stock MRF do not seem to give any confidence either during slight cornering or on even on slight wet roads.
Is this only with me or it is like this only?