Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

[Donmathew]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

If you are not migrating but just travelling then no issues, just avoid using the fog lamps, you can even use black electric tape to mask the area of the knuckle gaurd lights.

I have travelled multiple times to kerala from Bangalore and haven't had any issues with cops for accessories.

However just ensure you don't carry liquor bottles. It's is prohibited in many zone of kerala and you can be randomly stopped for checking.

Thanks a lot for your inputs!

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

This question is for folks in Kerala. If I bring my Dominar to Kerala (Kochi), will I get into trouble for all the modifications? How bad is it? Any workarounds or loopholes (other than getting rid off everything :-D) ?

In my experience, they're basically cool. Apart from this.

No LOUD exhaust, same goes for blingy horns.
No too much fancy bling and lights. Remember, these in fact attract them like flies towards a candleflame.
Make sure you don't have all your auxiliaries lit up, make sure you ride calm, and composed.
If they ask you to stop, do so with courtesy, that makes an impression. Don't look panicked.
Keep your documents, esp, POLLUTION up do date and you're all set. You'll be left to go even before they ask you for your these.

Cheers!
VJ

[ashwinprakas]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

This question is for folks in Kerala. If I bring my Dominar to Kerala (Kochi), will I get into trouble for all the modifications? How bad is it?

Modifications are an issue in KL but I doubt they'd bother to mess with an out of state vehicle.

Due to commuting long distances within state I have reverted to stock and shelved by boxes and racks cause the fines are eye watering.

As for Fog Lamps, keep them covered. If caught using them at day time you'd be fined anyhow.

Keep your papers with you at all times. The best means to avoid complications is to take out of state PUC every 6 months, during my stint at KA I'd ride once every month to TN to take a PUC, cause unlike the rest of India(11 Months), KA had a stupid 1 Month Rule.

Ride Safe,
A.P.

[Donmathew]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Modifications are an issue in KL but I doubt they'd bother to mess with an out of state vehicle.

Due to commuting long distances within state I have reverted to stock and shelved by boxes and racks cause the fines are eye watering.

As for Fog Lamps, keep them covered. If caught using them at day time you'd be fined anyhow.

Keep your papers with you at all times. The best means to avoid complications is to take out of state PUC every 6 months, during my stint at KA I'd ride once every month to TN to take a PUC, cause unlike the rest of India(11 Months), KA had a stupid 1 Month Rule.

Ride Safe,
A.P.

This helps a lot. Thank you!

[Donmathew]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

In my experience, they're basically cool. Apart from this.

No LOUD exhaust, same goes for blingy horns.
No too much fancy bling and lights. Remember, these in fact attract them like flies towards a candleflame.
Make sure you don't have all your auxiliaries lit up, make sure you ride calm, and composed.
If they ask you to stop, do so with courtesy, that makes an impression. Don't look panicked.
Keep your documents, esp, POLLUTION up do date and you're all set. You'll be left to go even before they ask you for your these.

Cheers!
VJ

Great! Sounds like I don't have to worry at all then! :-D

[quackquackquack]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hey guys, I posted previously once but didn't really get a response. Hoping someone would help me out.

I am looking to upgrade to either the RE Himalayan BS6 or Dominar 400 BS6 post lockdown. I know there are two different machines but my riding style suits both. Hence I'm so confused. My primary cases would be city riding along with touring.

I have just a few questions.

1) in the long term which is more reliable? If someone who owns then for a longer period of time can help me out. I plan to keep the bike around for a while.
2) I will almost always tour with a pillion and luggage, will the himalayan be able to handle the weight+luggage? Im 5'9" and around 80kg
3) what are the maintenance costs like? I am a student who does odd freelance projects so cost also matters to me.
4) are there any potential problems in the new models of both these bikes ?
5) if it's himalayan I'll most probably upgrade the headlamp situation and add panniers, backrest along with crash guards to both the bikes to make it more touring friendly.

Personally I thought Dominar would be a batter choice but the suspension setup on the himalayan is just beautiful specially for the roads of Delhi. Feedback would be helpful. Thank You.

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hey guys, I posted previously once but didn't really get a response. Hoping someone would help me out.

I am looking to upgrade to either the RE Himalayan BS6 or Dominar 400 BS6 post lockdown. I know there are two different machines but my riding style suits both. Hence I'm so confused. My primary cases would be city riding along with touring.

I have just a few questions.

1) in the long term which is more reliable? If someone who owns then for a longer period of time can help me out. I plan to keep the bike around for a while.
2) I will almost always tour with a pillion and luggage, will the himalayan be able to handle the weight+luggage? Im 5'9" and around 80kg
3) what are the maintenance costs like? I am a student who does odd freelance projects so cost also matters to me.
4) are there any potential problems in the new models of both these bikes ?
5) if it's himalayan I'll most probably upgrade the headlamp situation and add panniers, backrest along with crash guards to both the bikes to make it more touring friendly.

Personally I thought Dominar would be a batter choice but the suspension setup on the himalayan is just beautiful specially for the roads of Delhi. Feedback would be helpful. Thank You.

Considering your work profile and ownership costs priorities, look no further than the Himalayan. It's cheaper to maintain, easy to access parts for a DIYer and most of all can handle all the luggage with pillion. The bike has great torque low down, comfortable seating position and a sofa like comfort for pillion. Domi is a great bike too, has excellent VFM proposition and does all the Himalayan does, but ownership vis a vis Domi is more when compared to that of the Himalayan.

Cheers!
VJ

[ashislakra1989]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

I have just a few questions.

1) in the long term which is more reliable? If someone who owns then for a longer period of time can help me out. I plan to keep the bike around for a while.
2) I will almost always tour with a pillion and luggage, will the himalayan be able to handle the weight+luggage? Im 5'9" and around 80kg
3) what are the maintenance costs like? I am a student who does odd freelance projects so cost also matters to me.
4) are there any potential problems in the new models of both these bikes ?
5) if it's himalayan I'll most probably upgrade the headlamp situation and add panniers, backrest along with crash guards to both the bikes to make it more touring friendly.

Personally I thought Dominar would be a batter choice but the suspension setup on the himalayan is just beautiful specially for the roads of Delhi. Feedback would be helpful. Thank You.

If your priorities are comfort and smooth ride experience then Himalayan is no brainer. If you're looking for power cruiser with good power and cruising speed look for Dominar, although in off road the bike will never be a match for Himalayan. Himalayan is better refined and Dominar is imo needs more refinement and few niggles have to be sorted before it catch up to Himalayan.

[quackquackquack]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

If your priorities are comfort and smooth ride experience then Himalayan is no brainer. If you're looking for power cruiser with good power and cruising speed look for Dominar, although in off road the bike will never be a match for Himalayan. Himalayan is better refined and Dominar is imo needs more refinement and few niggles have to be sorted before it catch up to Himalayan.

Thank You!

[SunMoonStars]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Hi all,
When I tried to start my bike today after a couple of weeks of disuse, I could not hear the starter motor. I have sufficient fuel in the tank, the fuel pump can be heard and the horn and lighting electricals are in working order.
I see damage to wiring and rat droppings under the pillion seat. The yellow wire (pictured below) has damage to the sheath and the wire itself while some rubber protector has been chewed away on another collection of wires (pictured below)

I am not sure if the damaged yellow wires are the connectors between starter motor and the battery but I suspect this is the case.
Is this indeed the problem or should I investigate elsewhere on the bike?
Can I remedy the issue at home?

Best,
SMS
Dominar 2018

EDIT: A word.

[millenniumbiker]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Guys I'm much confused about my buying. Please help.

I'm thinking to get myself the new BS6 Dominar but one thing which holds is that my location in Andhra Pradesh where roads are worse like other states too.

I'm just thinking to get the Xpulse 200 first and later after an year or two I'll get the Dominar 400. I own a 2006 Pulsar Analogue. And I clocked 55K Kms on it. Pretty much happy with the bike. I still do 700KMS on one run occasionally for the highway sprints. And pretty much I do it during nights due to stressfree engine and also with very poor almost non existent headlights.

At 55K on my Pulsar for almost 14 Years, My dad bought for him but he ever used it barely. I grew up and I became the choosen one for the bike since then. It is still a showroom piece.

But after all that I want my bike to be restored and give it a peaceful retirement so that I save the rest of the miles for further little usages. The bike is adored and will never be dumped for some random amount of cash.

Even after such long days seen on the bike. I wondered about the reliability. The bike was pending due for service and due to lockdown I had to drive it for a 900kms without the service. If it was another bike probably even a 5 year old one with no service done. I would not have done that with confidence and even dare to do that.

I trusted and successfully did it without breaking a sweat. It's a gem man. Proud to own it.

The bike never gave up (ANYDAY!!!).

That is when I realised the quality. I wanted that reliability again. That is what brought me back to Bajaj showroom again.

Im a late student(24), most probably I would let my dad pay the finance for two years and I'll pay the rest by myself probably soon after passing out I'll acquire a job. So, Finance could stretch upto the bike.

Here are my thoughts, Suggest Please:

1) Should I go for the Xpulse 200 BS6, and save some precious cash for my dad and choose the Xpulse 200 FI for its Comfortable ergo, Experiencing the digital package, Have fun with the long travel suspension, Great Mileage, Low Maintainance and use it better for the rest 2 years and try a new brand and probably a new different adventure segment aswell. Also, I'm very much alienated to the technology of new bikes. Forget about technology, I'm very much new to rear disc brakes as well. Hehe, Pardon my honesty.

Or, The big question here now comes below,

2) Go for the Dominar 400 BS6, probably not a much budget stretch but spend a little much more and grab one home. Experience, Backlit switches, That huuge power and I think this thread better knows what I am going to have if owning one so I'm not elaborating the already elaborated one. Also, My dearest friend owns a domi since 2017 but clocked close to no experience on the bike with 4k kms giving it rest at home. Probably, he needs my company. He lives just 2 hours drive by from my place but never visited him recently after he left our college. And even I was busy in my academics lately so couldn't meet my only true friend.

So, If I'm taking home the Domi, I'm not just taking another reliable motorcycle. I'm taking my father's presence on the bike. Probably, Even this will last forever with me until my last breathe someday.

I test drove domi in 2018 before UG. But didn't ride Xpulse till date. I've gone to the dealer which has no TD bike but had a delivery bike to spin (haha). Here were my impressions that I took it for a short 1km ride, The bike was till date my personal favourite for the perfect ergo it offered me. I felt it was tailored perfectly according to my personality. (It wont be the same to everyone.) I took it for a spin and just a few metres away from the dealership I ringed the throttle just a little (really little but hard) The bike pounced back. Man, I loved it. I couldn't imagine what it would be if I ringed it at the full clip. From 150 to 373CC it felt huge but now the scenario changed it got much more power than that I drove and I clearly don't know how it will be. But, Still I'm a mature one and I'm pretty sure I'll handle all the power wisely.

I clearly know the bike will make me smile everyday and will call me everyday morning saying "Hey boy, Let's go for a ride!"

Not that, If I have the Xpulse I won't look after it like if I had the Domi. Not for sure, I'll look after the Xpulse just like how I would look after for the Dominar. But I won't have the emotional bonding with the brand that's it.

Clearly, Xpulse is an underdog. Xpulse has all the capability of Domi but doesn't has that swift character. I heard even hero is very reliable in nature. Anyway, Xpulse is all together a Wild Animal which shoots through trees and mud.

While, Domi is a urban roadking made to rule the roads. (Which I'll be using it mostly for.)

So, Xbhpians.. (Domi guys) Please suggest me your thoughts and please pray for your fellow bhpian to get his first bike. I'll definitely give a large clear review of the bike after my purchase.

Also, This is my first day and also my first post in Xbhp.

Hope you are all safe,
Millennium rider. 😊

[Manan]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Guys I'm much confused about my buying. Please help.

Dominar in essence is a knockoff duke 390, good power, but sensitive internals and bajaj service is not so good, further as it has lots of fiber panels, over the course of 5 years they would turn brittle and would require replacement. Experience/handling on the road/driving style wise, it is too powerful to be a commuter and not so powerful to compete with other premium bikes. ( poor build quality of bajaj is not confidence building.)

Dominar is good on tarmac roads, absolute garbage on any other terrain, try cleaning the muck off its numerous edges and its weight distribution screws up on mud and gravel.

Suggestion get the impulse for now, save up for a bigger bike in the future (re twins/kawasaki etc)

[millenniumbiker]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Dominar in essence is a knockoff duke 390, good power, but sensitive internals and bajaj service is not so good, further as it has lots of fiber panels, over the course of 5 years they would turn brittle and would require replacement. Experience/handling on the road/driving style wise, it is too powerful to be a commuter and not so powerful to compete with other premium bikes. ( poor build quality of bajaj is not confidence building.)

Dominar is good on tarmac roads, absolute garbage on any other terrain, try cleaning the muck off its numerous edges and its weight distribution screws up on mud and gravel.

Suggestion get the impulse for now, save up for a bigger bike in the future (re twins/kawasaki etc)

Probably, That was a mature answer.


To be honest. I think Xpulse 200 is more than what I can ask for coming from 150cc.

I always wanted INT 650 but as said it wont be much used to its potential for atleast 2 years and also budget constrain. But turned out even dominar is not suited for those everyday city usage especially in a developing state like AP.

As you said it's better to save money, save my dream for another day and consider buying with my own investment. That would be an altogether feeling I say. 😍

Here is my perception of the Xpulse 200,

(Can be skipped the next entire section)

Its an unique blend of proportions with the body of an adventure tourer on a commuter engine. Right from the in-house developed chassis to the suspension. Correct me if wrong, the chassis was designed by the same person who also designed the chassis for tiger 800. I'm not expecting a trellis frame level of rolling but I think even this will work sure better for our Indian roads. And also oil cooling is added for the BS6 which helps me tour occasionally.

I should thank you for reminding me to get the INT 650 as I forgot while adoring the Dominar.

Thank you bhpian manan,
Millenniumbiker.

[Manan]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Probably,

The Impulse is a knockoff from the Honda range of endurance/trial bikes with the typical indian treatment of flashy bits and very less substance, regarding the Honda ones XR 150 and XR 190, sold in Nepal not here.

For daily use the impulse would hold its own mettle, the only thing that would kill it is the apathetic service staff.

[arya809]

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Ownership Experience Thread

Dominar in essence is a knockoff duke 390

You couldn't be farther from the truth, do you even own a Dominar? I am a die-hard HONDA fan, but still bought Dominar 400 few months back and I am glad I made this decision.
Your OPINIONS are totally biased and imaginary. What is a knockoff? A knockoff is a poor cheap imitation, For example - an iphone copy made in china which runs on android and costs just Rs. 3000. How can you call Dominar a knockoff in that sense?

Duke 390 is a wide handled street bike with poor low end torque. Bajaj used exactly same blueprints to make an exact same engine with additional triple spark plug configuration. In 2019 version, they also used the same fork and brake setup as in duke 390. Apart from these, Bajaj designed every part from scratch. Hence, compared to Duke 390, Dominar is smoother, lots of low end torque, better seating position, better suited to highway riding. Bajaj designed Dominar 400 keeping in mind that not everybody wants to buy an insanely high revving monster like Duke 390, mature guys like me.

It has too many fiber parts??? REALLY??? I recently sold my Karizma ZMR which was bought in 2009. That had tons of fiber and fairing parts, I maintained it perfectly and didn't need to replace any body parts till date. Although I had to apply double sided foam tape between all the joints in 2010 to remove the vibration & rattling noises but that was all I ever needed to do. Compared to that, Dominar is a naked bike with minimal fiber parts. And whatever fiber parts there are, they are small, robust and well fitted. I don't know where you got this imaginary idea that Dominar would need new fiber parts in 5 years! Dominar's vibrations are also easily cured by applying foam tape between joints.

Internal parts are sensitive? I see, that's why the engine got BENT when I touched it with my hands yesterday, hehe! What is this non-sense, sensitivity? The engine, gearbox and chassis parts are of sufficiently high quality but problems do occur in exceptional cases, even Honda is not prone from such issues. Most of the complaints with Dominar are user faults due to using aftermarket parts or accidents.

I don't know what your dream bike is, but ALL tarmac oriented bikes are bad on mud and gravel, not just Dominar. BTW I have ridden it in villages with no roads, full of fine sand (western Rajasthan) and still had decent handling, not to mention awesome braking due to the ABS. Maybe learn using COUNTER-STEERING first, without which we tend to rest the whole body weight on the wrists which makes the bike feel front heavy. Without counter steering, all sports bikes above 250cc will feel heavy and restricted, whereas I am accustomed to utilize counter steering so I can zigzag a Dominar ridiculously easily in traffic.

@millenniumbiker
Please don't listen to this guy, he doesn't know a thing, he's just projecting his hatred towards Bajaj. His old posts clearly prove that he is an owner of Royal Enfield elephant and writes condescending posts on Bajaj forums without actually owning any modern Bajaj motorcycle.

Dominar is too powerful for commuting, but it's easy to ride cozily, you won't have to struggle to ride it at low rpm's and low speeds. In fact, whenever I am riding it slowly, I almost forget that I am riding a 40 bhp monster, the monster awakens as soon as I blip the throttle and that makes overtaking a child's play in traffic. Also, the clutch lever is so light that changing gears 1000's of times won't feel like a hassle at all, thanks to slipper-clutch.
The default seats are quite hard for pothole ridden roads, even though suspension is not that hard. Get a foam cushioned seat cover and you will be able to ride it on bad roads comfortably.

PLEASE stop comparing xpulse with Dominar, Hero is still using the 90's technology in engine and chassis, that is also the reason I sold my ZMR. Xpulse has got parts from Karizma ZMR only, nothing new. I sold the ZMR specifically because I was losing confidence it its balance and stability at high speeds, braking was below average. Whereas Dominar has got a race-oriented chassis and alloy swingarm, it provides me ample confidence even at insanely high speeds.

Since you were so happy with your old pulsar, you will fell in love with the Dominar, believe me! Just buy it, I wouldn't have bought it if I started overthinking like you. Just don't go for the Dominar 250, 400 is the perfect combination with respect to power, package and price.