Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!




Took a test drive on Sunday,

Made the sales guy a clear note that 1) I need a good stretch to test its stability, ease of the engine at 80+ speeds and 2) Will test it on bad patch.

Initial Impression,

Likes:
1) Bike is a surely a attention grabber for sure.
2) Was little skeptic about the tail light in the pictures and pre-launch videos, but it looks much better in real.
3) Head lamp cluster is fabulous, couldn't test its throw and intensity as it was a Day.
4) Instrument cluster was well designed and quite visible in direct sun light. ( secondry display/cluster on the tank was okayish.)
5) Couldn't see any irregular panel alignments.
6) Decent paint Job.

Dislikes:
1) pillion right foot peg is close to the silencer, more chances that pillion would rest his/her feet on it for sure. (Me and the showroom guy did the same.)
Couldn't find more or it is too early to dislike such a beauty.

Ride experience:
1) Felt like a solid bike , Up-right Handle position was good, foot pegs were swept back ( which were not for my liking , as been an RE rider for more than 12 years)
2) Engine was knocking at low revs, may be we get used or master it after few 100 kms.
3) Suspension was good , as stated by many ,it was neither Stiff nor soft. and seat padding was good.
4) Power delivery was very linear.
5) Turning radius is on higher side.
6) As I ride RE Electra CI 4s, I didn't feel its weight, and could flick it with ease ( Couldn't do it on Mojo)
7) Rear braking was not to my liking.
8) Not sure if ABS is really a deal breaker ,( With good driving habits and control, one can save that extra ~15k for a Non ABS version)
9) Single Horn a big NO.
10) Engine was heating a bit more than usual , even for a short ride. ( hope this is genetics from KTM 390)

The Tank is been covered by plastic/fiber panels, Could have been a metal one like Mojo.
I couldn't see , how the bike weighs 182kgs , despite mostly plastic/fiber parts.Hope the engine added more to its weight.

Only Age will bring in true stories and rider/owner experiences.
Got to wait for long term reviews.

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

If this motorcycle can do 167 kmph easily, then doing 100 kmph would be very easy all day long. However, a test ride and long term ownership review will give some clarity. I even enquired about the engine oil to be used in this bike. The dealer told me as of now it will be the Bajaj oil and not Motul! 😬

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

what tbhp quotes is rubbish. First thing Bajaj announced it as its indigeneous engine, not derived from or detuned from ktm 390.See the engine specs,it's totally different (torque & power at rpms, Bore & Stroke specs).SOHC vs DOHC many articles are there. There are high revving single cylinder engines with SOHC (Eg. Yamaha R15) with refinement far better than Duke 390. I had a test ride, only a mad rush of power is there in 390, but during the short test ride, I felt Dominar is refined and more linear in power delivery. Bajaj doesn't need to follow KTM in every aspect like cylinder coating, USD forks etc.Just think about this, how many bikes are having niasil cylinder coating, usd forks are they not reliable in long term?...

Just because Bajaj is an Indian manufacturer, people are so biased in commenting them. A 400 cc Single cylinder engine with good amount of power suitable for touring and a refinement (first time in bajaj),with ABS (Twin Channel), Slipper clutch,Perimeter frame & awesome headlights - suitable for night rides etc. and that too at a awesome price point. Bajaj always takes a lead in providing vfm products to the indian customers and other japanese bikes are forced to provide vfm to customers.yammy,honda & suzuki all even though has nice products, always treats Indian customers like their stepson, providing all new & power ful models in other countries and selling dated junks to us..

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

See the real thing of this bike as we all are taking test rides and stuff and giving our point of view. The real thing will only come out ones an ownership experience comes out from then the real pron and cons. If the bike is well worth buying as from many prospective like for the matter asc as what I know when 220 fi was out there with all of us then the asc were unable to make it properly with obvious reason. Then the company saw that there market was going bad then they were the one who bought in carb 220 but still the boys in the asc were unable to make the bike properly. There hand is good on 150 and 180 above this they go like hai wire. Only one or 2 mechanic might be good but giving it to a non person you are in trouble. It is my personal experience hence I know. Ridding a bajaj since 7 years now. With different set of bikes.
I am not saying don't buy but the real thing will come out ones the product is out in the market. I am just crossing my finger as even I want to purchase this bike and that's why I am keeping a real close eye on this thread.

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

@ Maddy79 , my thoughts on bold lines

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

Yesterday evening, I walked to the nearby Anant Bajaj, Magadi Road and took a test-ride of a few km on Magadi Road and interior cross roads in the busy evening peak hour traffic. Here is my FIR:



What I liked:

* Excellent fit and finish

* Sharp brakes, both the front and rear with ABS

* Brilliant LED headlamp

* Meaty tubeless tyres

What I didn't:

* Missing central stand. How do I clean and lubricate the chain on a highway without any help during a mega ride?

* Feeble single horn for a power cruiser

* Uncomfortable riding posture for me for long rides

* Inadequate rear-view mirrors. Why did not Bajaj Auto think of the very popular Avenger Cruise 220's RVM? I have them in my Thunderbird 500.



I was informed that test-rides would be available upto midnight from today to highlight the theme 'Dominate the night'.

I don't intend to buy this bike. I made it clear to the showroom staff before the test-ride. However, as a shareholder of Bajaj Auto since 2009, I wish that Dominar 400 should become a supermodel!

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

you are really sarcastic...hahaha

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it is not skinny,obviously it is 110/70-17....

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

how does power delivery feel on it compared to cbr250r. 0-100 time does not look much different between the two.

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

if you want high saddle position, you can very well add a padded seat above it. If it is tall,what i can do man? (I am slightly less than 5 FT 7 IN.)

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[MENTION=83277]Neerajvayu[/MENTION]
just a correction even if it gives 30 kmpl, i would be 12 *30 = 360 range, since it is an Fuel injection bike , we cannot utilize the fuel to its last drop risking frying the FI. So save a litre for the sake for FI. My thought is at long hauls of 100 km/hr speeds it may give 25 kmpl which would give a range of 300 km (12 litres), still it would be ok.

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[MENTION=85739]tanishq[/MENTION], you are spot on,and it doesn't need top speed like 150km/hr to replace these mojo & RE's. Even with a top speed of 125 km/hr Dominar would be a good tourer which would maintain 100 km/hr for hours without breaking a sweat, considering it's torque/power and ok its weight also.

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This engine is heavy and indigeneous and ktm engine is just 36kg, so it doesn't has a high revving KTM engine.Period. we do accept it is not mentioned as a touring machine. But, you show us a proper touring bike in India. we all bikers does touring, provided its torque & decent speed it can maintain for long hours (cruising)?
BTW, friend,where a power cruiser belongs to Highway or city streets?

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

Excellent machine. A lot more rideable in the city compared to Duke. I took a test ride at Adyar KTM. A bit heavier than Duke in slow turns, but a lot more comfortable and the exhaust sounds much better. I didn't feel much heat although I wasn't riding in a lot of traffic so that still needs to be checked. A good all-round bike. If it were available, I would have happily got this over the Duke. Attaching TD vid. The bike was in run-in so didn't rev it hard even though it's a test bike

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

This makes most of its power low down the range. Has a good low and mid range. You don't have to revv it much to get the power like your CBR.

CBR though has a much much better top end. The vibrations too on the CBR are much lesser. On this the footpegs,seat vibrate with very little buzz on the handlebar. The CBR will probably keep up with it on a tour.
The seating on this is just like the mojo. U hardly found any difference in seating though the seats are better. What I feel is the seat has the same material inside that's present on the RTR200 which is really good.

Hope this answers your question

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

thanks for reply. i have an R15 right now.

i did went for launch but they were not offering any test rides. was able to start it and rev it. felt it to be smooth and comfy. upright position with a hint of sportiness for that connected feel.

r15 will soon be 6 yrs old so am due an upgrade. want most power and reliability (i do solo tours) while costing reasonably. if cbr250r can keep up with it or gives same sensation of power, i will gladly pay extra for reliability.

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

The seating is much relaxed as compared to the R15 though. But don't expect that sharp handling from it, it's a sport cruiser.

And perhaps give the cbr a miss, it's too old now.

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

CBR250 with DOHC is too old, while the new Dominar comes with SOHC?

I knew Bajaj would be skimping on engine components so they can price their bikes competitively.
Vaibhav Pisal don't expect Japanese reliability from Bajaj bikes. CBR 6 year old 250 engine can keep up with a 400 cc Bajaj engine in 0-100 means exactly what people think.

[MENTION=16033]fullmoon[/MENTION], can you give us the source of your information wherein you mentioned Dominar 400 has an indigenous engine?

Re: Bajaj Dominar 400 Launched at 1.36 Lakh with 35Ps and 35Nm!

I did my test ride yesterday. What surprised me the most was the refinement . It is so smooth , something that you don't expect from BAL. I would like to see the effects after prolonged use.
Bike has good road presence. The head light and the console looks superb. I didn't feel it was heavy considering its weight. Seating position is ok but for me I felt as if the foot pegs are a tad bit high , I'm 6.2' or it might just be an initial glitch that I felt riding something new. Over all its a good package at a great price. I m really interested in it although I was also interested in BMW G310R.
Also I was thinking why only the white variant of the bike is used in the test rides.