Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

Query Approved


Then go for the Dominar. If you have already had issues on shorter rides, then going long distance on your current bike would be a needless pain!

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

Infront of a re, even a splendor is an upgrade. Go for the dominar, eyes closed. It does everything lightyears better than any re ever. Apart from dug dug.

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

Wouldn’t go by the advice of anyone who hasn’t owned an RE about the love/hate relationship the bike puts you through.

And let’s be honest here, any motorcycle (RE or whatever the brand) can create an attachment to our hearts - if it’s been with you long enough and you’ve had a few adventures on it.

I had the hard-to-let-go feelings when I gave up my five year old Avenger 180 & later my four year old TB350. Both the bikes weren’t ridden much during those periods as I was in the ‘focus on business growth mode’ and yet, I still miss them both terribly. I really doubt that it’s only the RE owners who feel the tug just because of its dug dug.

Yes, the Dominar has VFM, but don’t kid yourself before going in for it.

Objectively speaking, it comes with its share of compromises. Some have noted the presence of the ever present mild-vibes right from the time the engine starts (I did) and some like me, just couldn’t adjust to the rider position. And then some wonder about the engine life after four years from today (that’s a point that’s your guess as good mine - it’s a new product).

On paper though, I don’t know of any other options that offer the safety features, a decent amount of touring possibilities and dependability with an affordable price tag. Unless you’re game for the Duke 390 - which again comes with another set of compromises [emoji3]

To each his own, mate. But let’s not encourage negativity towards any particular brand. That is best avoided and rather immature. In fact, it was cheeky on Bajaj’s part to have used such an Ad campaign - it was funny, yes but a kiddish thing to do. It hasn’t helped their sales figures either. [emoji849]

Hope you’ll find your next soul mate soon & safe rides!

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

Yes, as read somewhere 4wheels move a body and 2wheels move a soul. I have had this constant love hate with my RE. Looking at the configs on paper it's really stupid but we know how it's behavior on road. Bajaj took a cheeky campaign and I see nothing wrong with it. I've faced all those issues and if there's anyone with a RE who says it's not true. They are obviously not speaking the truth. I have eyes on dominar just because the specs are Fab and as an Indian it's VFM backed with the ASS of Bajaj. But like it's a new product it certainly will have at least few things which are not right. No company in India has got everything right with the first gen. Be it bikes or cars. They always leave a intended Gap in few areas. I'm stuck in a place where I don't know for sure if it'll be an upgrade or an alternate reliable and convinient option. But having said that we do know Bajaj engines over a period of time start to rather start loosing their punch. I am open to all the options around 2L in the segment where I get a safer, reliable and an upgrade. KTM 390 is a monster we all love but not a monster we would necessarily want to tame. I really home something falls in this Gap for me and I can take the leap.Let's not make this a RE bashing session. The bikes and the brand have got something right irrespective of the flaws. They are not the most amazing bikes on paper or to ride. Neither are the rest. By upgrade I mean certainly an upgrade. Dominar sales figures are not helping me either. A new product always comes with a lot of jugaads and over a certain period they refine it. I didn't want to be the mule. But looking at the market right now I don't see any VFM product around.Thanks for the approval! Like mentioned earlier dominar is checking all the boxes mostly. But I'm still not confident enough to take the leap forward and let go. If I get a few more inputs on wether I should or shouldn't I'll be able to make up my mind!

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

Since you already feel close to buying the Dominar, I guess interacting with riders on Dominar ownership thread would be more useful to clear your mind easily.

Also I think now in 2018 Dominar is almost 95% niggle free. Bajaj has continually improved/solved issues via constant feedback from users. Since it's also an international product the quality control has been good. This is the only Bajaj I recommend to anyone from their stable.

Cheers!

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

It's the only VFM option that is there to offer. The problem with other bikes is either they are overly priced or poorly equipped. I'd taken a plunger with RE back then knowing I'll have issues. Now when I'm trying to do the same with Bajaj I'm not convinced. I'll probably rent out the bike for couple of days and see if it's worth going for. RE has gone strong and from the time I've seen it grow. With Dominar doing small figures every month is good from one perspective. On the other hand what if they don't keep the ASS updated. Service and life of engine are the major concerns.

Re: Upgrading from a classic 350.

That’s the best way to find out if you’ll be able to happily own it. One word of caution though, rented bikes can sometimes be as rough used as test drive specimens. So do bear that in mind, when garnering feedback on engine refinement. If at all you can access some friends who own the vehicle, that would be better.

Your dilemma about not really being able to choose is very similar to many of us who are looking for options that are for a little matured usage. If most of the bikes available today had ABS as an option, I’d say that things would’ve seemed better. Unfortunately, we’re getting the beg-for-it treatment still from most manufacturers.

Either the lack of ABS or the dearth in the market of motorcycles that don’t cost a bomb for quality riding experience - both of these factors swing the odds in favour of the Dominar presently.

Such a huge market exists then for ABS enabled, dual-use (city+long ride) bikes which offer good pillion comfort.

Once again, one just wishes motorcycles like Triumph Bonneville didn’t cost as much as a hatchback in our country! Seriously, the segments need to broaden up soon.

I do hope you’ll find a decently treated Dominar to rent out soon.