Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Thread approved.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Power, refinement, suspension would be obviously better but cost of spares and service will always be cheaper on tbe dominar, see what you really want , I missed a opportunity to pick up a vstrom 650 done 1000kms last year , still sorta regret it, as it's a better adv tourer than the versys and with spoke wheels, traction control and a bit more powerful engine. If you don't think your in the financial capacity to pay and maintain the versys go for the dominar, you can try and see if YSS have a aftermarket fronk fork upgrade kit and a rear fully adjustable suspension to improve overall feel.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Thanks Deathwing.

Keeping aside financials I am wondering is versys 650 really that better of a machine, that one can pay 4 times extra as compared to a Dominar. Vstrom is a great machine too but I am more into on the road riding then off roads. I dont think I will be cruising any beyond 120 kmph.

Also as I have not yet explored if I really like long rides on motorcycle I think regretting on a Dominar will be cheaper as compared to regretting on a Versys

Again I am not going to buy a bike immediately and will plan to buy something late next year or 2022. Anyways due to Covid things are not favorable for road trips I believe.

One more thing would like to know how is life maintaining a superbike in a city where there is no service center. How do one plan services and what if there are small issues other then regular service. How expensive things get as compared to someone owning the bike in the same city where the service center is available.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Cruising beyond 120kmph means you can go for the dominar then, it's 4 times the cost as it's a Kawasaki [emoji51], no surprises there, do try take a decent test ride on both if your still undecided. Or just go for the dominar and try get a good aftermarket suspension front and back to improve the overall experience .

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

I have been trying to get a testride of the 2020 bs6 version but no bajaj dealer in my area has it. Feels like they are not interested selling Dominar. Will tryout whenever I go to a metro.

The new dominar has USD front forks do you think it still is not good enough. Which aftermarket suspension do you suggest.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Hmmm really? Try a different showroom , well coming to USD forks,it's great but front fork upgrade kit just changes the springs and adds fork inserts for a better overall front end feel not changing the forks at all. A rear suspension would definitely make the adjustability a lot more better. Suspension is one modification that is a really good one which lot of people ignore .

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Yes will try to get a test ride sometime soon. Also will check out what suspension upgrades are available.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

In order to decide whether you like touring or not I'd suggest that you stop watching YouTube videos for 15-20 days so that the euphoria fanned out and then see how you feel about going on a long ride, ask your heart wether you really want to do it, plan a trip of about 250-300 kms and see if you get excited about it, do you imagine yourself being on the highway surrounded by your thoughts. Does the adventure being on a road in an unknown state and the challenges that comes with it excites you ?

If your bike vibes at 80kmph try do the tour around 60kmph or you can also try changing the engine oil to reduce vibes.. make your 350 overall better to ride and then do few trips of within 500kms. to see if you enjoy it. Only then it'd be wise to invest in your next purchase whatever it is be it Dominar or Versys or some other motorcycle.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Thanks Slevynhawk. Do you think I should rent a himaliyan for a day and then go on a trip. I have ridden it and is more comfortable. Also it can do slightly better speeds on highway. I have a place in mind around 250kms one way from my home.

Let me know your thoughts?

one more question, when doing long rides on motorcycle is listening to music a safe options ?

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Absolutely. Plz rent a Himalayan and go for a 300 km ride. It will open your eyes. People in more advanced countries are opting for Himalayan as the beginner touring bike due to its simplicity, good build and value for money. It is a good highway cruiser and absolutely fun to take off-road.

It is certainly tougher than Dominar and is more versatile, way more cheaper than Versys or V storm. Check out our Himalayan thread for more info. The bike is rock solid...There is no doubt about it.

You can listen to music during a motorcycle ride. There are two sides to this. The purists will say that it is absolutely unsafe. While riding a bike there should be no distractions.

I take a different view and there are many fellow xbhpians who will agree with me. Streaming music into your helmet mounted bluetooth system from your phone is preferred. But don't fiddle with your phone while riding. That is dangerous. Also keep the volume under check so that you can hear ambient noises such as horns.

Another option of wearing wired earphones also exists but that is riskier as it reduces hearing more. Ultimately you have to see what suits you more. But listening to music while riding a bike is safe.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Hi [MENTION=54029]Dev0294[/MENTION],

The only way to find out if you like touring is to go on a long ride. I'm talking about 250+ kms one way. Do a weekend tour and stay over. Carry luggage also. It requires a lot of preparation. Mental and physical. I have done 10-11 hrs in a day and it can be pretty challenging on mind and body. But, you will love the challenge. It's not a myth or a craze created by Bloggers/Vloggers. It's real and addictive. Also, touring requires a lot of investment in safety gear for you and mods to the bike. So be aware of that as well. Costs will increase a lot.

Dom can easily do triple digits. Versys can go even faster and smoother and with extreme comfort. It's one the best bikes out there for touring. Himalayan's performance will be limited on asphalt compared to Dom/Versys but will take you off-road (any terrain) as well.

Good luck!!!

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Will try with a rented himaliyan and will share my experience here once I am have done the ride. Hopefully as soon as I get a day off.

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Thanks brother. Good to hear that listning to music is safe. I can never drive my car without music. Will check if I can rent a ABS himaliyan as it will be safer on highways.

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Can someone shed some light on how difficult or different it is to maintain a versys in a city where there is no service center. The nearest kawasaki service center is 250 kns from my town.

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future


Hey Dev.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way. I feel that you are trying to choose between the bikes that are world's apart (because of the cubic capacity, purpose and price range). You have one bike which is meant to be accessible and affordable, a true all-rounder and cheaper to maintain (which usually is the "safe" bet). On the other hand, you have a premium bike which fits into the category of an adventure tourer but happens to be a lot more expensive to maintain.

It would make sense if you are trying to compare bikes that fall in the same category (for example: Duke 390 or Dominar 400). I think this would be a reasonable comparison. Similarly, you want to compare Versys 650 with something as capable as the Suzuki V-Strom 650.

Now with that out of the way, assuming that you still want to go with either the Dominar 400 or the Versys 650, I want to share some of my thoughts and perhaps this could put things into perspective.

*A general thumb rule about owning any premium bike is not the cost to purchase the bike, but it is the running costs (like fuel costs, service costs, spares, tires (tyres) and insurance). If I remember correctly, Kawasaki has two services each year (usually at 7000KMs or 6 months) interval. I could be wrong, but this is usually common with most Japanese bikes. Should you happen to own one of these bikes, you really need to set aside approx. 1 or 1.5 lacs aside per year to ensure that you meet the bike's requirements. Since you live away from the showroom, you may meet more expenses when you have to get the bike serviced.

Now, this is not to discourage you from purchasing a premium bike. If you are willing to make that purchase, I can guarantee you that you will enjoy it every single minute that you spend in the saddle.

Speaking of the Dominar 400, like you have already pointed out in your observations, you may have to get used to the poor attitude from the sales team and service center agents. Not to mention, some parts of the bike may feel cheap but hey, you can't complain given the price that they are selling it for. I've ridden the '18 Dominar and I liked it and it is really a capable machine so you're not going to miss out anyway.

Part 2.

Now moving on to the experience of riding the Versys 650 - well, it's better that you don't read or go by the opinion of someone on the internet. If you happen to get this bike, then it is you who will be spending more time in the saddle, so I would highly recommend that you either rent it and ride the hell out of it. It is important how you feel about the bike at the end of the day - and that can help you come to a decision.

Ultimately, before you purchase a Dominar or a Versys, make sure that you are getting the test ride so that you do not regret it later. Both bikes are really capable and has an amazing value for money proposition.

*edited*

Since you already own the RE350, can I recommend that you take the Interceptor 650 for a test ride? This is pound for pound one of the best bikes that I have ever ridden - and it is a whole lot cheaper than a Versys. Go ahead, try it.. and I'm sure it will blow your mind.

I hope this helps!

Thanks,
seizer

Re: Versys 650 or Bajaj Dominar 400 which bike to own in near future

Thanks Siezer for your insight. The reason I am here so that I can get honest opinions. Would like to thank you again for writing down your thoughts for me.

Would like to share some insight about me. I am personally a moody rider sometimes I wish to go fast and sometimes want to ride slow enjoying the view or may be my thoughts.

The reason I compared dominar and versys because i am more into sports tourers which do not have very commited riding position. Versys is the only advanture road baised tourer under 10 lac and I like the way it looks and also have test ridden it. I have already narrowed down my choices to Dominar and versys 650 and was confused between them.

I have test ridden the interceptor its great but I belive it will need lots of mods to make it a touring machine which will take away its classic charm. I think a himaliyan 650 will be a great choice whenever it is launched.

Versys is just ready to go kinda bike and even dominar with an added tall windscreen looks amazing.

I have ridden a rented duke 390 older version but did not like it. It dosent allow for a relaxed ride and no matter what gear I am in it always felt like i was in the wrong gear. Power though was amazing.

Dominar I heard can be ridden at slower speeds without stalling and versys too.

The only versys and dominar i saw available on rent was in bangalore and I think versys is now no longer available.

As you and some others suggested on this thread I will first go on a trip on a Himaliyan to find out wether long trips on motorcycle is something i really enjoy. If I like it then will do it a couple of more times. I am planning to upgrade in 2022 as I think 2021 will be recovering time from corona.

I also read somewhere that soon there might an all new versys 650 as the bs6 hardly had any changes over the past model. May be Kawasaki will now bring a complete new bike and this was just to keep versys in the market till then.