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



Hello again!

I think I now know why you want to choose between the Dominar or Versys. To be honest with you, it's a tough choice. But right now, I think you should go for that ride and find out if you enjoy riding. The more you go out.. the more you realize if this is something that you enjoy doing.

I think for any bike you really have to get the mods on. For example, the Versys might seem touring ready but you need to also get some accessories on (like the frame sliders, radiator grills, a RAM mount) especially since you are riding in India. Getting this from OEM may be a bit expensive. I think budget isn't a problem for you, so I think you should be okay with that.

Anyway, I'm not sure if the Himalayan 650 is going to come out any time soon. If it does, that would be a great alternative.

So Kawasaki had already introduced the Euro5 spec models into India (as BS4), which is why there wasn't a lot to update in the first place. They will relaunch it with updated graphics (probably) and with compliance to emission norms.

I think the Duke won't suit your riding style, because it is usually frantic. The Interceptor could work if you like city rides and the occasional highway rides. It is a relaxing bike in general (of course, you need to change the seat first).

Again, it's a difficult choice but I'm hopeful that you will find the answer after you finish your first ride.

Do let us know how it goes.

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

Thanks again brother. Will surely go for a ride and update here.

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

<br>Is this even a competition, Versys 650 runs circles around anything that other indian manufacturers provide.&nbsp;<br><br>Dominar=Knockoff Dukes, less said the better<br><br>Himalayan= Good value for money can go off road, has factory fitted options for luggage but it is an RE quality remains a question&nbsp;<br><br>RE twins= Good road bikes, but a little heavy for offroad would have to buy after market luggage, has less wind protection and relative comfort compared to the Himalayan but it is faster and more refined.&nbsp;<br><br>Duke Adventure= Pocket rocket bang for the buck, but alloy wheels for reduce confidence for bad roads and off roads&nbsp;<br><br>Regarding whether you would like a long ride on a motorcycle? rent one and take it for a long drive as suggested above, but considering pollution heat and what not these days a car seems to be a more practical approach, with the motorcycle being a hobby for the weekends.&nbsp;

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

Hi Manan,

Your are absolutely right. But the reason I compared Dominar 400 with Versys 650 is beacuse I narrowd down these two bikes based on my riding preference. Versys no doubt is a better then dominar but is the difference really worth the price difference.

I am wanting to make a more practical decision.

But yes I have amole time in hand before I decide.

I use my car for most my travel and commute but want to keep motorcycling as a something that makes me happy and as a stress buster.

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

Hi Dev,

I understand your confusion and all my fellow bikers have given great advice to help you make the decision.

I'll say if you can afford (purchasing and maintaining) the Versys 650 then by all means go for the Versys else go for the Dominar. There is no wrong choice here. You can't go wrong with either.

If you want to know if you're bitten by long distance touring bug, rent a bike (preferably the one you want to buy ; Versys/Dominar) so you get an idea if you enjoy travelling long. Once you do, rent the other bike as well and see which one you like better. (if versys is not available for rent, check with your friends if anyone has a versys or anyone they know has a versys, they might help you get your hands on one)

Also service centers are a major cause for concern, as you've mentioned the nearest kawasaki showroom is 250kms away. Check if any local mechanic can fix minor issues. For major ones it's always recommended to take it to the service center(so as to not void the warranty). Also learn basic maintenance if you don't know it already. Will make your life much easier.

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

Thanks mate. Things are getting clearer as I speak more to the fellow bikers.

I wish someone who owns any of the superbike owner can shed some light on what is the difference in maintenance cost of a big bike between having a service center and not having one.

As per kawasaki showroom guys they organise camps every few months for periodic maintenance but Everyone runs their motorcycle at different times not sure how practical it is.

Is there a way I can find fellow xbhpians from my city. Would like to know if I can make some like minded friends or may be ridding friend.

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

I would strongly suggest you to avoid buying any vehicle which doesn't have a Service Center in your locality. I was in your position last year, heart wanted to buy Ninja 650 but nearest SVC was 500 kms away. I finally agreed with my brain and bought a Dominar 400, not regretting it for a minute.

Just think about it, whenever you need to go to a SVC for the Versys, you will have to unwillingly plan a 500 km return trip. Initially it sounds fun, but what if it's during the rainy season, during scorching heat of May? Don't think that you will ONLY go for servicing, there will be many issues forcing you to visit SVC urgently, and this will happen at least 3-4 times per year excluding servicings. You will start regretting the purchase in the long term. Isn't it so simple and relaxed to just drop the motorcycle to a SVC which is in your locality, you can return home within a few minutes and go back whenever required?

Instead, consider all the options available in your city/town like RE Interceptor 650, Dominar, KTM adventure 390, Apache 310RR etc.

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

I currently own and ride a 2019 Versys.

Prior to this I had a KTM RC 390, and still have an old RE TB 350. I did consider getting the Dominar for touring, because that would have enabled me to hold on to the KTM which I used to absolutely love riding. Moreover I have no stats considerations and believe in riding a decent motorcycle at the best possible value.

My reason for getting the Versys over the Dominar was mainly that I found the 390 single engine unrefined, unsuitable and underpowered for sustained expressway cruising at 120-140 kmph, especially 2-Up. My other issue with the Dominar was the Vibrations and the Ergonomics - again a subjective matter somewhat. I think it is still a good bike to consider if you are going to be riding alone mostly. Before getting the Versys, Aurum Kawasaki in Delhi lent me their test ride bike for 3 days so I rode it around the city and on the highways a LOT before deciding on the Versys. Mainly I wanted to be comfortable with the handling, seating, ergonomics and the fuelling of the bike under various conditions. It is not a decision I have had a reason to regret yet.

The Versys has short-comings on trails, mainly due to it's 17" front, less travel and the high centre of gravity, but if you aren't shorter than 5'8" it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Be aware though that you will need to take the trails slow and be more careful, and maybe back off at a certain point. On all kinds of roads and broken roads, the Versys shines and will keep a smile plastered on your face.
So far I HAVEN'T found the Service Costs eye-watering, and there is an excellent pan-India support group that will readily help you with all the hacks to save money. It seems to be a fairly simple and easy bike to own and maintain. One thing you will need to factor in early are the absolutely shit stock tyres that square off very quickly but again there are excellent Timsun 712's that will last you 15000+ kms easily, although for some crazy reason I went for super-expensive MT-60's!

I also considered the VSTROM but it meant spending a lot more money for what TO ME, was very little added benefit over the Versys. I am a firm believer that a lighter bike is always preferable off-road over a heavier machine, and on the road I actually found the Versys to be better than the VStrom - again an opinion with inherent subjectivity.

May I also suggest that you consider the KTM 390 ADV as well, not as an off road capable machine, but simply as a versatile lightweight tourer? All the best.

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

If Himalayan is among one of your purchase options then you can try it on Himalayan, the idea here is to understand primarily 2 things:-

1. Do you like touring or not, irrespective of the bike you ride.
2. Which bike would be best suited to you for touring if the answer to point 1. is affirmative.

Again i'd insists that cruising speeds comes later on to decide first you should get clear about whether you like touring or not, more consistent speeds do not necessarily mean that you enjoy the journey, it just takes you to your destination faster giving you more time in hand.

250 kms. one way would be slightly more if you are starting touring, i'd suggest 250 kms. both sides at max. to begin with.

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

Hi Arya,

I am myself very doubtful about it. I yesterday visited the Kawasaki showroom and thr service guy told me that If I get someone down to my place for a service that will cost me 10k. Secondly I felt the dealer is not doing good in terms of sales they had all bs4 varients on display. This dosent give a lot of confidence. I fear getting stuck with a bike with no service center near by.

An now comes the news of harley davidson getting in trouble. I have a feeling superbikes as of now is more practical for big metros like mumbai delhi bangalore where they sell in decent numbers may be.

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Hi Roy,

I have my heart set on the versys. And great customer service by Aurum kawasaki thats surely helps decide wether to go for the bike or not.

Not having service center in the town is surely a deal breaker after knowing that they charge a 10k extra if i call them to my place.

I am not much into trails more into turmac riding. I have not test ridden or even seen the KTM adventure in person so have no idea on that. Will have to go to a bigger city to check that out sometime.

I too like the versys over the vstorm for some reason. Hence not at all thinking about vstorm.

I am exact 5.8 so think can handle versys. Just had 2 small rides that too in city traffic.

Lets see how things goes as this is soemthing I will not decide immediately. I have my plans for 2022

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Hi slevynhawk,

The main reason thinking of a himaliyan is because thats the only option available for rent in my town. Secondly I have test ridden it few times and felt comfortable on it and liked the seating postion. Thirdly it can do a crusing speeds of 100-110 kmph which I think will be fine for me.

You might be right about crusing speeds but I somehow did not felt like touring on my classic 350 may be because of vibrations or the lack of power leading to less crusing speeds. I might be wrong but i think will find out post few rides.

I dont ride rash though. Even in my car on highways I do not do more then 100-110 kmph.

I have ridden my classic 350 for 4-5 hours recently but did not cover a lot of Kms as it was a leasure ride in the hills near my town where i was lost multiple times. So i think I can manage 250 kms one way. Secondly its all a four lane highway to the place i wish to visit.

As I wrote earlier if I am on the road I might want to both go fast and ride slow at times. Slow riding is obviously an option always available but fast riding is something i want to explore.

**for all**
Would like to thank again all you guys for taking out time and writing down your views for me. Feels great to have like minded and more experienced people to reach out to.

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Hi guys will also like to add few more things.

One more reason to look towards versys 650 is thats its a big bike. I will not lie but i surely dream of that lifestyle of being a big bike rider with riding gears and lugguage.

Getting attention from people. Travelling at speeds.

A cool biker lifestyle, someone who travels meets people make new friends.

These are some of the fancies I dream of. May sound childish but then this is what it is.

Do let me know what you guys have yo say about it.

Side note: M I having a mid life crises phase ? 😀

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

Go for it! You won't regret anything. I thoroughly enjoy the biker tag and lifestyle. It is indeed cool. It gives me genuine happiness.

Cheers mate!

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

Hi, Please find my replies below in Orange..

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

Thanks again brother.

I am pretty sure I will so the ride on himaliyan. Hopefully I should be able to take up this ride in October and shall update all your guys here about my experience.

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I think the same. Rather I have imagined the biker lifestyle and makes me feel good about it.

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

Let me tell you some background about myself as it'll set the tone for what i am going to say below:-

For past 5 years, by Almighty's grace, i own 2 motorcycles but due to some reason or other, i haven't been able to go on tours which is something i always wanted and still looking for it. I have been on many day rides of 150-300 kms. and one long ride from Delhi to Kasauli of 700 kms.

What you said about owing a big bike and the biker lifestyle, i can totally relate to it as i am in a similar boat, having those panniers, large capacity motorcycle that can take you almost anywhere without breaking a sweat, riding with complete set of riding gears, going to places at the drop of the hat etc.. is something i too dream of..

Now let me tell you how i am approaching this thing, please note that this is my approach towards this and everyone's approach could be different as it is a matter of doing what you always wanted to do:-

1. What i have observed is having finances to afford a big bike suddenly makes you feel the need to own one. Now in my case i have 2 bikes which are capable of touring but still i feel i need something that can cruise on 110-130 kmph for touring, though this is the want and not the need.

2. Before investing such a huge amount in a motorcycle i have to be absolutely sure that this is something which makes me happy and i am fine with the exposure to harsh weather conditions of India, tiredness that travelling 600-700 kms. a day brings as you then need time to rest and relax your muscles.

3. Touring on a motorcycle is not a leisure travel, it is more like an adventure to me where you have to be alert all the time for the challenges that you encounter being on road in an unknown place. What they show on social media in a 15 minute video is not what touring on motorcycle is, to cover a distance of 600-700 kms. it takes you an entire day (sometimes even more), though i have not yet experienced it but i am very certain that it is not what we see in a 15 minute videos, hence this is something which i'd like to experience myself before spending in buying a motorcycle just because i see someone else doing it and then regret later.

4. While we all enjoy the cool biker lifestyle and the attention it gets from people, but i cannot spend my hard earned money on a bike just for the sake of looking cool, either it has to be my need/requirement or i must have a windfall from somewhere to spend that amount.

It is very hard to control your temptations in this fight b/w your head and heart but i am trying to take this rationally and logically so that i do not have to regret later having 3rd bike in the garage lying idle. So the idea here is to first utilize fully what i already have and go on at least 5-6 trips to decide what is it that my existing motorcycles lack and then see if i feel like buying a middle weight motorcycle or not. It could be that i enjoy going on trips and getting involved in the scenery more than i care about what i am riding or ii could be that after doing trips i can rationalize my spend on a motorcycle. Either way, first i have to go on a trips to decide the next course of action.

Hope this helps..

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

I completely agree with you on everything you said.

The thing here is finances is a different thing as if someone is passionate about something then the person will make money for that.

You very rightly said all the vlogs on youtube make touring look so easy. Obviously it is an extract of a full day riding.

Loving to travel and loving to travel on a motorcycle are two different things. In the budget of middle weight bike one can easily travel all major countries of the world. But yet one chooses to get a bike to travel then its passion for travelling on bike and not just travelling in general.

I am looking at 2022 as the year to choose what bike. But before that will figure out if motorcycle touring is something I really like.


The reason I am very cautious is because of a purchase I made last year. I bought an Ipad pro after getting all crazy about it watched very video about it. But the moment it was in my hand there was no excitement. Its with me now I use it sometimes but the excitement that was built around it before purchase was no where post purchase. I don’t necessarily regeret buying it but its not even adding any great value to my life.

May be this has to do something with human nature. We go all carzy and dream of things when we dont have it but once we have it things kind of fade away.

I want to take time to make my decision it will surely be something I want to be very sure of.

I like himaliyan and the way it looks but the only turn off for me right now for me is lack of power. Himaliyan 650 would be a perfect upgrade once it is available. It will be more capable on highways as well.

And I hope you get time to travel more and enjoy your bikes.