[A350]

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

Well, it’s a great machine in many terms and i ended up buying this to a couple of years back! I was moving away from a classic 350 which I rode for 8 years! I wanted to switch bike and brands. Went cross shopping everything under 3L and the KTM is a sharp machine but it felt like an overkill for my requirements. Also Dominar was a great VFM proposition. I’ve had a blast with my machine while we used to live in normal times. My office was connected via expressway and I used to be excited to go to office!
Windshields don’t actually help but makes the matters worse sometimes. I’ve the one installed by CR! It’s great in terms of the aesthetics but functional? Not so much.

Hi Hardik, can I request you to share your experience about the differences in the ride quality of both ? I am particularly interested in the differences in posture and the amount of vibrations that the Dominar has in comparison to the RE. One of the biggest pain points that I have with my RE is the vibrations. I am looking at buying a new bike for touring and the Dominar is very high on the list. Thanks in advance.

[A350]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Congratulations on the purchase. The D400 is one of the finest bikes to experience India. I have first hand experience of riding my white D400 K2K in 2017. Today 4 years and 40K kms later I still keep mine in my garage even though other (bigger) bikes have come and gone.

Couple of pointers

1. You may face some vibes around the plastic, feel free to use 3M double sided tape around the headlight shroud and under the tank.

2. Switch to a more durable chain wax ( Maxima) that will last 700-800 kms.

3. I am not sure if the main stand can be fitted on the new model but Shayadri moto makes one for the old models.

4. If you feel the windblast is too high, check out the windscreens on offer from either carbon racing or lluvia. (We were the guinea pigs)

Hi Aditya,
You seem to have used the Dominar extensively for touring as the photos from Kanyakumari and Ladakh show. How is the riding posture and ride quality in comparison to the Machismo 500 LB (I have a 350) ? I am seriously considering a Dominar for touring as my present ride is pretty painful over long distances.

Originally Posted by dhruv.bansal

That's a wonderful review. I also own the Dominar 2019 model.

This is one potent machine, having driven the RE 350 and the Pulsar 220 before. I have had service done only at the authorized service station and has costed me around 800-2k depending on the consumables.

The only issue I have faced is that one time the revs got stuck. Even in neutral the revs were at a good 4000 rpm without any throttle input. Have you faced anything of that sort?
And the service interval of 6 months is almost killing me now.

Happy munching more miles!!

Hi Dhruv, where in Delhi did you buy the Dominar from and were you able to test ride it ? I enquired from a big dealer in Noida and they only offered a ride in their campus on a customer's bike which I declined. Thanks

[adityasiera]

Originally Posted by A350

Hi Aditya,
You seem to have used the Dominar extensively for touring as the photos from Kanyakumari and Ladakh show. How is the riding posture and ride quality in comparison to the Machismo 500 LB (I have a 350) ? I am seriously considering a Dominar for touring as my present ride is pretty painful over long distances.

It is pretty comfy, and you always have the option of using handlebar risers to suit the handlebar to your need.

You also have the option of using the Duke 390's adjustable clutch and brake lever to find your sweet spot.

You can trust me when i say this( I had a AVL350 and a 500), you will feel like riding a magic carpet when you switch to the D400

[A350]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

It is pretty comfy, and you always have the option of using handlebar risers to suit the handlebar to your need.

You also have the option of using the Duke 390's adjustable clutch and brake lever to find your sweet spot.

You can trust me when i say this( I had a AVL350 and a 500), you will feel like riding a magic carpet when you switch to the D400

I can surely understand that feeling . Thank you for the prompt and detailed response.

[bhansali_hardik]

Originally Posted by A350

Hi Hardik, can I request you to share your experience about the differences in the ride quality of both ? I am particularly interested in the differences in posture and the amount of vibrations that the Dominar has in comparison to the RE. One of the biggest pain points that I have with my RE is the vibrations. I am looking at buying a new bike for touring and the Dominar is very high on the list. Thanks in advance.

Going to be very honest, it’s a bad comparison!
Both the bikes do few things relatively very good in their own ways. When moving from a c350 to a Dominar will feel that all the vibrations are gone, but once you settle in after a few months Dominar vibrations are irritating as well, again any single cylinder bike which displaces huge amount it’s bound to happen. But, I can tell you that touring on a Dominar is very easy as compared to the c350. You can clock kms together without a flinch. The setup is hard in general but that comes with good high speed stability! I used to ride on an expressway to get to my office and it was one of the main reason to switch from c350.

[A350]

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

Going to be very honest, it’s a bad comparison!
Both the bikes do few things relatively very good in their own ways. When moving from a c350 to a Dominar will feel that all the vibrations are gone, but once you settle in after a few months Dominar vibrations are irritating as well, again any single cylinder bike which displaces huge amount it’s bound to happen. But, I can tell you that touring on a Dominar is very easy as compared to the c350. You can clock kms together without a flinch. The setup is hard in general but that comes with good high speed stability! I used to ride on an expressway to get to my office and it was one of the main reason to switch from c350.

Thanks Hardik, have finally been able to find a dealer in Delhi who has a test drive bike. Will be checking it out in a week or two and then take a call.

[Full_Minchingu]

Originally Posted by arunabh2424

A long way to the Dominar

Hi Arunabh2424, perhaps I'm too late to wish you for your new bike, but I can wish you for your bike's first birthday.

Also, I am considering replacing my RE Desert Strom, and this is one of my shortlisted bikes.

I was wondering how the bike is doing after a year. There is no latest update on how the bike is performing. Any major bike rides planned or completed? Looking forward for more updates.

Regards,
-Badri

[NSK123]

Originally Posted by arunabh2424

A long way to the Dominar

Hi Arunabh2424, thanks for the wonderful write up. I went through it in detail.

Originally Posted by dhruv.bansal

The only issue I have faced is that one time the revs got stuck. Even in neutral the revs were at a good 4000 rpm without any throttle input. Have you faced anything of that sort?
And the service interval of 6 months is almost killing me now.

Hi Dhruv, was this sorted out?

Originally Posted by Maverick5490

I also own one since 2017 and clocked around 38k kms till March 2020 last year.

Hi Maverick5490, Do you still have it? Is it still niggle free?

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Today 4 years and 40K kms later I still keep mine in my garage even though other (bigger) bikes have come and gone

Hi Adityasiera, Great photos. And you seem to be a regular tourer.

Now 2023, I am planning to chose between CB300R and Dominar 400. This is what runs through my mind.

CB300R:
Pros: Honda reliability, premium feel, Smooth engine.
Cons: Zero pillion comfort, pillion climbing is a task. And I need the pillion seat for my kids who accompany me once a while in long rides.

Dominar 400:
Pros: Power, Pillion comfort, 2023 comes with touring accessories
Cons: I see few complaints & few praises, not sure how to factor them

Questions I have:

• I am looking for a touring purpose, Would Dominar 400 can provide fuss free ownership with long term reliability?
• Is it niggle free? or are there any irritating factors? Like some constant vibrations / repeat issues / tappet sound etc.
• My heart says Dominar 400, and mind says go with Honda for fuss free ownership. What would you recommend?

[Maverick5490]

Originally Posted by NSK123

Hi Maverick5490, Do you still have it? Is it still niggle free?

Hey!

Yes still still have the bike, although the running has dropped a lot, use the car more often now. Currently at 45k kms, running absolutely fine!

[NSK123]

Originally Posted by Maverick5490

Hey!

Yes still still have the bike, although the running has dropped a lot, use the car more often now. Currently at 45k kms, running absolutely fine!

Thanks mate, your response taking me closer to Domi

[arunabh2424]

Originally Posted by NSK123

Hi Arunabh2424, thanks for the wonderful write up. I went through it in detail.


Hi Dhruv, was this sorted out?


Hi Maverick5490, Do you still have it? Is it still niggle free?


Hi Adityasiera, Great photos. And you seem to be a regular tourer.

Now 2023, I am planning to chose between CB300R and Dominar 400. This is what runs through my mind.

CB300R:
Pros: Honda reliability, premium feel, Smooth engine.
Cons: Zero pillion comfort, pillion climbing is a task. And I need the pillion seat for my kids who accompany me once a while in long rides.

Dominar 400:
Pros: Power, Pillion comfort, 2023 comes with touring accessories
Cons: I see few complaints & few praises, not sure how to factor them

Questions I have:

• I am looking for a touring purpose, Would Dominar 400 can provide fuss free ownership with long term reliability?
• Is it niggle free? or are there any irritating factors? Like some constant vibrations / repeat issues / tappet sound etc.
• My heart says Dominar 400, and mind says go with Honda for fuss free ownership. What would you recommend?

Hi there, have you bought the dominar or not ? Just curious 😌