The Himalayan 450 impresses a Dominar 400 owner: Here's why

Dominar 400 felt like a smaller bike after riding the Himalayan

BHPian espraveen recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Test ride experience of a Dominar 400 (33,000 km ridden in the last 4 years) owner (rider height 181CMs for perspective):

• Himalayan's gear shifts are smoother than the Dominar

• Ride position is more commanding on the Himalayan (of course!)

• Acceleration is more or less similar to Dominar 400

• Exhaust note is tamer than the Dominar 400 (Dominar's exhaust note is the best in 400CC segment in my opinion!)

• Suspension is way better in the Himalayan

• Flickability: Dominar 400 has a long wheelbase (1453mm), Himalayan450 has a longer wheelbase (1510mm). Dominar 400 isn't a very flickable bike, but I've learnt to ride it comfortably in tight traffic scenarios. Himalayan 450 is surprisingly flickable for a bike of its size and weight! (I daresay Himalayan is better than the Dominar)

• Dominar 400 felt like a smaller bike after riding the Himalayan

For a few brief moments, I stood on the footpegs, just to check, and first impressions, I felt the handle bar should be a little higher. This would have to be corroborated by longer periods of preferebaly off-roading in standing position though.

Overall, thoroughly impressed by Himalayan 450

I have a Nov 11th booking for Kamet White variant and the booking stays.

Informed the dealer that I will take delivery whenever they make it available.

Dealer's perspective on price protection for early bookings: If the bike's delivery goes past Dec 31 due to RE's inability to deliver before Dec 31, launch price would stay beyond Dec 31. But if the reasons are on the customer's side (change in colour, unable to take delivery when the bike is allotted etc), then the customer will have to pay the increased price.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.