Dominar 400 Long term Review - Disclaimer - This is not an official review of the bike but my personal experience.
I was looking for a long term review of the D400 and failed to find any. This motivated me to pen my experience over the past 5 years with my steed. So here goes...
Decision Decision -
This was way back in 2017 when I was moving on from my corporate job in one of the Big 4 consulting firms to purse my post graduation. There was no absolute need for a 2 wheeler since I had a nice little hatchback for city runabout and the occasional highway dash. Then came Bajaj with the advertisement for a hypermiling D400 mocking the Royal Enfield (
as elephants) and I was instantly captivated.
The last bike I had owned was a CBR150 and replacing it would require something special. As I said, I was not actively looking for anything but fell prey to the marketing gimmick. The decision was made to have one before I re-started going to college
(fortunately I did not have to switch cities, only houses. Test drive done, booking made and just before the end of FY 16-17, I was the proud owner of a Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS in plum color.
Unfortunately, one of the last things on my mind while travelling or otherwise is clicking pictures. While I write this, i realize I do not have a picture of me with the bike or even just the bike
![Frustration](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Frustration.gif)
. Google (
and Team BHP) to the rescue!
Experience This Far -
The bike has been a blast so far. Seems like I got a good piece from the starting batch because I did not face any of the niggles that were reported initially. The bike has been ridden ~15,000 kms (
50%highway 50% city). The usage has reduced quite a bit since the first lockdown and subsequent marriage (
the missus is a bit fearful of 2 wheelers). But I do try to keep it running ~250 kms a month by means of short, early morning trips around the city and whenever I need to travel somewhere solo.
The bike has been through its cycles of regular service with only the battery needing replacement after 4.5 years of duty.
Likes - - Feeling of endless power
- Comfortable saddle with adequate comfort for pillion
- Solid build quality (the paint job is actually noteworthy)
- The bike doesn't feel cumbersome to handle in heavy Bangalore traffic. Only when reversing do you feel its weight
- Highway stability
- FE from a 35bhp 373cc engine has been more than expected
- The devil eyes' headlamps
- The slipper clutch is a boon for engine braking
- Safety features (e.g the engine shuts down if you engage a gear with the side stand open)
- Heat dissipation
Dislikes - - Vibrations between 80kmph and 90kmph. They do disappear after 90 but that is mostly the operating range on our highways
- The buttons and handlebar seem slightly cheap as compared to the overall bike
- Side mirrors seem to be lacking in coverage
- Bajaj ASS. No need to elaborate, I think
Running Cost calculations -
Total comes to ~Rs 75,000 for 15,000kms (
break down below)
1. Service costs - An average of Rs 3,000 for each paid service. Total = Rs 20,000 (
1st 3 free services for Rs 5,000 and 5 paid services)
2. Fuel costs - Considering an FE of 30kmpl (
I am a sedate rider) and an average of Rs80/L of petrol (
since most of my riding happened pre-covid), total = Rs 40,000 for 15,000 kms
3. Insurance = Rs 10,000 (
renewed 3 times so far)
4. Repairs cost - Rs 3,000 (
battery)
5. Miscellaneous - Rs 2,000 (
tolls, PUC, parking, couple of speeding fines![Cold Sweat](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/coldsweat.png)
)
Conclusion -
Is running a premium tourer expensive? - Depends on perspective but you might say so.
Is is logical to have one in the garage? - Again perspective, but more of a heart over head decision.
Is it fun? - Oodles of fun and absolutely worth it!
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