So my 8th motorcycle in 15 years since the dawn of 2005 when a liter of petrol was Rs 40, CDs were in vogue, along with Nokia mobile phones!
Let me be honest, I had the Bajaj Avenger 180( First Generation) and I was skeptical in going back to the Bajaj Stable. Where most people scream - Value for money; I hear - Not very long-lasting.
But I just sold the Himalayan. and I needed a motorcycle.
Headed to KTM first, this was before the Adventure was launched and now I wish I had waited a bit more.
The KTM 390 Duke was not comfortable for my wife as a pillion and that ended my confusion between the 250 and 390 Dukes.
The Dominar was available as a low down payment for Rs 18K and around Rs 5k per month for 5 years. And that’s how I ended up with the Dominar UG 2019.
The green colour is okay till you get scratches on it. An old trick was to get the scratch cleared using nail polish. Well if you get the exact green colour nail polish - do let me know.
The 40(almost) BHP is nice but I just about cruise around 80 Kmph. I am not in a tearing hurry and the motorcycle is heavy. Which means it is not going to stop in a dime(paisa).
It does sound much much nicer and gruff.which was a surprise to me. however, I do hear the undertones of the KTM at high speeds. The engine is based on the KTM after all. The mileage( most importantly for all Indians) is around 30s. I changed to Motul Engine oil and there is a marked difference in the mileage.
Fit and finish are decent. I had to visit the SC at least 15 times to get my rear brake sorted. Keep getting a grinding noise whenever I engage the rear brake gently. It is not fully sorted out and I have just given up.
I have softened the rear suspension and the ride is more comfortable. Do note that if the suspension is soft, the ride will be bouncy at high speeds. like I said. I am in no hurry. I am in my 40s. I want comfort.
The motorcycle is very front heavy and has a large turning radius. I feel like the captain of a ship which I need to take a sharp turn. I used to dream of becoming a pilot when was a kid. Since life had other plans. the ship it is.
The motorcycle somehow does NOT feel well put together. It feels like someone who was very keen on design, was asked to put the motorcycle together. Looks good but I don’t get a feel while on the road. Except for that weight. I had a CBR 250R.so.
The handling of the Dominar is just about average.
I have affixed Lluvia handlebar raisers(replaced the clutch cable to KTM duke 390 cables for more play), LLuvia engine crash guards, Aux Lights, Lluvia saddle stays, Lluvia Backrest(my wife is happy), Lluvia rear footrests( my wife is overjoyed) and SIMTAC Hazard module.
The chain is cleaned every 500 Kms with a toothbrush and chain lube. It still needs to adjust every 500 km else it will try to communicate with you in Morse code.
The MRF tires do a decent job, rode a bit in rains, nothing that made me jump out of my gear. Since they are tubeless, I can fix a puncture. This is most vital for me. I am NOT pushing a 200 kg motorcycle. I get enough punishment for my salary slip.
Currently, the SIMS in the engine has started to make themselves heard. Since the engine comes with a 5-year warranty, will have them sorted out in the next service.
Not a big fan of the dual displays.in fact, I use a tank bag.so the tank display is as useful as the Rs 2000 note. I rather have the Rs 100s.
The headlight is pretty good.and also fogs up when it rains. Hey value for money, remember?! The rear brake lights and indicators are all LEDs. We do have to keep up with the Jones. I mean the times.
The mirrors are useful for a change. Usually, I end up changing the mirrors for better coverage. But these do give me a better picture of that idiot on a moped who decided that his manhood has been questioned and hence must raceme.
I have seen and heard a lot about comparing the Dominar and Himalayan. Allow me to clear the pollution - The Himalayan is capable of handling up to moderate off-road. Maybe even(almost) hardcore in the right hands. The Dominar is more like a sports cruiser. A desi version of the Ducati Diavel. Sure you can take the Dominar off-road. It will be like trying to download a 30 GB file in a 1G network. Can be done. But. And the Himalayan has much more street presence. I had the 1st Gen Himalayan, so was in the SC every week. The Dominar is more reliable.so far. for now.
So to end all this non-drama. should you buy the Dominar? Yes, if you are looking for value for money. Its an okay motorcycle in my book. It does its job, just don’t have too many expectations. It does not have a wow factor.at least for me. I am not one for being part of the brand’. At my age, you learn its all just bull crap. I just need comfort and reliability. Will test ride the Honda CB350 soon then.