Bajaj bakal memperkenalkan Dominar 400 dengan kemas kini baharu bagi tahun 2022.
Ini berdasarkan beberapa foto baharu yang memaparkan model Dominar 400 itu di India.
Antara ciri yang paling menonjol adalah penambahan kit ‘touring’ sepertimana yang dipaparkan oleh video berdurasi 23 saat dibawah:
Berdasarkan rakaman tersebut, jelas Dominar 400 2022 ini tampil dengan beberapa ciri berbeza antaranya penghadang angin tinggi, handguard, bash plate serta luggage mount.
Bagaimanapun, motosikal terbabit dijangka mengekalkan enjin satu silinder 373.3cc dengan penyejukan cecair yang mampu menghasilkan 40hp dan 35Nm serta dipadankan dengan transmisi 6-kelajuan.
Ciri lain yang dijangka turut dikekalkan ada saiz rim 17″, cakera brek 320mm depan dan 230mm belakang dengan kaliper brek ByBre serta sistem Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Sementara sistem suspensi kekal didatangkan dengan fork depan 43mm jenis USD dan monoshock boleh laras di bahagian belakang.
Ketika ini Dominar 400 generasi baharu telah pun ditawarkan di Malaysia menerusi penjenamaan semula oleh Modenas.
It took about a year and a half for the Dominar 400 UG to make it to the Malaysian market.
For many months Modenas buyers waited keenly for the introduction of the new sport touring for the entry-level market.
Their anticipation fuelled by all the content on the Dominar UG coming from Indian content makers. And almost all of them had something good to say.
So naturally sales of the previous generation Dominar slowed to a little more than a grind. Modenas had previously committed to ordering a certain amount of Dominars from its business partner – Bajaj Auto Ltd of India.
So this was a lose-all situation – Modenas couldn’t move Dominars fast enough to place an order for the UG model, and the market didn’t want the old Dominar because of all the positive feedback the market was getting from India.
This situation forced Modenas into overdrive, and the much loved Malaysian bike maker introduced offer after offer, even lowering the price to a never before seen price for its segment.
Those that didn’t mind not having the latest toy took the amazing offers, while those that were patient would have their patience rewarded. Something I will get to shortly.
The gamble worked (obviously) and Modenas has introduced the new Dominar 400 UG.
I’m not quite sure if we can still call it new considering that it is in actual fact a 2019 model.
But for the sake of the Malaysian market and this article, let’s just call it new.
And boy have the patient been rewarded, because not only is the Dominar 400 UG more matured compared to the previous model, but at just RM13,997, it is quite easily the deal of the year! If only there was an award for that.
In case you were wondering what could be so different considering both bikes look almost identical. Well, it takes a keen eye and the real difference lays under the skin.
From the outside, the new Dominar offers an updated headlamp.
Doesn’t look like it but the design is actually slightly different and it is brighter too.
Then there is the new radially mounted ByBre callipers grabbing a 320mm disc.
It’s mounted on the left of the bike now, the old had its brake calliper on the right.
The previous callipers were also axial mounted, and because most calliper locks are made for radially mounted callipers, owners of the Dominar were sitting ducks when dealing with calliper thieves. Well, no more.
Rims are of a new design too, and it accentuates the overall sportiness of the Dominar.
The forks are arguably the biggest update to the Dominar 400 UG, replacing the conventional forks in favour of more advanced (and better looking) upside down forks measuring in at an impressive 43mm with 135mm of travel.
The new forks are a good mix of comfort and sportiness, with just the right amount of stiffness in the corners without too much dive under heavy braking.
The front end did feel light at speeds above 160km/h.
The front tyre felt like it was just skimming the road, which is a very unnerving feeling especially in corners.
The old Dominar had an issue with leaking fork seals that made the front feel wobbly if not rectified quickly.
Time will tell how the new forks will fare in the Malaysian climate.
Then there is the new twin meter panel set up, something like that on a Ducati Diavel.
The top meter displays engine related information like rpm, speed and warnings like when the stand is down or when you’re low on fuel.
The bottom meter panel displays a highly anticipated gear position indicator, something that Dominar and Pulsar buyers particularly demand for.
But the real difference in the Dominar 400 UG lay in the way it rides.
Though it is powered by the same 373cc, single-cylinder engine, but it now produces more power, is cleaner and more fuel-efficient.
Unlike before, the engine now features Double Overhead Cams, and this combined with the liquid cooling and fuel injection, helps produce 10PS and 10Nm of torque more than before.
This takes power figures to 40PS @ 8800rpm and torque is rated at 35Nm @ 6500rpm.
This even makes the bike sound angrier during idle, with a heavier bass making the Dominar sound sportier than before despite its single thumper set up.
And it is very willing to rev, more so than before while power delivery is linear with no loss in between.
This gives the Dominar a sportier character than before.
Making it feel more willing to accelerate harder while the ByBre brakes feel more than up to the job of slowing it down.
The new 43mm USD forks too are a good combination of sports and comfort.
During hard braking there is the usual dive, but it feels just right and does not feel like it’s diving more than it should.
On uneven roads the forks take on a different character of absorbing bumps and ruts. Suddenly it is more willing to dive and to soak up unevenness.
Almost feels like they’re electronically adjustable forks, but they’re not.
The rear monoshock is adjustable with a 110mm of travel.
This is probably what made the bike feel like it was floating because I did not adjust it to my weight. But knowing that it is adjustable works for me.
The most amazing thing about the new Dominar is its price – at just RM13,997 without insurance.
At that price, the new Dominar 400 UG is not just a great price, but is a steal.
You will not believe how much sportier it has become until you ride it.
Kedai kustom motosikal di Las Pinas, Filipina, MC Customs telah mengubah suai sebuah Bajaj Dominar D400 menjadi motosikal scrambler serba hitam.
Filipina merupakan antara pasaran eksport besar Bajaj Auto sekaligus tidak hairanlah ramai yang mencari kelainan bagi jentera Dominar mereka.
Bagaimanapun, MC Customs tidak melaksanakan ubah suai yang ketara sebaliknya hanya menambah dan menggantikan beberapa bahagian untuk menampakkan rupa sebuah scrambler.
Diberi nama projek ‘Lino’, antara bahagian yang diubah adalah penggunaan lampu bulat LED, lampu sisi bentuk bulat, bar hendal yang lebih tinggi, lampu isyarat di hujung bar, tayar knobby, pelana berwarna coklat dengan jahitan berbentuk berlian dan pilihan warna hitam glossy.
Sementara itu, tiada pengubahsuaian dilakukan terhadap bahagian enjin yang masih kekal standard 373.3cc dengan penyejukan cecair yang menghasilkan 34hp dan 35Nm.
Dominar D400 turut popular di pasaran Malaysia – dijenamakan sebagai Modenas – dan kini ditawarkan pada harga RM13,788.
Orang ramai yang berminat dengan gaya scrambler ini mungkin boleh mengambil inspirasi daripada MC Customs Filipina.
The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride series came to a close with an unforgettable trip.
It started from Juru Auto City and stopped in Rimba Valley Motorcamp, Janda Baik.
It covered more than 500 kilometres.
The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride series came to a close with an unforgettable trip.
It took them on the highway, up the mountain, into the valleys and finally to camping for a night before resuming with off-road riding on the final day.
The ride series not only highlights the beauty of Malaysia to Dominar riders the world over, but it also shows that the bike is capable of taking them wherever they wished to go.
Day One – Saturday, 13th July 2019
Leg One – Juru to Cameron Highlands
Just like a previous “Explore the Unexplored” (ETU) ride, we congregated at the Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita in Juru Auto City, Prai.
There, the riders who have signed up online confirmed their registrations and were handed a participant number and exclusive ride t-shirt. The ride briefing was then presented over breakfast concerning the route, safety aspects and the meaning of “Explore the Unexplored,” plus #motography and #motographymalaysia.
The ride was flagged off at 6.30am after the obligatory photo op and headed south on the North-South Highway. The convoy of 16 riders was kept as compact as possible while maintaining higher average cruising speeds to avoid disrupting other road users. Yet, there are still impatient cretins who overtook us by mere centimeters, as if to push us off the road.
We stopped for fuel at the Petronas station in Simpang Pulai before taking on the curvy road. Traffic was thankfully light at this time of the day, but we spotted a car which ended up in a ditch. All occupants got out safely.
In the lead marshal’s mirrors, the participants behind could be seen grinning inside their helmets, as they swept through the corners. One by one, bikes leaned over into the turns like dominoes.
The brisk pace brought the pack to the Banjaran Café for another photo op and drone video shoot.
We hopped back on our bikes and continued towards Brinchang, passing the “Monaco” tunnel.
The participants were set loose to capture their own best photos for their #motography and #motographymalaysia mission.
Leg Two – Cameron Highlands to Sungai Koyan
We regrouped at the Shell station in Ringlet just past noon for the next leg.
There was only one obvious choice of route if you want to head to the areas around Bentong, and that was via Pos Betau and Sungai Koyan.
The riders got into the rhythm of sweeping into the curves that the road is famous for. Deep depressions in the apex caused a few entertaining moments but the route was fun for the lightweight Dominar 400’s neutral steering and ability generate impressive lean angles.
If anything, the route proved that time flies when you’re having fun because the twisties seemed to end in no time at all.
Leg Three – Sungai Koyan to Klau Dam
We had wanted to circumvent the Bentong town for fear of heavy traffic and heavy trucks that are driven like the drivers who just had their ketum tarik.
It was at this point that Google Map decided to act up and made us travel for kilometres on a road before telling us to turn back to the way we came from. We had lost some one hour chasing that GPS i.e. guna pun sesat(“use GPS but still get lost”) symptom.
We found our way to the Klau Dam boat jetty afterwards, but we didn’t stop as it was late afternoon and we didn’t want to arrive in Janda Baik when it’s dark.
Leg Four – Klau Dam to Rimba Valley Motorcamp, Janda Baik
But the GPS must’ve been holding some type of grudge that day – it took us Bentong town after all… And instead of leading us onto the Karak Highway, it led us down that old Bentong – Gombak trunk road.
Anyway, it was still an interesting ride as the tight corners highlighted the Dominar 400’s abilities and agility.
We went past Kampung Bukit Tinggi and straight up the arch that welcomed us to the Janda Baik area.
Everyone was relieved when he headed down the gravel trial to Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan’s Rimba Valley Motorcamp.
Camping Under the Sky
The Rimba Valley Motorcamp was set up by Dato’ Capt. Nik. Capt. Nik (as he likes to be addressed) was a pilot who flew for 35 years in Malaysia Airlines and is a very well-known personality in motorcycling circles. He had owned some 70 motorcycles up until today. He still rides actively but he is very busy lately in preparing for this year’s mega GIVI Rimba Raid.
Taking place from 26th to 28th July 2019, GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik has already attracted the full grid of 150 riders from 16 different countries.
Anyway, the participants jumped into the clear and cool stream next to the camp ground almost as soon as they removed their riding gear. Most hadn’t even checked in to their tents. Finger food and refreshments were already in place when we arrived.
That evening, we were treated to a succulent and amazingly delicious BBQ lamb and chicken, plus other dishes.
The valley floor is flanked by steep hill slopes on both sides, no doubt blocking out telco signals. This had a great effect on the riders as they ignored their smartphones and sat together to share stories, described their ride with swishing hand motions and poke fun at each other.
Baskers were called in to provide the evening’s entertainment. The three-piece band did such a great job that other families camped their exited their tents to listen to the music.
As the night wore on, we expected the riders to turn in early after the tiring 11-hour ride. Instead, many stayed up until almost 2am, chatting with their new found friends.
Day Two – The Activities
The day was planned for the usual ETU “slow ride contest.” But when Capt. Nik suggested that the riders should experience riding in the area surrounding the camp, it was greeted with enthusiasm. No one said no.
Capt. Nik escorted us to a stream crossing and briefed us on basic off-road riding techniques. One by one, we rode through the stream, giggling and laughing when emerged on the far bank without a single untoward episode.
We pressed Capt. Nik for more and he acquiesced by taking up what he called the Level 2 Hill. Everyone made it through without a single crash or dropped bike.
The Dominar 400 surprised even the owners themselves of its capabilities.
We headed back to the camp for lunch, before durians were brought to us.
But all good things come to an end. We packed up with heavy hearts and hugged each other as we bid each other farewell and a safe ride home.
Everyone remarked that they enjoyed themselves immensely and it was the best ETU ride, ever. But one guy summed up this ride best: “This was definitely the best. We got to ride on the highway, go up a mountain, ride through corners and finally went off-roading. It’s got everything!”
The grand finale of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride will take participants camping.
It will be held from 13th to 14th July 2019.
The ride will begin from Juru Auto City to Cameron Highlands and finally the Rimba Valley Motorcamp for camping.
The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride reaches its grand finale next weekend. To end the epic program on a high note, Modenas has something grand in store for the participants.
For this edition, the ride will begin in the early morning of 13th July 2019 from Juru Auto City, Perai then head to Cameron Highlands for some cooling air. The convoy will then head down towards Bentong via the beautiful Cameron Highlands – Sungai Koyan road. The ride will finally end at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site in Janda Baik where the participants will camp beside a crystal-clear stream and beneath the stars.
The Rimba Valley Motorcamp is also the site of the Rimba Raid event a week later.
Refreshments, food and lodging costs are provided by Modenas, while riders pay for fuel only.
The “Explore the Unexplored” initiative began not long after the Modenas Dominar D400 was launched in Malaysia. As the name suggests, it isn’t merely a single model ride to exotic places around Peninsular Malaysia. It also allows riders who ride there to share the locations with international Dominar 400 riders, as well.
As for the Malaysian Dominar owners, there is a contest for the best picture captured. Also, participants get to participate in fun and games at the destinations and win attractive prizes.
Please register by sending an email to safrin@modenas.com.my. Please note that only riders are allowed to enter, thus pillions are not allowed.
The fifth edition of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” took the owners from Kuantan to Cherating, Pahang.
The riders had lots of fun at the beaches.
They also took plenty of pictures and videos for the #motography and #motographymalaysia initiatives.
In this fifth edition of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” initiative, the owners rode from Kuantan to Cherating for fun and games.
The ride is part of the onging #Motography and #MotographyMalaysia initiatives which encourages Modenas Dominar 400 owners to submit photographs and videos of their travels. The footages can then be used by all Dominar 400 owners who wish to travel to those same exotic locations.
The riders grouped at Restoran Aliff for breakfast. Later, they were briefed on the day’s programmes and routes, and were soon flagged off. The first #Motography stop was at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, or better known as Monica Bay.
At the beautiful destination featuring sand and surf line by casuarina trees, the riders went ahead to place their bikes for their best shots. The shots were then uploaded to the #motography social media site. The best shot wins prizes, by the way.
Moving on, the convoy rode to Warung Aziz Satar for lunch and refreshments.
The riders then travelled to another location at the Cherating beach for a five-a-side beach football match.
Finally, each rider partook a glass of fresh coconut water to bring this fifth “Explore the Unexplored” edition to a successful end.
Konvoi Modenas Dominar 400 ‘Explore The Unexplored’ meneruskan pengembaraan ke Kuantan dengan keindahan pantai Cherating menjadi destinasi ditunggu-tunggu pemilik Dominar 400.
Edisi kelima – yang berlangsung awal bulan ini – menyaksikan penyertaan paling ramai dengan 27 penunggang memeriahkan pengembaraan daripada bandar Kuantan ke Cherating, sekaligus menoktahkan kejayaan konvoi Modenas Dominar ‘Explore the Unexplored’.
Pengembaraan beramai-ramai ini merupakan sebahagian daripada inisiatif Modenas bagi memeriahkan tema #Motography dan #MotographyMalaysia dengan bertujuan untuk mengambil seberapa banyak gambar dan video di setiap destinasi tunggangan oleh pemilik Dominar 400.
Konvoi dilepaskan dari Restoran Aliff sebaik selesai taklimat untuk menuju ke destinasi Motography pertama – Pantai Teluk Mak Nik @ Monica Bay.
Sebaik tiba, para penunggang disajikan dengan keindahan pantai yang dihiasai pokok ru di sepanjang pesisir sekaligus menjadikan destinasi bergambar yang ideal!
Selepas selesai, konvoi bergerak ke Warung Aziz Satar bagi menyempurnakan sesi mengisi perut yang kelaparan dan tekak yang dahaga sebelum meneruskan pengembaraan ke destinasi Motography terakhir di Pantai Cherating.
Selesai sesi bergambar, pemilik Modenas Dominar 400 kemudiannya diberi peluang merebut hadiah menerusi perlawanan bola sepak pantai lima sebelah.
Meskipun konvoi disambut dengan cuaca yang panas terik namun ia langsung tidak menyekat semangat para penunggang untuk merebut hadiah wang tunai RM250 yang menanti sang juara!
Pengembaraan di Kuantan akhirnya tiba di penghujung dengan setiap penunggang menamatkan aktiviti dengan segelas air kelapa sekaligus menandakan satu lagi kejayaan bagi siri kelima Modenas Dominar ‘Explore the Unexplored’. Ikuti perkembangan terbaru mengenai siri seterusnya di MotoMalaya.Net dan untuk sebarang maklumat lanjut sila layari www.facebook/DominarMalayasia/.
The next Modenas Dominar 400 ride was to Kuantan, Pahang.
It was the first overnight convoys for the series of rides.
There were also a treasure hunt and bonfire gathering in addition to #motography.
Modenas organized another ride for Modenas Dominar 400 owners, this time to the seaside city of Kuantan, Pahang.
The ride was also part of Bajaj’s #motography and Modenas’ #motographymalaysia initiatives. The project seeks to collate the best pictures of the best riding destinations worldwide from Dominar owners themselves; since the manfucturer calls the Dominar 400 a sport tourer.
There were many differences to the ride this time. It was to be the first with an overnight stay, the fun games are more extensive and there was a bonfire at the beach.
The twenty participants, backup crew, marshals and representatives of Bajaj Auto grouped at the Modenas HQ in Glenmarie on early Saturday morning for some light breakfast. A representative from Bajaj said a few words before the safety briefing.
Light rain started to fall just as we were leaving the Modenas HQ. Indeed, it had been raining heavily all across the nation for the entire week and it was definitely on our minds. The roads were still wet from the midnight shower.
We proceeded all the way to the Karak Highway from there. Traffic was already starting to pick up although it was just around 9am. There were no large groups of weekend Karak GP riders, thankfully.
We refueled at a Shell station along the Karak Highway before exiting toward Lancang. From there it was a direct ride to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary for the first #motography stop.
Participants had a great time mingling with the elephants, although we could not get in our motorcycles in to shoot pictures. Entrance is free, but visitors could contribute any amount they so wished.
Visitors can also purchase bundles of sugar cane at RM3 and feed the elephants. There were two sections, one for the babies and teenaged elephants, and another for the adults.
Without the benefit of a guide, we could only surmise that the elephants were rescued and/or brought in for treatment. A baby had a leg in a crutch, an adult had malformed from legs. It was sad to see on one hand, but we took comfort that they are well-cared for.
Later, the rangers brought three full-grown elephants out for a walk around the sanctuary. And my, were they huge!
We left the sanctuary and re-entered on the East Coast Highway (LPT), stopping again this time at the Gambang R&R for fuel.
We arrived at the seaside Mandurah Hotel just in time to for lunch and check in. The hotel served lunch at the seaside terrace and the cool ocean breeze was a welcomed relief after riding in the heat.
A treasure hunt was held later that afternoon. The hotel staff had done a great job to set it up. They even handed us sticks of mosquito repellant. Participants were broken into groups and they had to solve puzzles, dash on the beach, do push-ups, commando crawl and dig into the sand for their “treasure.” The winners walked away with RM100 in cash per person.
Fishermen were returning to their base while all these were happening.
Dinner was again served at the beachside terrace while an excellent three-piece band belted out hit after hit song. The hotel staff lit the bonfire on the beach in the meantime.
We adjourned to bonfire where the CEO of Modenas, En. Amirudin Abdul Kadir addressed the riders. Participants also forward questions regarding their bikes to the Modenas crew and Bajaj representatives.
We arose early the next day for breakfast and checked out for the return trip. But first, we headed to Cherating for the second #motorgraphy stop. The hotel staff were also at hand to send us off. (We recommending staying at the Mandurah Hotel if you plan on visiting the Kuantan seafront.)
The resort town is only 30 km or so from the hotel but traffic and road condition (including a flooded stretch) forced us ride (really) slow. The participants were given 30 minutes to seek their preferred sites for photography.
With that done, we rode back out to the LPT.
But bikers beware! The highway is so arrow-straight that car drivers often speed here like it was the front straight of the Sepang International Circuit. They have so little patience that they even resort to overtaking on the emergency lane (video coming up).
We stopped at the Gambang R&R for fuel and decided that the ride should follow the “free and easy” format compared to a convoy for safety and avoid holding up traffic while we overtake other vehicles en masse.
We met up for one last time at the Genting Sempah R&R before saying our goodbyes.
Priced at just RM13,788, the Modenas Dominar has proven to be a success story in Malaysia.
It is also hugely popular all around the world as it offers incredible value for money.
Comfortable and powerful, the Modenas Dominar is also incredibly well built as the photos below have proven.
When buying a bike, build quality is probably not up there on the priority list. Power, comfort, design, price and reliability will probably be the focus, and then build quality. But admittedly not always in that order.
Well, every once in a while though comes a bike that seemingly does it all and does it well. Enter the Bajaj Dominar 400, known locally in Malaysia as the Modenas Dominar.
It is a bike we rode in India last year and grew to be particularly fond of. It has a lively 373cc engine that gives you better power output than most bikes in its class. It also comes with Brembo brakes and an adjustable rear monoshock suspension. It features an LED headlight and a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox, in short, there is nothing much to complain about when it comes to the Dominar.
And then there is the build quality. Now quality is usually subjective as it is usually difficult to assess how well-built a bike is. Touch and feel is usually the only way to tell. But not anymore.
These photos have been circulating around the internet showing a Dominar that was rear ended by a truck. And as you can see, the bike won. If this is not a testament to the brilliant build quality of the Dominar, then we’re not sure what would be a good testament.
This accident supposedly took place in Kerala, India, and though we’re not sure who the photos belong to, we’re glad he or she posted them online. As is clearly visible here, the bike is stuck in the front grille and the front bumper of the truck, and that’s what is holding the bike upright.
Perhaps the owner got really lucky, but credit is due where it is deserved and we tip our hat to Bajaj for their solid build quality. Well done.
Hailed as a sport-tourer, it is comfortable and easy to ride.
Priced RM13,788 (basic selling price with 6% GST) for a limited time it is set to dominate that market segment.
As we’ve reported earlier (click here for the article), hot on the heels of the runaway success of the Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar NS200, Modenas felt that it was the right time to bring the Dominar D400 to our shores.
To recap, first and foremost, the bikes are built by the Indian giant, Bajaj Auto, and rebadged as Modenas. It isn’t such a bad thing, really, since Bajaj also builds the smaller KTM 200/250/390 Duke/RC range that has also taken the Malaysia and the world markets by storm. We’ve also ridden the Modenas Dominar D400 during our visit to the Bajaj Auto factory (click here for the article).
The Modenas Dominar D400 is a step up to the bigger capacity market. The electronically fuel injected, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, 373cc, single-cylinder engine has some shared architecture with the KTM 390 Duke but with a few differences such as the Digital Triple Spark (DTS-i) configuration to promote more complete combustion throughout the rev range.
As far as styling goes, it has that big headlamp, fat fuel tank look of Indian-built bikes. The seats are thick and wide, fitting for what Modenas/Bajaj calls a sport-tourer. Build quality is, well, let’s just say you can’t expect the quality of a much more expensive motorcycle at this price.
However, the headlamp is fully-LED which includes Daytime Running Light. There’s a comprehensive LCD instrument cluster, while the fuel tank has a smaller LCD screen placed into it. The main LCD was clear even in direct sunlight. The graph tachometer and speedometer were easy to fathom at a quick glance. Additionally, the switchgear symbols on both sides of the handlebar are backlit for ease of night operation.
The seat height is at the correct height for most riders; I was able to place both feel on the ground comfortably at my 167cm height. The handlebar is placed high up and comes back to meet the rider for an upright seating position. As for the footpegs, they were set further toward the front and lower for comfort.
The Dominar D400 started up quickly at the tap of the button, everytime, to that familiar clatter of a single-cylinder engine. Clutch lever pull was light. A few blips of the throttle saw the revs built up smoothly but a little slower – heavier flywheel, perhaps?
Out on the road, the bike got going easily and speed increased progressively. It slowed down smoothly when you went of the throttle too. Besides that, engine vibration was acceptable for a single-cylinder. So, it seemed to confirm our conjecture of a heavier flywheel in the engine. Anyway, the bike could hold a cruising speed from 110 to 130 km/h comfortable; it’s the rider who has to hold on above that speed due to lack of wind protection.
As for the suspension, front and rear ends were supple up to when the bike hit a large bump or deep pothole. The initial stroke was soft then hard further into the stroke.
However, the Dominar D400 handled pretty well, despite the softer suspension and feedback-less MRF tyres. The wide handlebar plus the bike’s light weight allowed us to steer the bike quickly and swerve around traffic. The ByBre front brake was grabby when riding at slow speeds but somehow needed a heavier pull when things got going.
As for electronics, ABS is standard for both ends although there is no rider mode and traction control.
All in all, the Modenas Dominar D400 is a commendable motorcycle and offers a good alternative to motorcyclists who want to move up the capacity scale without having to spend tons of money on one. If we had to choose a phrase to describe it, we would say, “Very good value for your money.”
