Official presentation slides for the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 were leaked online.
The new bike gets a maximum power upgrade to 39.9 PS from the present 35 PS.
Other changes include upside-down forks and new instrument panel.
Technical information from the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 company presentation was leaked online, reports maxabout.com.
The silhouette of the 2019 bike remains the same, as the upgrades focused on increased power output. There’s lots of potential from the 373cc, single-cylinder engine to be exploited. As such, the new exhaust the new Dominar 400 has dual exits and maximum power is attained at 650 RPM further up the rev range. The revisions bump maximum power to 39.9 PS at 8,650 RPM, up from 35 PS. Maximum torque remains at 35 Nm but is at 500 RPM higher in 7,000 RPM.
Bajaj also made changes to the transmission for better roll-on acceleration.
Besides gains in performance, the 2019 model features an updated instrument panel with dot matrix alerts and warning messages in the display.
One last new addition are the upside-down forks.
The bike pictured in green here is for the Indian market. Looks good, though!
Here’s the quick comparison of differences between the present model and the new model.
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.”
18th April 2018, Pullman Bangsar – The much-anticipated Modenas Dominar D400 has been launched tonight. The 373cc naked bike is termed as a “sport-tourer” by Modenas and Bajaj Auto. It is priced at a competitive introductory price of RM13,788 (basic selling price inclusive of 6% GST) for a limited time only.
The Modenas Dominar D400 features:
A 373cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valves, engine.
Engine is electronically fuel-injected with Digital Triple Spark ignition.
6-speed transmission with slipper clutch.
Dual-LCD displays; one main LCD and a smaller LCD on the fuel tank.
Backlit switchgear on both sides of the handlebar.
Dual-channel ABS for front and rear disc brakes.
Conventional telescopic forks.
Monoshock rear suspension.
As the Dominar D400 is termed as a sport-tourer, the bike’s ergonomics are geared toward comfort: Upright seating position, footpegs placed forward and lower, comfortable seats, supple suspension.
In the aspects of safety, the bike features a dual-channel ABS system for both the front and rear wheels. a dual-channel ABS means that while the system is activated for one locked wheel, some brake pressure is also applied to the other wheel for chassis stability. A single-channel ABS, on the other hand, only performs its duty on that single locked wheel while still allowing the non-locked wheel to continue spinning freely – the large speed difference may cause the non-locked wheel to get “out of control.”
Modenas felt that it was the right time to introduce the model, based on their success with the Pulsar RS200, Pulsar NS200 and V15. Those bikes have sold well beyond Modenas and Bajaj Auto’s projection – 4,500 units have thus been sold since their introduction in May 2017.
The Modenas Dominar D400 had undergone some long distance journeys, according to Dinesh Kulkarni, Vice President, Bajaj Auto Limited. “The Dominar D400 successfully completed one of the world’s longest motorable journeys, the Trans-Siberian Odyssey covering 15,000 km in 53 days. The journey from Uzbekistan to Russia through six countries was successful without a single breakdown.”
Modenas is launching the Dominar 400 on 18th April 2018.
The launch follows the highly popular Pulsar RS200, Pulsar NS200 and V15.
The Modenas Dominar 400 will shake up the entire sub-400cc segment.
Modenas (Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd.) is set to launch another motorcycle which hails from their collaboration with Bajaj Auto Limited. Called the Dominar 400, it marks Modenas’ return to the big bike scene after the Jaguh in 1999.
Hailed as a sport-tourer by Modenas, the Dominar 400 is powered by a liquid-cooled, triple-spark, 373cc single-cylinder engine which produces 32bhp and 35Nm of torque. That gives the bike lots of pulling power and is able to hold high sustained cruising speeds. The 6-speed transmission has a slipper clutch for smoother corner entries.
The seating position is more upright for all-day comfort. The suspension is set on the plusher side to soak up bumps, also contributing to the overall comfort. ABS is standard on both ends.
Other contemporary touches include not one, but two LCD screens, the smaller one integrated into the fuel tank.
Check out the video below for our first impressions.
But what is more interesting is how much the Dominar 400 will be priced when it makes its entry into the Malaysian market. From our sources, it will cost under RM18,000.
That pricing will no doubt shake up the sub-400cc market. No 400cc motorcycle is priced as such, at the moment. Judging by how well the Pulsar RS200, Pulsar NS200 and V15 sold, we could expect the Dominar 400 to dominate that segment as well. Who knows, we may see more such larger bikes on Malaysian roads compared to mopeds in the future.
So, is the Modenas Dominar 400 a game-changer? You bet! The bike will be launched on 18th April 2018, so stay tuned.
A few photos of the 2018 Modenas Dominar 400 have surfaced online.
Some of these babies have already made their way to the Modenas Service Centre in Shah Alam.
The 2018 Modenas Dominar 400 is said to be launched in the first quarter of the year at a price of below RM20,000.
Image source: Ahmad Zulkhidzrie
Some online sources have indicated that a very, very interesting motorcycle has made its way to our Malaysian shores. Just yesterday, photos of the Bajaj Dominar 400 or soon to be rebadged as the 2018 Modenas Dominar 400 has arrived which we’re guessing will go through a few mandatory procedures prior its official launch. (more…)
Bajaj Auto telah menyingkap tirai di sebalik motosikal Bajaj Dominar 400 2018 di India, yang mana ia didatangkan dengan dua warna baru; Canyon Red dan Glacier Blue.
Motosikal Dominar 400 ini dijana oleh enjin 373cc satu silinder dan dijangka bakal tiba di Malaysia dalam suku pertama tahun 2018.
Bajaj juga turut memperkenalkan pengemaskinian motosikal Bajaj V15 2018 dengan pelana belakang dan penyandar belakang yang serba baru.
Bajaj Auto has revealed the 2018 Bajaj Dominar 400 in India which comes in two new colours; Canyon Red and Glacier Blue.
The Dominar 400 which is powered by 373cc single-cylinder engine is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in the first quarter of 2018.
Bajaj also introduced an updated 2018 Bajaj V15 with a brand new rear seat and back rest.
Bajaj Auto has just launched their latest 2018 Bajaj Dominar 400 yesterday in India. Their top of the range flagship model now comes in two new colour schemes which are Canyon Red and Glacier Blue. Bajaj Dominar 400 fans can still get the bike in Matte Black option although the other colourways have been dropped out. (more…)
Dominar beats the Honda Cliq and the Yamaha FZ 250.
Dominar also won two other important awards, edging out Benelli and other brands.
Watch our first impression video at the bottom of this post.
The 373cc Bajaj Dominar recently bagged one of India’s most prestigious awards for two-wheelers, the NDTV Two Wheeler of the Year 2018 trophy.
In doing so, the Dominar trumped the Honda Cliq, and more importantly, beat the coveted Yamaha FZ 25. But, this is not the first time Bajaj has won the iconic award – in 2016 the company won the award with the Pulsar RS 200, in 2013 it won with the Pulsar NS 200 and in 2008, Bajaj won the award with the Pulsar 220 DTSFi.
The Dominar won the award by a huge margin, garnering 330 points out of 420 while the Cliq only managed 302 points.
The Dominar also won two other awards, winning its category to be crowned the Premium Motorcycle of the Year award (beating the Benelli 302R, Versys-X 300 and the KTM 390 Duke) and also winning the CNB Viewer’s Choice Two Wheeler of the Year award, winning 45% of the total vote.
We recently tested the Bajaj Dominar 400 at the Bajaj test track in Pune, India. The single-cylinder motorcycle is hailed by Bajaj as a sports touring bike that is more than capable of handling the demands of daily urban life, but also is perfectly suited for those who prefer some weekend fun or long distance touring.
NDTV CEO Suparna Singh presents the coveted award to Bajaj representative, Sumeet Narang.
On track, the Dominar was predictable and accurate. The engine offered decent power and the ABS system lets you brake late without worrying about the wheels locking up. On road, the Dominar offered a comfortable sitting position with a well cushioned seat, a comfortable reach out to the handle bars, good leg positioning even for taller riders and was good all round.
The Dominar comes with Bajaj’s triple spark technology which burns fuel cleanly and more efficiently. This gives the Dominar a good fuel range which makes the bike perfectly suited for everyday life, and more.
The Bajaj Dominar is expected to be offered in Malaysia within the first quarter of 2018, at which point it will be known as the Modenas Dominar 400. With a price range that is expected to be below RM20,000, the Dominar 400 is set to be among the most anticipated motorcycles of 2018, and judging on how good the bike is at what it does, we are expecting an immediate success story for Bajaj and Modenas.
