Bajaj Dominar 400 - why the Indian motorcycle dominates the Russian market

A few years ago, few people heard about the Bajaj brand and motorcycles from India. It was assumed that in this country there is a production of two-wheeled vehicles, but there was an opinion that it was being made for the domestic market.


But recently, Bajaj bikes appeared in Russia and immediately began to conquer the budget and middle price segments. At first they seemed no better than Chinese models, but already the first days of operation showed that Indian motorcycles are in fact much closer to Japanese technology.

Take the Bajaj Dominar 400 - an excellent model for the money. A month ago, a bike could be purchased for 300 rubles, but now it has risen in price by 000% due to the growth of the dollar. Now it is difficult to call it budget, but this is the situation even with Chinese models.



What is the reason for the rather high popularity of the Bajaj Dominar 400 in Russia? To understand this, you need to consider the motorcycle in detail.

Appearance

After the Chinese bikes Bajaj Dominar 400 looks like an alien from Japan. Usually, in this cubic capacity, devices from the Middle Kingdom, by the way, are approximately in the same price category. They have poor build quality, gaudy plastic and ridiculous flashy chrome. Plus, the metal is typically “rice”, it does not differ in strength.



Bajaj Dominar 400 looks like a designer motorcycle, and it looks more like equipment from leading manufacturers. The bike looks high quality and upon close examination, the impression does not disappear, but intensifies. There is nothing to complain about - the quality of materials is at the highest level, no matter if it is metal or plastic.



In the past, you could criticize the color palette of the Bajaj Dominar 400 - when the manufacturer offered bikes in classic colors like black, cherry and blue, white. Now acid green has arrived, for those who like to stand out.

Sitting in the saddle of the bike, it becomes clear that the model was not developed for the Asian market. With a height of 180 cm and above, the motorcyclist is comfortable.

By the way, Bajaj Dominar 400 and other bikes of the Indian brand are assembled at the same factory as KTM Duke and Kawasaki models. Since the Japanese and Austrians are cooperating with this manufacturer, they are confident in the quality of their products.



For those who care about appearance, an Indian motorcycle is definitely suitable. It looks twice as expensive as it costs.

Technical features

Every motorcycle starts with a chassis. The Bajaj Dominar 400 has a diagonal steel frame with even penetrations, a swingarm made of the same metal, and thick fork stays. But something is missing, although everything is done qualitatively.

On reflection, it becomes clear that from a stylish appearance you expect at least an aluminum frame. But you can not be afraid that the structure will fall apart under two adult Russian bikers of 80-100 kg each! The Indians felt that there was no need to lighten the motorcycle through the use of expensive materials.



The Bajaj Dominar 400 telescopic fork looks solid, but lacks rigidity. If the driver is massive, you will have to invent - change the springs or put something under them, “collective farms”, in short. There are no adjustments at the fork - this is depressing.

But the rear monoshock has the possibility of spring preload.

On the move, the device is soft and comfortable, which does not fit with the aggressive appearance. But there are complaints about factory tires - it is frankly “oak”, in the tradition of the Chinese motorcycle industry. If there is a desire to drive in any weather and quickly, it is better to change tires for something more versatile and of high quality.

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has disc brakes front and rear. At first glance, they look impressive, but they work so-so. However, the motorcycle itself does not claim to be a sports and regular brakes, although back-to-back, but enough.

The engine of the Bajaj Dominar 400 was clearly designed for the Indian market. It does not differ in dynamics, although it is maximally unified with the motor that is installed on the KTM Duke. But if the “Austrian” has enough power, then the emphasis is shifted to low revs.

It turns out that the Bajaj Dominar 400 engine is more suitable for a road bike, but the model outwardly copies the “naked” style - you expect an “evil” engine from it.



But the Indian bike has few vibrations for a “single-barrel” - this is precisely the result of early cut-offs at 8 rpm.

The engine has a displacement of 373 cm3, and received three candles per cylinder, which should tell potential buyers about its modernity. But this is all just marketing - the motor is actually old and proven - this line starts from 125 cm3 and has been repeatedly tested on KTM Duke and Bajaj Pulsar.

The power of the motorcycle is 35 hp. With. Compared to Chinese devices of this size, this is a lot, but it is 390 liters behind the KTM Duke 9. With. There is a feeling that this was done on purpose - so as not to create a full-fledged competitor. Potential buyers may think - since there is no difference, why pay more? Moreover, the KTM Duke 390 is the same naked class model.

But we can safely hope that the Bajaj Dominar 400 engine will be more resourceful and durable. After all, both engines are assembled at the same enterprise, and the derated power unit should logically be more reliable.



The Bajaj Dominar 400 has a six-speed gearbox, which helps save fuel on the highway. The switching algorithm is “normal” - the first one is down, the rest are all up. The Boxer model cannot boast of this, for example. Her five-step switch exclusively down.

On the go

In the city, the motorcycle demonstrates its best qualities - it is easy to drive, nimble and fast, at least up to 120 km / h it accelerates dynamically.

The bike performs well on light off-road, although this is far from an enduro. Only factory tires for dirt roads need to be definitely changed to something more “evil”.



Or maybe it's for the best - there is nothing to exceed the speed! But it will be safer for beginners to move around. Yes, and the lack of fairings affects - after 100 km / h the wind begins to blow off.



Despite the fact that the Bajaj Dominar 400 looks like the KTM Duke 390, they are two different motorcycles in character. The Indian bike is suitable for beginners and those who do not like to recklessly, and the Austrian model can be cruel to beginners.

Take it or not?

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is an excellent and balanced bike. Despite the aggressive appearance, this model is suitable for beginners. The bike has a fuel injection system, ABC, LED optics and a digital dashboard - these are pluses.

But as for the dynamics, then here it is on a par with the Japanese four hundred from the mid-1990s, nothing more.

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has proven itself to be a reliable and economical bike, so it will be suitable as a city transport for every day, when the weather allows. Yes, and the appearance makes passers-by look around - for some this is enough.