Modenas Dominar D400

The first impression is that of bulk. The bike looks big and with dimensions of 2156 mm (L) x 813 mm (W) x 1112 (H), it is quite big. It has a wheelbase of 1453 mm and 157 mm of ground clearance. Its proportions, however, give it a low slung look. The bike also looks heavy on the front with its beefy fuel tank, chunky headlight cluster, sculpted front fender, machined 10 spoke 17-inch wheels and fat tires.  This is owing to the need of riders of wanting to ride big proper bikes, which becomes more pronounced as the engine size goes up. The front is equally blocky with a full LED trapezoidal headlight and DRLs along with the tiniest of windscreens between the chunky front forks. The tail section is equally sizable with a reassuringly thick seat. The rear end has a twin parallel bar LED tail light setup that builds up on Bajaj’s traditional setup. The crankcase is in a contrasting bronze shade to the black engine components while the frame and the silencer have a grey anodized shade. With sections of the tank, headlight and front fender available in white and three muted dark shades, there are a lot of colors on this bike.

 Fit and finish are also quite good. The bike gets a fully digital instrument display that is easy to read even in sunlight. The usual information is there but there is no gear position indicator. A separate display on the tank shows the lights, the ABS indicator and a side stand indicator. The switch gear is backlit. The bike rides on 110/70 front and 150/60 rear MRF tires.

The Dominar D400 uses a beam type perimeter frame with a multi-step adjustable rear shock along with 43 mm telescopic front forks. The suspension is soft and set for comfort. It works well for absorbing bumps but is not best suited for dragging your knee on corners. The seat compliments the suspension in providing a supple ride. This was to be expected from a bike meant to be a power cruiser and munching highways. The seating position is comfortable and relaxed. The seat, however, is higher than 800 mm and will not favour shorter riders even with the narrow seat. The handlebars are wide but with the bike’s long wheelbase and weight of 182 kg, it is not the easiest to maneuver. The weight and wheelbase do give it a stable ride at highway speeds.

Powering the Dominar D400 is a 373 cc SOHC triple spark 4-valve fuel injected and liquid cooled DTS-i engine that develops 35 PS at 8000 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. The bike is equipped with a slipper clutch and a 6-speed transmission. The engine may have been based on the KTM Duke 390’s motor but it does not have the same bite.

It has a more relaxed power delivery from the get-go with a 0-100 kmph time of roughly 9 seconds. But unlike the Duke, the Dominar is a power cruiser and behaves like one. Its mid-range is where it shines giving it good highway characteristics. The bike can comfortably cruise at above 110 kmph in its topmost gear while still having enough grunt in reserve for overtaking. But getting above 150 kmph is easier said than done. At high revs, the bike also starts to vibrate. There is something lacking in the NVH department too. The Dominar has a 13-litre fuel tank and delivers 30 kmpl average fuel economy.

The bike is equipped with 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm disc for the rear with a two piston and one piston setup courtesy of ByBre respectively. The brakes perform well at slow speeds but need a little extra at higher speeds. Also included in the package is a twin channel ABS setup.

Yes, the Modenas Dominar D400 has a few follies. But you have to remember that this is a bike built to a price. If you look at it as a knee dragging superbike then you are sure to be disappointed. But look at it as a mile muncher or just as a very good and affordable motorcycle for the city and it will start to make sense.