"Dominar 400: A Powerhouse Worth Buying Pre-Owned,

The **Bajaj Dominar 400** has long been regarded as a great value-for-money product, but with its current pricing, it’s becoming harder to recommend as the sole choice in its category.

**Design & Aesthetics:**
The Dominar's design is undeniably striking, as always. Removing the saree guard elevates the rear's appearance, making it look stunningly sleek. It’s got a rugged, aggressive stance that draws attention on the road.

**SOHC vs. DOHC Comparison:**
Having used the SOHC model extensively and also taken the DOHC model on a long ride to Odisha, I’ve noted some key differences. The **SOHC variant** calls for a gear shift at around 4000 RPM, while the **DOHC variant** can push comfortably till 5500 RPM, providing smoother rides at lower revs. Although you can redline in both models, I’m referring to where they feel natural for gear changes.

In terms of handling, the **DOHC variant** feels more stable and refined compared to the SOHC model. Seating is identical across both, with the rider seat offering ample comfort for long durations. However, the pillion seat can be uncomfortable for longer rides, especially if the pillion is taller than 5'5".

**Performance:**
Top speed between the two variants isn’t drastically different, with the SOHC hitting around 153 km/h and the DOHC managing 161 km/h. Mileage is also reasonable for a bike of its size. You can expect around **27 km/l** in mixed riding conditions, and if cruising between 90-110 km/h on highways, this can increase to about **30 km/l**. However, with city and spirited riding, expect fuel consumption to be higher.

**Tyres & Brakes:**
The stock tyres don’t do justice to the bike's weight and power. Switching to options like **Trampler XR** or **Alpha H1** makes a significant difference in grip and stability. The brakes, particularly the rear, are a major weak point. The front has adequate stopping power, but the rear brake is weak, especially in wet conditions. I highly recommend upgrading to **sintered brake pads** for better performance.

**Weight & Handling:**
At around 184 kg, the Dominar is on the heavier side. It’s not as well-balanced as something like a Royal Enfield, so riders who are lighter or smaller may need to put in extra effort, especially at lower speeds. However, on the highway, the bike's weight gives a great sense of stability, even at top speeds.

**Service & After-Sales:**
One area where the Dominar falls short is after-sales service. Service centers often lack experienced technicians, which can be frustrating. I prefer going to trusted third-party shops for repairs and maintenance. Spare parts availability and overall service quality could be much better for a flagship model.

**Recommendation:**
At its current price point, the Dominar 400 is difficult to recommend as a brand-new purchase. However, the **second-hand market** is flooded with pre-owned models, and these are much better value. You can find SOHC models for around **₹1 lakh**, while the DOHC (UG) models start from **₹1.2 lakh**. In terms of value for money, these used models are a solid option compared to buying new.