Modenas Dominar D400 test review

Syarikat Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd, or more commonly known as Modenas in short is a Malaysian national motorcycle company producing various small motorcycle and scooter models below 200 cc.

Riding on the waves of the local motorcycle market which is heading towards bigger capacity motorcycle, Modenas in collaboration with Bajaj, India’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer introduces the Dominar D400 to the Malaysian market on the 18^th April 2018.

The Dominar D400 is classified as a Touring Motorcycle although at first look, I thought it looks more like a Naked Street bike.  This 373.3cc Triple Spark, 4-Valves, closed fuel injection engine is liquid cooled and has a maximum power of 35 PS @ 8,000 RPM producing a maximum torque of 35 Nm @ 6,500 RPM.

The Dominar D400 looks more like a 250cc class than a 400cc motorcycle. Although it is not light, having a kerb weight of 182 Kg, I did not feel the weight at all during the whole test ride and maneuverability was easy around town and heavy traffic area. Doing tight U-turn was not scary too.

The front 43mm telescopic forks and a Multi-Step Adjustable Mono Shock suspension for the rear are fully researched and developed by Bajaj for the Dominar D400. Ride comfort was good on highways, trunk roads and even on mild off-road. Impressive for this “budget” 400cc class motorcycle.

The Dominar D400 comes with ABS for front and rear as standard. The front comes with a Single 320mm disc while the rear has a Single 230mm disc. Brakes are soft yet predictable and effective in stopping the bike especially in speed in access of 120 km/h. Top speed I did on the Dominar D400 was 164 Km/h. It took a bit of time to reach that speed and the cut-off system at 9,000 RPM is a real kill joy. The other irritation is the RPM limiter light that lighted up at 6,000 RPM. Initially I thought there was a problem with the engine. But I guess with these features, it will extent the bike’s life span and remind the owner not to abuse it. If ever you wish to obey it or otherwise.

Vibration is felt on the foot rest at a speed of 115 Km/h onwards and it extent over to the handle bar at 140 Km/h. Vibration is mild and you will get used to it over time. Bikers and manufacturer say that vibration is common for any single cylinder motorcycle, but I truly believe with the modern technology we have now, that can be solve with good damping.

Seat is comfortable for touring and I particularly like the rear slanted part on the rider’s seat. It provides sort of a second seating position when you are tired of sitting on the front end on long rides. Wind drag efficiency on the rider is good for a motorcycle with a “mini” wind shield. Well at least you do not need to hold onto the handle bar for your dear life at high speed.

The chassis is a Beam Type Perimeter Frame. Handles well at both high speed and tight corners. No “flexing” or “slipping” feeling. One advice is to get a good pair of tires.

Some of the “bonuses” on the Dominar D400 that are worth mentioning here are the lighted up switches, which is great to have especially at night. Front, rear and indicators lights are LED and finally, the Slipper clutch which is very smooth at every upshift.

The top instrument panel is pretty impressive with fuel indicator, 2 trip meters (which takes a while to re-set to 0), a clock, digital RPM and speedometer. It could do with a gear indicator though, which is a very common feature on motorcycle these days.

There is another panel on the top of the 13 litres fuel tank. It has indicators for temperature,

battery, side stand down, engine problem, ABS and Bajaj logo.

There is a promotional price going on for now at less than RM14,000.00, so quick grab one before price goes up.

Motorcycle courtesy of Modenas Malaysia

Photos and text by: Justin Hong