This 2019MY Bajaj Dominar was modified keeping attention to function over form and is open for more updates in the future
Over the years, Bajaj’s Dominar 400 sports tourer has certainly emerged as a preferred option for customisations. In this latest mod job, we see a Dominar 400 being transformed into a functional adventure-tourer motorcycle. YouTube channel JVD Adventures has posted a short video that provides all details about the customization project.
Highlight of this project is that it started with just a few modifications to the suspension, seating position and tyres. The owner often covers long distances on his Dominar 400 and wanted the ride to be more comfortable. However, after initial changes, he saw scope for a lot more improvements. Since there was an interest in off-roading, he decided to carry out a complete transformation.
At the front, stock suspension was replaced with aftermarket fork tubes and fork spacers. This helped increase the motorcycle’s height. Using 19-inch spoke wheels taken from a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 (to be replaced by Meteor 350), its ground clearance was also increased. Its front tyres were changed for dual-purpose tyres; the same units from Royal Enfield Himalayan and Hero Xpulse. Meanwhile, the stock handlebar was replaced with a wider, taller unit. A pair of handlebar risers were used for optimal riding comfort.
On either side, the stock footrest assembly was completely removed and replaced with a customized unit in order to give a relaxed, upright seating position. The rear monoshock suspension was modified according to the owner’s weight. Suspension height was changed as well.
Even though it wears the same muffler, slight alterations were done inside. This is to avoid troubles with the traffic police. It may be recalled that the Supreme Court of India has banned all vehicle modifications done without getting RTO approval. The current position of the exhaust could be pushed a little back to suit overall design.
One of the most challenging parts was modifying rear section. The new 18-inch rear wheel, shod with dual-purpose knobby tyres, contributed to further complexities such that the rear sprocket had to be tweaked for better gear ratios. If not for this, there would have been an inefficient power delivery.
This project is still not finished and the owner has plans to add a luggage rack and a softer seat. Further cosmetic updates could be a part as well. The Dominar used in this project is an MY2019 model making roughly 35bhp and 35Nm from a 373cc liquid-cooled engine. Bajaj’s updated Dominar BS6 delivers close to 40bhp of max power. Torque output remains the same as its BS4 counterpart.