The Honda NX650 Dominator is a dual-sport motorcycle manufactured from 1988 to 2003. Over that period several variants appeared with different fairing designs or mechanical changes, with early models referred to as the RD02 and later ones as the RD08.
Honda NX650 Dominator at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1988–2003 |
| Model codes | RD02 early, RD08 later |
| Engine | 644 cc single, chain-driven OHC |
| Bore and stroke | 100 x 82 mm |
| Compression | 8.3:1 |
| Power | 44 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 53 Nm at 5,000 rpm |
| Carburettor | 40 mm Keihin constant velocity |
| Fuel tank | 12.8 litres |
| Economy | up to 5.2 L/100 km |
| Gearbox | five speeds, wet clutch |
| Front wheel | 21-inch spoked, 90/90 tyre |
| Rear wheel | 17-inch spoked, 120/90 tyre |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the NX650 Dominator.
History of the Honda NX650 Dominator
From the XR600
The engine is slightly larger than that of the XR600L that debuted in 1985. The 97 mm bore was enlarged to 100 mm and the stroke from 80 to 82 mm for 644 cc. With 44 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the engine made 53 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, and a gear-driven counterbalancing system smoothed the vibrations of the large single. The compression ratio of 8.3:1 works with four valves and a single chain-driven overhead camshaft; intake is through a 40 mm Keihin constant-velocity carburettor, with economy as good as 5.2 L/100 km from a 12.8-litre tank. The engine uses a dry sump, with the frame carrying the oil supply.
Chassis
The Dominator has a dual exhaust alongside the rear fender and a wet clutch driving a five-speed gearbox. The non-adjustable fork has 41 mm tubes and 8.5 inches of travel, a rake of 28.5 degrees and 4.5 inches of trail, with a fork brace built into the underside of the fender. The front wheel is a 21-inch spoked item with a 90/90 tyre and a single disc brake with a twin-piston caliper. At the rear a single shock allows preload adjustment with 7.5 inches of travel, on a 17-inch spoked wheel with a 120/90 tyre; the US model had a rear drum brake, later European models a disc. The footpegs had rubber inserts for urban riders, which could be punched out to leave saw-toothed metal pegs for off-road use.
Markets
United States sales of the NX650 were disappointing and the model was withdrawn from the American market after only two years, while it continued in Europe for much longer.
Design and features
- 644 cc single: long-stroke, with a gear-driven balancer.
- Dry sump: the frame holds the oil supply.
- 21-inch front wheel: proper dual-sport geometry.
- Convertible footpegs: rubber inserts out for off-road grip.
Honda NX650 Dominator versions
- RD02 (early): the first-generation Dominator.
- RD08 (later): the revised model.
- US model: rear drum brake, withdrawn after two years.
- Later European models: rear disc brake.
The Dominator shares Honda’s dual-sport range with the Honda Transalp and XR650L. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda NX650 Dominator, English Wikipedia: engine, chassis, brakes, markets
