In the few years, the Honda NX650 Dominator has been a popular donor for customization. The 44-hp RFVC engine is nigh-unkillable, and the robust build quality made the bike the perfect urban enduro. Said MCN of the Dominator:
“Beloved by town-bound motorcycle couriers and B-road hackers thanks to its punchy delivery, rufty-tufty build quality and commanding riding position the Honda Dominator still makes its mark as a value-for-money commuting motorcycle.”
The NX650 is, of course, a near relative of the Honda XR series of thumpers — the air-cooled pinnacle of which, the XR600R, became known as the “King of the Desert” for its dominance in crosscountry desert races like the Baja 1000. We especially love NX650 builds that recall this Baja heritage and pedigree, such as this “Baja Dominator” built by Adrian Lilla of Poland’s LL Motorcycles. Below, we get the full story!
Honda NX650 “Baja Dominator”: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I’m 25, living in Poland. Ten years ago I started playing with customizing Honda Dax and this led to my love of cafe racers and then to other styles. I start building big bikes three years ago — before that, I’d been playing with small restoration projects and general maintenance.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Honda Dominator 650 1996
• Why was this bike built?
A customer bought this bike with some changes and I had different vision.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Previous owner did a really good job with front, like in the Honda Baja 250, so I want to keep this style but go to more ‘70s scrambler look.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Subframe was changed, powder coated, new exhaust, new custom made seat, UFO vintage mudguards, mesh side covers, front wheel get 18” rim.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
I usually call him “Baja Dominator.”
• How would you classify this bike?
Scrambler
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I really like the bike looks good from every angle.
Follow the Builder
- Facebook.com/lllmotorcycles
- Instagram: @roughdeer
Very cool. I recently came across one of LL’s old-school cafe’d Gixxer builds. Dude does great work.