The Honda NX650 Dominator has proved itself as one of the most versatile platforms in the customs world. The rugged chassis and bulletproof RFVC engine owe much to the Honda XR series, which once dominated everything from desert to woods racing to suburban commutes. It’s hard to think of a better bike to build into a street-legal tracker, supermoto, or all-around curb-jumper…especially in Europe, where the NX650 is widely available on the used market.
Enter Nicolas Margolles, a frigoriste — refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic — from Pau, a township on the northern edge of the Pyrenees in southwest France. Previously, we featured his NX650 “city scrambler” — one of our Top 10 Scramblers & Desert Sleds of 2019. Now Nicolas is back with this ’97 Honda Dominator built alongside his friend Teufa Ve (@teufax):
“I wished to make an ultra-clean motorcycle, a mix between a flat tracker and a supermotard for the city and the seaside.”
The pair were inspired by the look of the all-red Honda CR125 Elsinore of yesteryear, as well as various trackers and supermotos they saw on social media. The result is one of the sexiest Dominators we’ve seen, the perfect mount for seaside events like the Wheels & Waves festival held each summer in and around Biarritz.
Below, we get more details on the build from Nicholas himself, as well as some gorgeous photos from Herve Margolles (@hmarg63).
Honda NX650 “Elsinore” — Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
It’s a Honda NX650 Dominator 1997.
• Why was this bike built?
Personal custom project with my friend @teufax ??⚒.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The vintage Honda CR125 Elsinore, as well as flat track bikes, supermotards and trackers on Instagram, Facebook etc…
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- The rear of the frame is custom made in tubular.
- Akront wheels in 17-inch, fully polished with golden spoke head and black hub + Heidenau k73 tire
- Custom saddle
- Djialing tank 70
- Long-range rally front light
- LED turn signals
- Triumph Bonneville LED taillights
- 2 in 1 exhaust with Mivv double gun silencer
- Rear shock absorber — 30mm Hagon monoschock
- Fork lowered by 70mm
- 28mm motocross handlebar
- A few pieces in golden anodized aluminum
• Does the bike have a nickname?
“Elsinore.”
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride?
The pleasure of driving in town or the beach during Wheel and Waves with a unique and really nice motorcycle. ?
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
No, a simple project, I bought the motorcycle in September 2019, and I made it quietly.
Follow the Builder
Insta : @ba_babs ⚒????
Photographer: @hmarg63
My mechanical friend: @teufax
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