Baja-Inspired Dominator from Jeremie of Team Crampons…
Honda introduced the NX650 Dominator back in 1988. Power came from a slightly enlarged version of the XR600R dirt bike engine (44 bhp / 39 lb-ft of torque), and bike was something of a crossbreed between an urban all-rounder and adventure bike. The fairing-clad “Dommie” only lasted two years in the US market due to poor sales, but it became very popular in Europe, where it remained in production up until 2003.
Our new friend Jeremie (@musi_k) grew up around motorcycles, with his father and four uncles mainly riding old-school dual-sports and “trails” like the Honda XL600 and Yamaha Ténéré 600 and XT500. So it comes as no surprise that later in life, Jeremie would fall in with a crew of Parisian trail riders, Team Crampons, who prefer vintage enduros and dual-sports.
When Jeremie was first learning to ride, he go-to machine was his old man’s 1989 Dominator, which he loved. Though he owns several bikes, when it came time for a vintage trailie of his own, he didn’t have far to look for the perfect ride.
“My love for the Dominator was so deep that I bought the exact same model as my dad (RD02 from 1988) and rode it for quite some time before deciding to improve it.”
The Dominator has proved itself as a rugged and capable thumper, but it’s a bit heavy and unwieldy for real trail work — and those plastic fairings are toast after a fall or two. Jeremie wanted more aggressive looks and performance to keep apace with his Team Crampons comrades.
“I really like the 80’s look of it, but I wanted a bigger tank, better lights, a lighter bike, and a more aggressive look. Important: I absolutely wanted to be able to get back to the original state of the bike.”
His inspiration? The Baja racers of the 1980s, especially the big-bore Hondas with massive dual headlights. Julien from Blackpines fabricated the cage for a pair of Hella Comet 500 lights, which use the factory mounting points so it’s a plug-in-play solution — trick!
Meanwhile, our buddy Orion Porta from OrMotors made the custom “gills” for the big 23-liter (6-gallon) Acerbis tank, which perfectly follow the lines of the forks and fender. Having seen many 650 Hondas with these tanks, we can say these flares really improve the aesthetics.
The fenders also come from Acerbis, and the bike is rocking handguards, fork guards, and a retro ventilated front disc cover. To keep things tidy, the electrical harness was relocated beneath the tank, and the original instruments were replaced with a minimalist Daytona Cube. A set of Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross pegs keep Jeremie planted and comfortable in the attack position.
The final product is one big and bold Baja-inspired Dominator, which can still be reverted to stock trim in a single afternoon. Bravo, Jeremie, we wish you and the rest of Team Crampons many fun days in the dirt. And we love that the bike remains street-legal, as few things are more fun in the city than an oversize dirt bike…trust us, we know!
Below is our full interview with Jeremie about the build, and credit goes to @v_brations for the images.
Baja Dominator: Owner Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Jeremie, 40 years old living in Paris. I have always been around bikes my whole life. My father and all my uncles (4) always have/had bikes, mostly trails (Honda 600XL, Yamaha Tenere 600, XT 500…) so we can say that motorcycles are, I feel, part of my DNA.
I have only passed my driving test at 33 years old. Started my learners permit with my dad’s Honda Dominator NX650 from 1989 (that he still has) and I loved it. Followed with my first “own” bike, a Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough.
Riding around Paris I met with a bunch of cool people gathered under the Team Crampons group, riders that started riding the trails with scramblers at first, then vintage trails.
My love for the Dominator was so deep that I bought the exact same model as my dad (RD02 from 1988) and rode it for quite some time before deciding to improve it.
I also have a KTM 990 Adventure from 2010 for trail roadtrips (Norway, Spain, Morocco) and a Ducati 750 SS for the twisties.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Honda NX650 Dominator 1988 (RD02).
• Why was this bike built?
Personal project — I’ve been looking at improving the bike aesthetically. I really like the 80’s look of it, but I wanted a bigger tank, better lights, a lighter bike, and a more aggressive look. Important: I absolutely wanted to be able to get back to the original state of the bike.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Design was strongly influenced by the vintage bikes that competed in the Baja races in Mexico. Enduro mudguards, bigger tank, double lights, larger pegs. Paint work with vintage Honda enduro vibe (red / blue / yellow) is currently being considered.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- The custom headlight frame was done by Julien from Blackpines. I wanted it to be as large as possible, fitting two Hella Comet 500 lights, and he did a perfect job. He used the original mounting points so it is just a plug & play solution.
- All plastics are from Acerbis (23l tank, mudguards).
- The gills of the tank are custom made by Orion from OrMotors, using original panels from a 1992 Dominator.
- Footpegs from a 2015 RM-Z 450.
- We moved the electrical harness under the tank and replaced the original instruments with a Daytona Cube.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
Engine is stock. We haven’t weighed it, but it is lighter than the stock bike for sure.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It’s even more nimble than it was — accelerates faster than the stock bike. Very fun to ride.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Julien did a great job on the lights and Orion on the gills of the bike. I am very proud and happy with the bike, this is exactly how I imagined it!
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Orion and Julien of course!
My dad for the love of bikes I gave me
Follow the Builders
@musi_k
@blackpinescaferacer
@ormotors
@teamcrampons
Photos: @v_brations
