FUNTASTIC: Honda NX650 Supermoto Scrambler

Garage-Built Honda 650 Retromotard from Spain…  

The Honda NX650 Dominator appeared at the height of the Paris–Dakar Rally craze, when many of the big manufacturers were introducing rally-inspired machines. The Dominator featured an enlarged version of the RFVC single from the XR600R — one of the greatest dirt bikes ever produced — outfitted with a counterbalancer and electric start for trail use. The 44-bhp “urban trailie” was built tough, and many of these Dominators are still ripping around Europe today.

“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.” –MCN

This build comes from Andoni R. (@funtastic._) of Northern Spain, a photographer and long-time custom car enthusiast. His two-wheeled projects started with a Sherco Citycorp 125 — a lightweight four-stroke supermoto he soon started modifying. 

“I’ve never been able to leave anything I own completely stock… I’m not a professional motorcycle builder, just someone who enjoys creating things, working with his hands, and always trying to take a project one step further.”

Soon Andoni wanted more. He bought this 2000 NX650 Dominator RD08 while working toward his full motorcycle license, so he’d have it ready it ride.

“Everything has been built in my own garage, learning as I went, using information available online, experimenting, and figuring things out along the way.”

Andoni says he’s always been a fan of supermoto bikes: the upside-down forks, big brakes, wide spoked wheels, and tall, upright riding position. 

“I thought it would be interesting to combine those features with a more classic scrambler style, mixing the aggressive look of a supermoto with the simplicity and vintage feel of a scrambler. That’s basically where the idea for this build came from.”

This bike has come a very long way from the plastic-clad thumper that left the showroom. Andoni swapped out the forks for a set of Paioli upside-down units, while an Öhlins shock absorber brings up the rear. The bike now rolls on a pair of 17-inch spoked supermoto wheels with Brembo brakes and a big 320mm Galfer floating disc up front. Continental TKC80 tires work really well in giving the bike the beefy mix of supermoto and scrambler styling Andoni was after.

The rear subframe is a highlight of the build. Andoni built it to be removable, and he says a lot of trial and error went into the fabrication. The fenders were made from scratch, and the exhaust is a single-outlet Thunder Competition system that’s properly loud.

For the lighting, Andoni went with a Hella headlight and Highsider Proton indicators. The rear indicators have integrated tail and brake light functions, which keeps the rear end nice and clean. Andoni also added an oil cooler and temperature gauge, and he swapped out the standard dashboard for a Daytona Velona speedo and moto bars. The tank and side covers have a lovely retro color scheme and lettering that add to the bike’s classic mystique. 

The result is a knobby-tired “retromotard” that looks straight out of another era. Even better, it’s lighter and more agile than the plastic-clad stocker:

“I really enjoy riding it! The riding position is one of my favorite things about the bike, it feels very natural and comfortable. The engine is a Honda classic, and it works really well.. Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out, both in terms of looks and how it rides. It feels great on the road…”

Great work, Andoni! We’re highly impressed with this garage-built machine, and the photography is top notch. Below you’ll find our full interview with Andoni including more photos and uncropped shots. 

Honda Dominator Retromotard: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

My story with motorcycles is pretty simple. I’ve always been into the car modification scene, and I’ve never been able to leave anything I own completely stock. A few years ago, a friend convinced me to buy my first motorcycle, a Sherco Citycorp 125cc, and, as you might expect, it didn’t take long before I started modifying it. After a while, I wanted to take the same concept a step further, but this time with a bigger engine. That’s how the Honda NX650 Dominator project came about.

Everything has been built in my own garage, learning as I went, using information available online, experimenting, and figuring things out along the way. I’m not a professional motorcycle builder, just someone who enjoys creating things, working with his hands, and always trying to take a project one step further.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Honda NX 650 Dominator RD08 2000.

• Why was this bike built? 

It was just a personal project. I was working on getting my motorcycle license at the time, so I thought it would be a good idea to build the bike while I was at it, hopefully having it ready by the time I got my license.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I’ve always been a big fan of supermoto bikes. I love the upside-down forks, big brakes, wide spoked wheels, and that tall, upright riding position.

I thought it would be interesting to combine those features with a more classic scrambler style, mixing the aggressive look of a supermoto with the simplicity and vintage feel of a scrambler. That’s basically where the idea for this build came from.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Pretty much everything on the bike has been modified or replaced. The only things that remain from the original Honda NX650 are the engine and the main section of the frame.

The front suspension is a set of Paioli upside-down forks from a VOR 450, while the rear uses an Öhlins shock absorber. The brakes are Brembo, with a 320mm Galfer floating disc up front.

The rear subframe was completely handmade and redesigned to be removable. The exhaust is a single-outlet Thunder Competition system, and both the front and rear fenders were also made from scratch.

For the lighting, I went with a Hella headlight and Highsider Proton indicators. The rear indicators also have integrated taillight and brake light functions, which helped keep the rear end as clean as possible.

The handlebars have been replaced, and the original instruments have been swapped for a Daytona Velona speedometer. I also added an oil temperature gauge and an oil cooler.

The bike runs on 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Continental TKC80 tires, which I think work really well with the mix of supermoto and scrambler styling I was going for.

Almost every part of the bike has been touched in one way or another, with a lot of custom fabrication and figuring things out along the way in my own garage.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

I don’t have any exact figures for the power or weight, but quite a lot of the original parts have been removed or replaced with lighter ones. The bike definitely feels lighter and more agile than before.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

I really enjoy riding it! The riding position is one of my favorite things about the bike, it feels very natural and comfortable.
The engine is a Honda classic, and it works really well. The exhaust is a little too loud, but that’s part of its character!

Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out, both in terms of looks and how it rides. It feels great on the road, and I’m very pleased with the final result.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

Without a doubt, the rear subframe was the part that took the most time. There was a lot of trial and error to get everything to fit together, both in terms of looks and functionality.

But overall, I think the most satisfying part was seeing everything slowly come together and the bike start taking shape. That’s what really kept me motivated throughout the build.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @funtastic._

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