Honda NX650 Dominator
The Honda NX650 Dominator was a dual-sport motorcycle. It was manufactured by Honda from 1988 to 2003.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1988-2003 |
| Successor | Honda XR650L |
| Class | Dual-sport |
| Engine | 644 cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine |
| Power | 44.00 hp (32 kW) at 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm {4.6 kgf·m} at 5000 rpm |
| Ignition type | Electric start |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, chain final drive |
| Brakes | Front: disc / Rear: disc |
| Tires | 90/90-21 54S (front), 120/90-17 64S (rear) |
| Wheelbase | 56.4 in (143.5 cm) |
| Dimensions | L: 86.4 in (219.5 cm) W: 35 in (89 cm) H: 48 in (122 cm) |
| Seat height | 34.3in (87 cm) |
| Weight | 335.1 lb (152.0 kg) (dry) 370.3 lb (168 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 US gal, of which 0.66 US gal reserve (13 litres, of which 2.5 L is reserve) |
| Related | Honda XR600. |
Design
Its engine was slightly larger than that of the XR600R, which debuted in 1985. The 97 x 80 mm bore engine was enlarged to 100 mm and stroked to 82mm for 644cc. With 44 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, the engine had 53 lbf⋅ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. A gear-driven counterbalancing system helped to smooth out vibrations created by the large single-cylinder engine. The compression ratio of 8.3:1 for the four valves was aided by a single chain-driven overhead camshaft. The intake was via a 40 mm Keihin constant-velocity carburettor, reaching as low as 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg) from 12.8 liters (3.4 gallons) in the tank. The bike featured a dry-sump (frame carries oil supply) engine.
The Dominator had a dual exhaust located alongside the rear fender and its powertrain was a wet clutch powering a five-speed gearbox.
The non-adjustable fork had 41mm tubes and supplied 8.5 inches of travel; the rake was 28.5 degrees, and the trail was 4.5 inches. A fork brace was built into the underside of the fender. The front carried a 21-inch spoked wheel with a 90/90 tire. The motorcycle had a single front disc brake with a twin-piston caliper.
In the back, the single-shock setup allowed for preload alterations, with rear-wheel travel at 7.5 inches. The rear carried a 17-inch spoked wheel with a 120/90 tire. The rear wheel featured a disc brake. The footpegs had rubber inserts, which appealed to urban riders. If a rider was interested in more off-road use, the inserts could be punched out, leaving saw-toothed metal pegs, which are useful in precarious situations.
Sales
United States' sales of the NX650 were disappointing and it was withdrawn from the US market after only two years in 1990. The European version sold well and was marketed through 2003.[1][2]
Variants
Other variations of the NX650 included the NX125, NX150, NX200, NX250, NX350, NX400, and NX500.
References
- Honda Service Manual 88-89nx650. Honda. 1988. p. 1.3.
- Staff, The (2014-12-30). "Retrospective: Honda NX650: 1988-1989". Rider Magazine. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
External links
- Honda NX650 Dominator Review, Motorcycle Network. Retrieved 2021-06-19