Motorcycle specifications HondaNX 650 Dominator 1996 It's in the old pots...

presentation of the NX 650 Dominator 1996

as the 90's approached, the Dominator gave a boost to the big single-track category. Putting off-road capabilities aside, its primary vocation was ease of riding, enhanced by good engine feel. As mentioned above, and due to its fragile fairing, forget about "green bike" type rides.

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In a duo, the lack of protection and comfort won't commit you to long rides. So offer it the city, where the bike is at its best, and the small country roads to play on. Apart from that, there's nothing particularly wrong with the machine. The single is peppy at mid-range, but lacks extension. Braking is effective, the bike is light and healthy, and the price is right. Over time, the design has taken a beating. And it's hard to compete with the recent BMW F 650 GS, Aprilia Pegaso and Suzuki Freewind. These bikes offer more comfort and "youth" to the owner. However, the Dominator is not to be dismissed when looking for a single-mode trail bike, as it's a really interesting machine for those who appreciate the simple, economical aspects of a single-mode trail bike. High-mileage enthusiasts will need to bear in mind that a machine of this type requires more maintenance than a recent liquid-cooled engine.

Published on 4/1/22
by Greg

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Key facts Honda NX 650 Dominator (1996) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Homogeneity
• Driving force
• Playful part-cycle

Weak points

• Comfort
• Lack of engine flexibility

Prices

	Basic version
France	5,900€

Bikers' reviews

of 35 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Performance

• Max speed : approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph)
• Average fuel consumption : 5.30 liters/100km (0.44 mpg)
• Estimated range : 302 km (188 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Competitors

Suzuki XF 650 FREEWIND 1997

Kawasaki KLE 500 1996

Find others On-Off Road of 1996

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 35 reviews

Dominator Model 2001

I've had this bike since 1990 and I've never thought of parting with it (I still enjoy riding it) 07/22/2025 18:28 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Dominator

Lowering Dominator 1995 RD08 ???

Sham974 Model 1996

Hello ! I'm planning to buy a 1996 Dominator RD08, only this one is just too high for me :'( it's heartbreaking because I grew up with my dear dad's and I've been thinking about it for a long time. Do you know if it's possible to lower it please? If so, how? I'm thinking of hollowing out the seat, modifying the fork or changing the suspension, but I'm a bit worried about the bike's stability afterwards... It would be a shame to miss out.
Could you please give me some advice?
Thank you very much! 06/03/2025 12:46 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Sham974

Dominator

It is possible to lower it because my wife is 1.62 m tall and we had it made in a dealership in 1990 (I also ride this bike and I'm 1.85 m tall) 07/23/2025 08:13 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Cracked cylinder head

Hitza Hitz Model 1994

Hello No one has addressed the issue of the cracked cylinder head, which is a recurring problem with dominators and XRs in particular, and which affects a large number of domintors (if not the majority)... V 03/22/2025 16:05 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Hitza Hitz

titi 64 Model 2002

i have one from 1994 with 45,000 kms, the engine rebuilt at 35,000 kms A motorcycle that goes everywhere, not overpowered but with plenty of torque, practical for off-road riding, the 16-liter fuel tank allows you to cover more than 220 km You have to check the oil regularly, there's no eyecup, it's the dipstick.
there's no need to go to the dealer, you can do the maintenance yourself, everything's within easy reach, and the fairings are sturdy and easy to remove The noise of this bike remains pleasant For the uninitiated, starting up can be complicated, as it is with all monos 09/19/2024 19:26 Rating : 4/5 Respond to titi 64

léon Model 1999

i've just bought one recently, my 11th bike for a high price but less than 20000kms, and that's what I wanted, to ride cool forest roads and of course the vibrations that go with it, good road to you. 11/10/2023 11:02 Rating : 4/5 Respond to léon

RFVC à entretenir sérieusement

RDM-ROW Model 1988

The Dominator 650 is a delight for mountain travel. Powerful enough to climb the passes, it can carry your luggage for 15 days or more. My longest NX650 trip was across the Alps, from Italy to Pisa and on to Corsica. a 5000 km journey with roads. http://RDM-ROW.hautetfort.com 10/02/2023 21:27 Rating : 4/5 Respond to RDM-ROW

Gros Mono Model 2002

It's surprising to see the criticism of the engine's lack of extension in the article. For those who know a little about motorcycle mechanics, a big air-cooled single is not designed for extension, but to give good torque while keeping its weight down. If you want long reach, you'll need a liquid-cooled single, or even better, a twin. It's not the same program. As for aesthetics, to say that the Dominator is more or less beautiful than this or that model is downright subjective. Excuse the pun, but BMW's F650GS isn't going to go down in history as the most beautiful bike, is it?
In the end, a Dominator is solid, fun, lively, with irreproachable chassis and braking, weighing less than 170kg in running order, and what's more, puncture-proof... 07/10/2023 21:04 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Gros Mono

Caius Model 2002

For the sixty-something that I am, the Dominator has reconciled me with two wheels. It's still a big, classic single with all the charm that goes with it. It goes everywhere, perfect in town and on secondary roads and country lanes. It's never claimed to be a tourer, but it's a nimble trail bike that's easy to ride. Simple, reliable, economical (except in terms of fuel consumption, with an average of 6.2 litres/100 km while having fun), it's truly the ultimate leisure and short-haul motorcycle. My 1988 model in gold livery, in perfect original condition, has become a collector's item, turning a few heads along the way. 02/02/2022 16:52 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Caius

Furyans Model 2003

My 5th "Dom" in almost 30 years, always a pleasure to ride, I'm now in a mountainous area and it's a real treat, simple and reliable mechanics, consumables at more than affordable prices, what more could you ask for..... I use it to go to work, and at weekends I ride on small roads and other paths... Apart from a top case and hand muffs from Sw motech .... nothing more... I have Mitas E7 tires....perfect for my use...just be careful when it rains.... and mechanically in terms of maintenance, it's really very simple... The saddle becomes uncomfortable after 200 kms..

Just so you know, I also ride her little sister, I also have her in 250 cm3.... and she's just as pleasant... 08/08/2021 23:17 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Furyans

Jean Model 1998

I've had 2 RD02 models
With the 1st bought at 2,000km I did 70,000 before choosing an Africa twin (to try something else)
No mechanical problems. Nothing but happiness, with a pleasant engine character giving lots of sensations. Very low fuel consumption (4l) and decent range (300km)
Exciting acceleration, great engine braking and very precise chassis
2 years ago, out of nostalgia, I bought the same 95 RD02 in impeccable external condition
i just had to do a few things to restore it (decompressor, carburettor seals) and it's as good as new
i only regret a 6th gear as it pulls too short on the road. Don't hesitate to change the gearbox output pinion. 03/22/2020 19:21 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Jean

... et l'Africa twin ?

PHIL

i rode the dominator in Morocco ... small bomb indeed, easy to drive ... in the Atlas passes or in the desert fast track ... front axle a bit heavy in TT, buries in the sand ... but its versatility 70/30 is ok ... ET votre AFRICA TWIN ? content aussi ? Philippe 01/29/2021 18:58 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

callage moteur

PCASSO Model 1994

Question
it seems that spare parts are rare in Africa, since I'm writing to you from TOGO, a West African country whose capital is Lomé
That it suffers from the problem of callage, what does this problem consist of? 11/05/2019 14:46 Rating : 2/5 Respond to PCASSO

Bobine d'allumage

nanar.zip Model 2003

Hello,I'm looking for an ignition coil for a 2003 honda dominator xr 650
Best regards 09/09/2019 07:55 Rating : 4/5 Respond to nanar.zip

Une daube totale.

simariato Model 2002

This was my first bike, I had it for 1 year, it's just a throwaway.

Contrary to what everyone says, it's probably one of the worst bikes (for this price) on the market. The engine explodes at 110 km/h, there's no stability on the freeway or in corners, the suspension is lousy, and the seat is really poorly made - if you're 1m85 tall, you won't feel comfortable on your back for 15 minutes. Even the kickstand was made to order, and all it takes is a gust of wind to topple the bike. On the freeway it's a piece of crap, but in town it's no better. Engine slamming all the time below 3500 rpm, crazy fuel consumption, headlights that don't light up. Take a competitor, the Suzuki Freewind, and for the same price you get an incredible bike. Honda really messed up this bike, they must have made the plans on a piece of toilet paper... If you're interested in a dominator on leboncoin, don't take one for more than 900 euros, even if it has 20,000 km. It's good enough for a farmer who wants to go back and forth between his fields and the bakery, but for the rest, forget it. 08/13/2019 06:52 Rating : 1/5 Respond to simariato

A Simariato et Dominatien

Superdom

BIG TROLL! It's not a road bike, but a trail bike. So for the highway, take a 4 legs insipid, BUT do not try to follow me on small country roads or mountain with my Dom supermot, you'll cry!..! 03/30/2020 13:00 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

N'importe quoi

Mrwhite69

You're trotting along and we don't know why you're talking rubbish..
In its category, this bike was the benchmark with the Aprilia Pegaso 11/07/2020 14:18 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Pinckpocket

Hello, in fact your first motorcycle you say. The problem was the rider I think. I'm 1m87, 95 kg, almost perfect ( with trigger guard otherwise yes, a little tight ). Playful engine, nice cycle part for curvy roads or light trail. I've got 5 bikes, including an Africa Twin dct (she rides in my place, no glory. Isem 1250 Gs et cie)). The pleasure is elsewhere on a Dominator ... The problem is that you've learned to ride a modern motorcycle. I say all this without antipathy, rest assured. V à vous 08/07/2022 21:13 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Gros Mono

You tell us it was your first bike. But if you hadn't told us, we'd have known anyway: you must not have known what you'd bought (the highway in big air mono, excellent joke) and you must not have known how to set it up either. In short, a beginner who couldn't enjoy what he had under his bum. That's all right, it's the job that comes in.

And if you're happy with the Freewind, great, keep it, don't worry, the Dom's will continue to find takers to enjoy the curvy roads, smoothly and with style! 07/10/2023 21:11 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Fiable mais...

Dominatien Model 2002

Super-reliable model, nothing to say about that... But for those of you who are around 1.85 m tall, the riding position is very poor. You can never relax on this bike, you always have to force yourself to have a perfectly straight back.
Another thing: it's not a good bet for someone who sometimes rides on the freeway. In 100% city driving, no problem, but on the freeway, you can't go faster than 110 kph, otherwise you'll kill the engine prematurely.

And another thing: fuel consumption... You're going to consume tons of oil, and let's not even talk about gasoline. Forget the 5 or so liters per 100, it's 7L per 100.

In short, this bike is a very bad bet. Better a 125 than this bike. With a 125, you'll have just as much trouble on the freeway, and in town you'll have no use for the energetic acceleration that's possible with the domdom... You'll have almost the performance of a 125 with the weight of a motorcycle. No need for that. 04/06/2019 09:06 Rating : 3/5 Respond to Dominatien

Mrwhite69

I guess we didn't ride the same bike..
110 on the freeway, no, but even if that's not the vocation of the big mono, it was a good sustained 140..
Then, being 1m85 tall, you clearly didn't properly test the bike when you bought it 11/07/2020 14:23 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Une mamie qui a du peps !

Wu Wei Model 1988

30 years old (July 1988), 55Mkm, completely untouched, no major problems, just a broken chain tensioner, and a small rebuild of the original pots, which were a bit pitted.
In short.... je l\'aime !!! 08/29/2018 16:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Wu Wei

dans le monde

filou Model 2002

How many honda 650 dominators are left in the world? 07/14/2016 17:54 Rating : 2/5 Respond to filou

sergio06

There's still one left, it's mine (RD08 from 1997 - 30000 Km) :-)) 11/27/2016 14:52 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

SP 98 ou 95 pour ma 650 Dominator ?

alex Model 1989

Hello.
I've inherited an '89 Dominator and I'm not sure which fuel to use. SP 98 or 95?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Thank you. 11/02/2015 17:07 Rating : 5/5 Respond to alex

steph lapinou

95 but not E 95 08/03/2016 18:54 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

honda dom nx 650

abak Model 2002

Bjr a tous

i just bought a dom 19000km at 2000euros. It works well. What advice do you have for its maintenance?
Amicalement 05/10/2015 06:15 Rating : 4/5 Respond to abak

échappement

tintin Model 1994

I'm looking for a used complete line for my 1994 dominator 07/08/2014 18:14 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tintin

Toujours en selle, et le Dominator passe partout.

Dominator is al Model 2002

When the first models came out in the late '80s, there were quite a few Yamaha XTs on show. The Dominator stood out for its well-designed lines, with the fork head replaced by a real fairing, and consequently better handling. There's no more wind-guiding, and better airflow to the engine. The mechanics are simple without being archaic. In fact, the balance, the wear compensation via timing chain tensioner and the four valves are solid foundations. We've read everywhere that the seat is hard, and it's true if you sit close to the front lip, but if you shift to the center, you'll go the miles. Unless you've got the wrong bike, you have to admit that trying to do 200 km in one go is not part of the trail mentality. From Toulon to Paris, with breaks, you don't suffer. On the contrary, you can appreciate the engine's liveliness. It's usable from 2,500 rpm when the spark plug and air filter are new. If the spark plug has aged and you do a lot of city driving, the engine's usable revs rise to around 3,000 rpm (and above, of course). After 5000 rpm, there's a lot of noise for nothing, so it's best to stay in reasonable and efficient zones - 3000 ~ 4500.
There are two riding styles with this bike. Quiet at 3500 rpm on the road, or 4000 for mountain roads. A delight of torque when exiting tight bends uphill. Of course, braking can show its limits on fast descents, but for safety's sake, it's best not to take risks in these conditions. 03/04/2013 14:00 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Dominator is al

havrais Model 2002

I got my dom in 94 at 24000 it has today 140000 I drive every day with it is a pearl demare a quarter of the maintenance work of course major work rod, clutch voila all 01/21/2013 17:06 Rating : 5/5 Respond to havrais

arno -le belge Model 2002

i've had a HONDA DOMINATOR 650 for quite a few years now, dating from around '89 or '90; I've had bikes that were always connected to all terrains, like xt 500 yam, bultaco sherpa 350 and at the same time Honda 500 XRE - which was a beast and TT the first to have the punch of a 2-stroke in 4-stroke, I was robbed of everything, so disgusted I said to myself zut! but motorcycling in the blood is worse than anything else, I used to like toot my own horn with my 500 XRE and now I'm happier with my DOM, it's just that it's bulky and heavy for me despite my height etc. - I was more used to the sporty type,,, it's an excellent bike if you put excellent tires on it - it pushes a bit, not much, just enough for cruising but lacks suppleness, can't have everything! Next time I ride it, I'll remove 1 tooth from the front crown = it'll rip off more, but it'll be better distributed for touring = I'm an old man of 55 / my dream is 1 YAM400/250 enduro hehe with a Sherco 250 4-stroke... bon route aux Dominator... 21000km without problems except 1 battery!!!!!!!!! 08/12/2010 23:57 Rating : 5/5 Respond to arno -le belge

Remmmm Model 2002

A motorcyclist since 1968 and a BMW enthusiast, I let my children grow up and bought a DOM purely for pleasure. I can't say enough good things about this safe, reliable bike. It's ideal for the country where I live, Switzerland, with its mountain passes and small country roads. I agree with my friends that it's comfortable to ride over long distances. But as for the mechanics, they're really puncture-proof..
Mine dates back to 1989, the real Japanese model, before it was made in Italy. Sometimes I'd like to take a tourer, but when I look at it, I tell myself it's too reliable to switch to these bikes packed with electronics
A big thank you for the site and for the opinions of the real bikers who respectfully gave their opinions on this big mono, very nice..
Long live the Dominator.... 05/28/2009 23:19 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Remmmm

steph lapinou

i also have a 1988 dominator and I'm delighted with it and it gives me complete satisfaction in terms of trails given what's on the market I can't see what to replace it with and I intend to keep it as long as possible 10/28/2015 18:03 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

jeune pist Model 2002

i bought a '94 dominator to ride a supermot, it's true that under 3000 rpm it's a bit hard, but as for the saddle, mine's new so it's bearable. As for the saddle, mine's new, so it's bearable. As for me, I only ride in town, and I get my fix with my "little bike". All in all, it's a simple, fun bike. On that note, bon route to all and especially to all of you
11/29/2007 20:33 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jeune pist

Kaïk Model 2002

I bought my first Dominator in 90, and for 2 years I criss-crossed France, despite the saddle and the wind grip... and worked with it in Paris
in 2005, after riding a Ténéré and an XT, I got back on... and frankly, I'm having a blast..
Nice look in red and black, model 93, plenty of juice, supple, not too high, not too heavy, for a woman. Great noise and low maintenance...However, I'm not much of a mechanic...I don't often check the oil level, and I'm trying to find out...the right tire pressure and the best tires to put on it...thanks in advance...and have a good ride...under the sun! 06/27/2006 20:23 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Kaïk

jjgui Model 2002

I've been riding a Dom for 10 years, alternating with a Kawa 650 W. I have an 89/90 and 93 model, which has been modified in terms of plastics (cut to keep only the headlight plate, which rotates with the fork). I find this bike very easy to handle, but I agree with those who find the seat a little unwelcoming. Otherwise, no worries if you keep an eye on the oil, so long live this big, fat mono. 06/20/2006 07:26 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jjgui

djcheb Model 2002

Hello: My Dom! I've been using this 97 machine for over a year, having had it at 26000kms I'm now at 40000! No maintenance except for wear parts, and the SADDLE! But for a young rider, it's an ideal bike, with a punchy engine above 3500rpm, excellent handling, and a look that's still very nice: personally, I've swapped all my front fenders for two fiberglass gills, giving it a more aggressive look! That's the only change! The rest, why modify it! This bike is a legend, recognized by all for its reliability, and will always be my first love... Bonne route avec Domi! I salute you... 06/10/2006 13:05 Rating : 5/5 Respond to djcheb

l'apache Model 2002

Very good bike, rustic and vibrating, its only real flaw. I'd have liked the same bike, but with a twin engine with more character. As for trails, it's fine as long as they're reasonable, it doesn't like mud too much, but the fairing isn't that exposed in case of a fall. It's a maintenance-free bike, you just have to keep an eye on the oil level. 05/21/2006 10:41 Rating : 5/5 Respond to l'apache

drakkar Model 2002

I just got my license...and an '89 Dom with Kick Starter. Here are a few impressions..

Shortcomings

1. When you leave the track with a Kawa ER5, first of all, the Dom vibrates (lives) a lot, and you wonder if you've tightened all the bolts
2. Highly sensitive to side winds, especially with the top case
3. The riding position is a little disconcerting, as if you were sitting on a chair
4. Below 3,000 rpm, the engine knocks hard, and it's not easy to keep to the speed limits in town, as it's so inflexible
5. Of course, the saddle (is it a saddle?) is more than 150 kilometers old, and you'll have to invest in a pair of cycling shorts with chamois or soothing beaume if someone wants to pass them on to you

Advantages

1. The beast is extremely easy to handle on small roads, but you have to be wary of the crosswind on fast lanes
2. It's a playful machine that's happy to take corners and wear out the footbraces, and its furious torque at around 4,500 rpm works wonders on corner exits
3. Light and maneuverable, it goes everywhere and produces a sound that's out of this world
4. For a tall rider (1m85 for me), it's perfect. The only problem is that the headlight is not height-adjustable, and the central shock absorber adjustment is inaccessible (or even non-existent on some models)
5. Fuel consumption: 5.5 L/100km combined, with the throttle open in a rather pleasant way
6. On the face of it (I don't have the benefit of hindsight), this is a reliable machine, provided you don't forget to check the oil level
7. At today's prices, if you want to treat yourself, the dom is an excellent choice: fun, playful, economical, practical (as long as you don't do more than 60 km a day... then it's uncomfortable...)
05/15/2006 23:18 Rating : 5/5 Respond to drakkar

Wallace Model 2002

Having given up motorcycling for 10 years due to marriage, children, house, etc., I've come back to my first love: a good old mono. I've come back to my first love: a good old mono, and the dom is up to the task. Torquey, sober, reliable engine. OK, below 3,000 rpm it coughs a bit, and freeways aren't its cup of tea (it's better with the addition of a bubble). Its true potential is expressed in town or on small mountain roads (the Vosges for me)
I almost forgot one thing, and not the least: that p..... wooden saddle! The next one will be an Africa Twin. Bonne route à tous. 04/24/2006 16:39 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Wallace

gui 72 Model 2002

it's a superb bike especially mounted in s.motar i'm very happy with it because it's from 89 with a 94 engine so it starts electr except that a few days ago it broke and since then there's no more compression so if you know of any cheap parts to repair (diag piston,valve...)
02/07/2006 23:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to gui 72

motarddusu Model 2002

i myself own one and I'm happy with it at the moment, even when it's cold, mine starts straight away. I just have a problem with the repairer or the launcher acting up, otherwise it's a very good bike that's worth the money, very reliable 02/04/2006 15:03 Rating : 5/5 Respond to motarddusu

l'ancien Model 2002

I've had a DOM for years, which I'll be selling soon, and yes, it's a 1989 model, after many years of loyal service
My only problems are cold starts after a few days of inactivity, and the absence of a fuel gauge
To date, I don't know which model to replace it with, especially as we can only find large, expensive trail bikes on the market.
I'm asking around
Hey, TAN, you're not on the site, as you follow all the trails comments (personal message)
sincerely 02/19/2005 18:22 Rating : 5/5 Respond to l'ancien

Phonse Model 2002

I've been using it as an everyday vehicle since 1988. Only one problem with the oil pump at 65000Km I took the opportunity to rebuild my mono ...85000Km .....ah yes capricious to start cold after a few days .... the carb is empty I crossed the Alps and Pyrenees with a passenger, the tent and all the tralala.... no Pb 12/29/2004 00:10 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Phonse

sturmtroop Model 2002

the "Dom" is the simple bike par excellence, the engine is nice with a bit of punch around 5/6000, the cycle part is safe, on the other hand France/Morocco, my c.. still remembers it...it's a very good alternative to other mono, it's reliable, economical 5.5 l/100, in town it's a bike...To be honest it's going to be my 4th Dom, and I'm always happy with it.... 12/29/2004 00:09 Rating : 5/5 Respond to sturmtroop

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the NX 650 Dominator 1996

What is the power of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

The NX 650 Dominator 1996 develops a power of 46 ch (45.40 hp)

What is the torque of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

The maximum torque of the NX 650 Dominator 1996 is 6.20 mkg to 5,000 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

The NX 650 Dominator 1996 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

The NX 650 Dominator 1996 has a a dry weight of 152 kg (335 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 168 kg (370 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5.30 l/100km (0.44 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

To ensure good accessibility, the NX 650 Dominator 1996 offers a minimum seat height of 880 mm (34.65 in).

What is the price of the NX 650 Dominator 1996?

The price of the NX 650 Dominator 1996 is 5,900€ in France