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Honda NX 650 Dominator

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Make Model

Honda NX 650 Dominator

Year

1996

Engine

Four-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder

Capacity

644 cc / 39.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 100 x 82 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 8.3:1

Induction

Single 40mm Keihin  VE-type carb

Ignition 

Digital CDI
Starting Electric
Spark Plug NGK, DPR 8EA-9
Engine Oil Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40

Max Power

45 hp / 33.5 kW @ 6000 rpm

Max Torque

53 Nm / 5.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm

Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated

Transmission

5 Speed 
Final Drive Chain
Frame Steel, Single cradle frame

Front Suspension

41mm leading-axle fork
Front Wheel Travel 220 mm / 8.6 in

Rear Suspension

Pro-Link,
Rear Wheel Travel 195 mm / 7.6 in

Front Brakes

Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre

90/90–21

Rear Tyre

120/90–17
Fork Angle 62°
Trail 115 mm / 4.5 in
Wheelbase 1435 mm / 56.4 in
Seat Height 870 mm / 24.2 in
Ground Clearance  250 mm / 9.8 in
Dry Weight 163 kg / 359.3 lbs

Wet Weight

178 kg / 392.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Consumption Average

17.8 km/lit

Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0

13.8 m / 40.4 m

Standing ¼ Mile  

13.9 sec / 147.8 km/h

Top Speed

160.8 km/h / 100 mph

Road Test

Tutomoto 1996

The Dominator, launched in 1988, is a middleweight 'dual sport' bike, with a torquey, air-cooled single-cylinder engine in a simple, trailbike chassis. Less capable off-road than its styling might suggest, the Dominator is best kept on the Tarmac, where its long-travel suspension and trail-type wheels and tyres work well on poorly surfaced roads.

A compact half-fairing moulds into the fuel tank, giving smooth, aerodynamic looks, while a brushed aluminium bashplate under the frame and twin underseat 'shotgun' silencers complete the attractive styling.

The engine is rather dated: its four-valve design is unchanged since 1988, and while the big single is strong low-down, it becomes breathless over 115km/h (70mph).