The Honda NX650 was introduced in 1988 and sold in the US for two model years only. It continued to be sold in Europe for another 10 years or so under the Dominator name. This was a do-it-all bike from Honda and the styling predated the look of adventure bikes of today.
The drivetrain is from Honda’s XR650L so you get 44 horsepower, a five-speed transmission, and excellent parts availability. With that said, the bodywork is unique to the model.
In the October 1988 issue of Cycle World, the magazine conducted a full test of the NX650 including time on-road, off-road, and on the race track. Interestingly, the seller was working at Cycle World at this time and was one of the staffers that wrote this very article.Â
From the seller: “When it was released to the press, I was at Cycle World magazine and we road-raced a stock version at Willow Springs, then took the same bike to the desert where I raced it in the Candy Ass Enduro near Barstow a week later. That’s a way younger me struggling with the bike on a very rocky up hill. We had not even changed the stock tires between David Edwards burning them up at Willow Springs and me racing in the desert.”
Built in October of 1988, this example is VIN: JH2RD021XKK100526. The seller acquired it this 1989 model after it was discovered in Palm Springs tucked away in a garage with only 750 miles on the odometer.
During their ownership, the seller has covered 2,573 miles. The odometer now shows just 3,323 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reportedly gave it an oil change, new spark plug, and a new battery and chain. It also reportedly had a complete carb rebuild and new air filter added to better perform in Colorado. The seller also replaced the front and rear turn signals, and the chain.
Note: It is currently jetted for the 5,000 ft elevation of Fort Collins, CO.
Mechanical Issues:
Per the seller: “No known issues. In part because of the low mileage.”
Modifications:
Stainless steel head pipes from the XR600 of the same period.
Works Performance shock.
Progressive Fork springs.
Billet front fork cap pre-load adjusters.
New chain.
New handlebar grips.
New mirrors.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Scorpion A/T tires with date codes of 3914 and 4914. 
The sale includes 1 ignition key. Also included is the original factory tool kit with all the tools, and the original factory service manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Fort Collins, Colorado, this Honda is offered on a clean Colorado title.
Have any NX650 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
