Honda NX650 Dominator Coming Back for 2017?
Honda may be adding a new middle-weight Adventure Bike to their lineup.
A new patent filed by Honda may reveal the company is ready to bring back the discontinued NX650 Dominator from the grave. UK-based MoreBikes Magazine broke the news after uncovering a drawing filed with the US patent department by Honda.
The NX650 (or Dominator as it’s known outside of the US) debuted in 1988 and only lasted two years in the US. This was a time before Americans had an appreciation for adventure bikes and the NX650 never took off. However, the Dominator was a great success in world markets where it continued production until 2001.
The old NX650 was powered by an air-cooled 644cc single that produced 44 horsepower. An XR650L-based chassis and 21″/17″ wheel combination gave it good off-road agility, while a small windscreen, luggage rack and 4.3 gallon (16 liter) tank made long-distance travel an option.
While the patent drawing may be purposely disguised, it does show some similarities to the original NX650 Dominator in the styling and it also has the proportions of a middle-weight adventure bike.
Few details are available at this time and Honda has not made any announcements yet. But we did see this same pattern about a year and a half ago when Honda released a patent drawing of the new Africa Twin. Honda’s genius marketing team slowly leaked more details about the new model that caused a frenzy of activity on social media leading up to the final reveal.
At this point, we don’t know what size the engine will be or even the number of cylinders. A 650cc single is probably more likely than a middle-weight twin that might take sales away from the NC700X.
A new Adventure Bike with a 650cc single, fuel injection, 6-speed and modern electronics would be an excellent entry-level machine. And with the release of the Africa Twin, Honda seems to have a new-found interest in building ADV bikes with real off-road capability. If we could have our dreams answered, the new Dominator would be based on the old water-cooled, aluminum-framed XR650R (the undisputed Baja 1000 winner from 1999-2006). The light-weight, agile, powerful and reliable XR650R would make an ideal platform for a truly off-road-capable adventure bike.
In these first few months of the year, the Africa Twin has been the best selling Adventure Bike in the category. Strong sales in the Adventure Touring category may be what’s convinced Honda to take more risks with exciting new models. Only time will tell if the Dominator will be brought back to life. Let’s just hope Honda give us Americans another chance with the NX650!
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The 650 water cooled engine in that chassis, FI , 6 speed Kinda like the Husky Terri. With Honda’s net work, Wow!
That is what i am waiting for
“If we could have our dreams answered, the new Dominator would be based on the old water-cooled, aluminum-framed XR650R (the undisputed Baja 1000 winner from 1999-2006). The light-weight, agile, powerful and reliable XR650R would make an ideal platform for a truly off-road-capable adventure bike.”
I’ve been saying this for 15 years. Nice of Honda to finally wake up and recognize the market.
Yes. Let’s keep our fingers crossed Kurt!
If you read through this you will notice “2 cilinder”
http://images1.freshpatents.com/imageviewer/20160059924-p20160059924
The patent in the link that you provided sure looks like the Africa Twin if you compare it to left side images of the new AT.
[…] there's anything in this ? now we have the new Africa Twin maybe the new DominatorHonda NX650 Dominator Coming Back for 2017? – ADV Pulse xjr1300,gs1000,nx650 scrambler,dr350,dt250 and enough "might come in handy one day" bits to fill […]
[…] publications ADV PULSE and MoreBikes are reporting that this filing is evidence that Honda intends to bring back some […]
I remember how cool this bike was in the day. Honda has come to the realization that not everyone wants a monster ADV machine. I would buy this bike hands down. 6 speed, EFI, twin of single, ABS, and original bodywork. A+ Simpler, lighter, is the way to travel off road. I continue to aid riders in picking up their BMW GS’s and KTM’s Yamaha ST’s off road as I scoot away on my DRZ 400S.
+1
650cc is a good second start, I personally still prefer a lighter bike like a 350-500cc dual purpose/ADV bike, under 150 kg.
Looks more like a new Transalp to me.
[…] This also could be something promising Honda NX650 Dominator Coming Back for 2017? – ADV Pulse […]
Another Honda “Yawnmaster” adventure bike.
i love this bike hope its a great bike me and my wife enjoy it alot nx650
Yes, the old NX650 is still a great bike. A great option for around the $3000 range!
[…] […]
An updated xr650l or r would be awesome….dual sport!!
Ok now I’m not so sure I want to go buy an Afica Twin. I may just wait for this one.
I’d sign up for it right now, even PAY FOR IT right now if they’d let me.
First off da no 650 is monster it need 17” rims ,upside down fork and smaller plastic in front
[…] Honda NX650 Dominator Coming Back for 2017? – ADV Pulse Honda NX650 Dominator Coming Back for 2017? Honda may be adding a new middle-weight Adventure Bike to their lineup. […]
Can someone please show me how i can get dominator nx650 carburetor?