Help on buying a Dominator NX650

[Spud]

Help....!

Got an appointment to see a Honda Dominator tonight.. (never bought one before or any other bike except for an Enfield in India!)

The bike will be used by myself for a RTW trip in April 2002. The one tonight is supposed to be very good condition but is 1992 model and has done 35000 miles (commuting to London).

Anyone got any tips about what I should look for in particular on this bike? From reading the AMH I expect to change the clutch with this mileage.. anyone have an idea on the cost of this? Also I would say a change of chain etc would be a good idea before I go away..? anyone got a name for a make of chain and spocket etc.?

Thanks

[mmaarten]

Hai Spud,

Changing the chain is a good plan and, if you go RTW, youll have to do it more then once. So it might be a good idea to do it yourself. (practice makes perfect)
I always use DID X-ring chains and sprockets (they come as a set). Make sure you ask for an endless type (most DID are). It is more work to fit it, but has no weak point.
In my opinion, klinking the connection-part of the chain yourself is easy, but... not very acurate. To tight and the X or O-rings wear to quick and you loose the grease, to loose and..well... you loose the grease.

Have fun changing the chain ;-)

Maarten

[Spud]

Thanks for that Maarten..

I have checked out their website and there is a UK dealer which is good http://www.didchain.com/

Hopefully the bike I see later will be ok. I have spoken to a Honda dealer here today and found out how much parts are anyway for this bike. Here are some basic figures they told me:

Engine/gearbox - only sold in parts and would cost many ££££'s

Clutch - £100

Wheel bearings - front £22 - back £40

Brake pads £25 each front and back

Piston ring set - £40

Big end bearings cannot be changed - whole crank has to be changed if they are bad - £641

The bike I am looking at is £995...

[Spud]

Whoohey! I made the purchase.. I am now the owner of one Honda Dominator... lets go RTW.....

[mmaarten]

Congratulations!!!!!

I'll see you, and the dommie, on the road.

[Jeroen Krijnders]

Hi Spud,

You have to realize that 36000 mls is a lot for a single. If you are going for a RTW, it would be a good idea to, at least, change the pistonrings. If you do this, you can also check the rest, like pistonclearance, valveseats, rockerarms, camshaft, etc.
I think it would feel a lot better if you are sure these are OK.

I had two Suzuki singles that needed major overhauling at 44000 mls (DR600) and 52000 mls (DR800).
Honda's engine is a bit more reliable but i would check it anyway.

Did you know Acerbis makes a large fueltank for the Dominator?

Have fun!

[Spud]

Cheers for that info Jeroen. The Dommie seems to have been looked after very well with full history. I shall check it out anyway over the next couple of months as I plan to head off in April 2002. Not sure if I am going to ride to Istanbul and then fly to Delhi (preferable) or just fly to Delhi from London which misses out such a wonderful start (I have to be in Delhi to start my IT courses).

I have seen the larger fuel tanks advertised but then I saw the price tags - £186! I think I may be taking a jerry can unless I can find a cheap one going. If you do want one though and you are in the UK then I have found that these people supply them:
http://www.bavinsmotorcycles.com/

They are in Diss, Norfolk.

[This message has been edited by Spud (edited 08 November 2001).]