Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Spain for now...
Posts: 20
NX 650 Dominator ('96 - RD08) Querries.

First off, I'm looking for a replacement/solution to the infamous Dommie brick that's supposedly the seat. The big single's vibrations coupled with my relatively heavy weight (90+kg) make anything over a hundred or so kms a somewhat painful experience. I guess the stuffing is just not designed for the taller/wider ones of us out there. Are there any straightforward solutions for this (as in not having a seat custom-made)?

Secondly, I'm looking to replace the rear shock (still stock atm), which suffers from the same problem as the seat stuffing: too bloody soft... I've got the height (1.90+cm) to deal with a less saggy rear end and, truth be told, it could use some tightening. Now, I know I can get an Ohlins for about 900€, but considering the bike itself was bought for about 2.5K (and it's my first, "learner" bike), it's rather excessive.

The third question is about crash bars (or however you want to call them). I've seen a couple of them (sadly there's not that much to choose from apparently), and the only ones that seem sturdy and don't look like they'll just fold up i found at Fehling (a german company), but sadly they don't seem to make them anymore. So, any options? Right now Hepco & Becker seem to be the best option, but it's more of a "there ain't nothing better, so what the heck"-case if I end up getting them (which is doubtful).

Next (and thus question nr. 4), comes the issue of the (pretty much non-existent) screen. Going over 90km/h becomes a fight against the wind, particularly with my height. The only option I've found till now is a Givi screen (which I don't even know if they still make/have as the Spanish importer/dealer has yet to reply to one of my 3 emails in the past month and a half). Any other options there?

And Q.5: Any good/decent hard-or-soft cases for the Dommie in the "cheaper than Touratech"-range? Again, a simple matter of trying to keep the total expenses down.

Finally (and lastly), the sixth question: I'm nearing 30K on the odometer, and am wondering if there's any particular issues I should look out for, etc., specially considering I intend to do a few medium-range (1-5K km) trips within the next couple of months, and I'd prefer to not run into any predictable surprises. And I have to take into account that I bought it with about 25K on the odo, with very little info on it's previous servicing/repair record.


Anyhow, I know it's a lot of questions, but even just an answer to one or two of them would already be a great help.

Cheers,
J.
__________________
"Hope for the best - plan for the worst. Then watch it all go pear-shaped and wing it." - Me

Have a nice trip.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Sep 2008
Shells's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Travelling in Australia
Posts: 175
Nx650 - Rd08

Firstly, Congratulations on owning a truly awesome machine!!
I had the same model ebfore having to sell it because of moving to Australia.

I can't answer all of your questions, but can offer suggestions for some.

1. Gel pad.
Gel adds a lot more confort. If you can get hold of a gel pad used by horseriders (it is put under the saddle to make the horse more comfortable) and secure it to your existing seat, that might be an option.
I know a few riders who make use of cycling shorts with padding in them to make longer journeys more comfy on the rear.

3. Crash bars
The best ones I have seen for a Dommie have been custom made. Make friends with someone with a welder!

4. After a long search I ended up opting not to get a larger screen. The only ones I have seen have been custom made (I recall Welcome to M & P listing a screen for the Dommie, but I had to order one and the order time didn't coincide well with my trip plans).

5. Soft Panniers
Softies are my favourite.
I had a couple of racks made up for me (to keep the panniers away from the exhaust and to have something to easily attach them to).
Ortlieb make excellent weather and dustproof panniers that you can fit a bunch of stuff into.
Andystrapz.com also make similar bags.

6. Bike Reliability
I can't offer much advise here because my bike travelled less than yours has. I did look into it though and the one thing that repeatedly came up was warnings against overheating (and resultant valve drop - ooeee!).
If you can ensure that the bike is well serviced before you travel, making sure that you include some preventative servicing/replacement for anything that might be particularly likely to take strain, then you should be good. The Dommie is known for being bulletproof! Love it and it will get you anywhere!

Happy travels!
__________________
If you don't have bugs in your teeth, you haven't been grinning enough!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Spain for now...
Posts: 20
Thanks a lot for the info.

And now, some follow-thru questions (etc):

1. Hmmm... not much horse-riding going on around here, so any suggestions as to where I might find something like that?

2. Well, I've decided on a Technoflex shock for the rear... still trying to decide between the 413€ "basic" model and the 589€ "advanced" model... I think I'll probably go for the cheaper one, as I'm still quite a ways off from knowing what those extra options on it even DO (and it IS a cheap first bike after all).

3. Oh well, thanks for the tip... sadly Spanish people aren't exactly much into the whole DIY stuff, and in 25 years (on and off) in the country haven't met someone who even knows how to weld (beyond people that do it as part of their job)... and I haven't done it in over a decade (plus I don't have any of the gear to do it anymore). Guess I'll have to look harder Or I could always just fire up the old AutoCad, come up with some ideas and check to see how much it would cost to get it made (I fear it'll be rather pricey though).

4. The M&P screen is supposedly exactly like the "original" one... which means either no screen or just the useless lil' fairing up front... unless I've missed something? :confused1: (at least, according to M&P in an email I got from them)

5. I'm in love with Andystrapz's soft panniers... so that's decided... due to the double exhaust right in the way I'm considering getting the TT rack (pricey, but very sturdy). Considering I don't need the rack to support the panniers, perhaps a lighter/cheaper solution would be better? Any recomendations? I haven't been able to find a lot of options for the Domi to tell you the truth...

6. Hmmm.. does the Domi have a heat sensor by any chance? Perhaps the same light that warns you the kickstand is down? Or can I add one? I read something about some Vector or Vapor (can't remember what brand) substitute for the "dash" for an XT600 iirc, which came with an oil temp sensor... is there something similar for the Domi?
And yeah, heard the same thing from the mechanic who checked out my bike just before I bought it (something along the lines of "it's indestructible, you could use coke instead of oil and it'd probably still run no prob"... not something I'm gonna try though...)
__________________
"Hope for the best - plan for the worst. Then watch it all go pear-shaped and wing it." - Me

Have a nice trip.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Oct 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Gloucester, England
Posts: 419
Quote:
Originally Posted by QuePasaJero
3. Guess I'll have to look harder Or I could always just fire up the old AutoCad, come up with some ideas and check to see how much it would cost to get it made (I fear it'll be rather pricey though).
I bought Shells' bike and fitted the Hepco & Becker bars. They're sturdy, look good and are easy to fit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by QuePasaJero
4. The M&P screen is supposedly exactly like the "original" one... which means either no screen or just the useless lil' fairing up front... unless I've missed something? :confused1: (at least, according to M&P in an email I got from them)
I fitted the tall screen from my R1100GS (£50 from James Sherlock). I used three M6 bolts with penny washers to fix it to the Honda screen after hacksawing the corners to miss the indicators and (on full lock) handguards. It's been fine for 10k+ miles. See picture.

Quote:
Originally Posted by QuePasaJero
6. Hmmm.. does the Domi have a heat sensor by any chance? Perhaps the same light that warns you the kickstand is down? Or can I add one?
See here.

Regards, Mick
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dominator 525 sprockets djorob Honda Tech 9 13 Mar 2011 22:16
Dominator / XR6 Wanted POB/London Honda Tech 3 14 Sep 2005 02:55
New Dominator!?!? Håkan Bäckman Which Bike? 0 15 Feb 2001 02:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:38.