Honda NX650 Dominator Subframe Mods

[Rustymatic]

Seasons greetings all.

Anybody know what and how any subframe strengthening mods should be made to the Dommie for RTW use? I've read as much info on here and elsewhere as possible, found a few comments that suggest strengthening might be necessary, but no actual details on how to do it....?

Touring Ted, any ideas?

Cheers

[*Touring Ted*]

The Dommie frame is welded with gussets. It's pretty strong. Much better than XR models.

I've heard tales of them breaking but never ever seen any real evidence.

I know people who have hard luggage on Dommies but I really advise against it. The power/weight Ratio of a NX650 isn't massively impressive in the first place, so keeping it as light as possible is a real benefit. I would just made some simple, lightweight pannier rails and hang side panniers.

Spend your time and money improving the suspension instead because it transforms the bike.

Enjoy

[Rustymatic]

Thanks.

A shock and progressive fork springs are on my shopping list.

Would you say the wheel rims are up to the job too? Mine are in really good condition and have been rebuilt with stainless spokes, but maybe Excel rims would be better?

[*Touring Ted*]

It all depends what you're doing.

The standard rims are pretty decent in my opinion. Rebuilt with Stainless spokes makes them better again.

Again, it depends if you're looking to do light trails or smashing hundreds of miles of rocks and drop-offs I guess. I think the stock rims are up to all but extreme riding.


I put a Hagon rear shock with a stiffer rear spring and Hagon progressive on one of my NX650 projects and it was a huge improvement.

If you buy from Hagon, ensure you put a stiffer spring on as the stock spring rate is far too soft in my opinion. Especially with a luggage.

[Rustymatic]

I'll be specifying a stiffer spring for sure, probably go for a Wilbers shock over a Hagon, think the quality is a bit higher, not that there's anything wrong with a Hagon, I've had them on previous bikes and think they're fine.

It sounds like the standard rims will be fine for the use I'll put them to, I travel solo and slow so I can take it all in and keep me and the bike safe, I'm no Dakar hero!

Cheers for the info