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If you see a Honda NX650 Dominator on Bike EXIF, there is a statistically significant chance that it originated in a specific workshop in Husum, Germany. Holger Breuer, the man behind HB Custom, has effectively become the global patron saint of the Dominator.
While other builders flirt with different platforms, Holger has mastered the nuances of Honda’s legendary dual-sport. He knows exactly where to trim the fat, how to sharpen the stance, and, most importantly, how to turn a 90s plastic-clad commuter into a rugged, desirable object. His latest project, a 1988 restomod rally raid machine, might just be his most purposeful execution to date.
For the uninitiated, the NX650 Dominator (produced from 1988 to 2003) was Honda’s answer to the do-it-all motorcycle. Powered by a 644cc air-cooled, SOHC single, it delivered a punchy 44 hp and 39 lb-ft of torque. With its 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension, it was a versatile mountain goat, though its aesthetics were firmly rooted in the "more is more" school of 1980s fairing design.
At a dry weight of roughly 335 lbs (152 kg), the Dominator was always a capable off-roader, but Holger saw the potential to drag this 1988 first-series survivor into the modern rally era.
This isn't just a styling exercise; it is a mechanical overhaul. Holger started by swapping the original mill for a reliable engine from the final production series, ensuring the heart of the beast was as fresh as the bodywork.
The most striking visual and functional transformation is at the front. The dated factory fairing has been unceremoniously modified to accommodate a Rengade Garage Rally Tower. This setup mimics the cockpit of a Dakar competitor, housing a Koso digital speedometer and a dedicated smartphone or GPS mount. To ensure the rider isn't left in the dark during late-night trail sections, the tower features vertically stacked LED headlights that cut through the gloom with surgical precision.
The rider interface has been completely modernized. A set of Fehling handlebars is fitted with folding mirrors and a Magura HC1 brake master cylinder, offering a level of tactile feedback the 1988 originals could never dream of. Protecting these high-end controls is a set of stout handguards, a necessary insurance policy for a bike intended for the unplanned dismounts of off-road riding.
To bring the electronics into the 21st century, Holger installed an Axel Joost electronic module and a digital ignition system. These hidden upgrades eliminate the gremlins often associated with four-decade-old wiring harnesses, making this a rally bike you can actually rely on in the middle of nowhere.
The 644cc single now breathes through a Mikuni TM 40 flat-slide carburetor and a K&N filter, providing a much-needed sharpening of throttle response. The exhaust gas exits via a lightweight Arrow system that sheds significant weight compared to the bulky stock twin-muffler setup.
Handling has been revolutionized through a fully adjustable YSS rear shock and progressive front springs with adjustable preload. The rolling stock consists of rebuilt wheels with stainless steel spokes, wrapped in the gold standard of dual-sport rubber: Continental TKC80s.
Visually, the bike is clean. The white and turquoise livery feels fresh, evoking the aesthetic of a Motorex photoshoot. However, the addition of heavy-duty engine crash guards and skid plate serves as a reminder that this isn't a show pony. It is a tool designed to be ridden off-road and ridden hard.
Holger Breuer has once again proven that the Dominator is far from obsolete. He has taken a 38-year-old classic and turned it into a contemporary adventure weapon that would look just as at home on the start line of a desert rally as it does in a coastal German workshop.
The best news? Holger tells us this particular machine is currently for sale. If you’ve been looking for the ultimate HB Custom Dominator, your window of opportunity is open.
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