Custom builds...
Honda NX650 Dominator
The client had an idea; to own an adventure bike that was light enough to throw around without having to worry about picking it up when you drop it, but also totally utilitarian – so that it had everything you need to take you across the world. He referred to this dream as ‘The Ultimate Adventure Bike’, (his words, not mine!)… and so the concept of ‘TUAB’ was born.
The client’s donor bike was a classic ugly duckling; an odd-looking, much tinkered-with 1995 Honda Dominator. A great starting point for the TAUB; small enough to handle easily but large enough to get you out of trouble. It goes without saying what a legendary status the Dominator has for endurance and reliability… it’ll get you around the world as many times as you can stand it!
So the brief was simple, but the execution was going to be anything but. This project was going to need more thought, design, engineering and fabrication than I have ever lavished on a bike before. Normally with an adventure bike you can carry on bolting parts and accessories to it until the cows come home, with total disregard to the resulting size and weight of the bike. This build had to be different. This bike had to be perfectly practical and utilitarian but without that bulk and weight, so the design and execution had to be smart and concise. Minimal yet super-practical.
I have been lucky enough to exhibit my previous builds at the Bike Shed shows, so when the opportunity came to unveil the TUAB at this years show, not just to the public, but to the client himself (yep, he hadn’t seen it since the ugly duckling days!), I had to make it happen. I say ‘make it happen’ because it meant bringing the deadline forward considerably. So this unveiling was preceded by weeks – if not months – of burning the midnight oil at my workshop in Buckinghamshire, quite often only leaving when the sun was rising again. I’m very lucky that my wife is still speaking to me and that my kids still remember who Daddy is, but it’s been worth the effort. It’s a proud moment.
The main features are as follows:
• Two auxiliary aluminium tanks for drinking water and fuel. The water tank has a dispenser tap while the fuel tank kicks in at the flick of a switch;
• A substantial aluminium tool box is also concealed behind the panniers;
• A Peli Storm Case was adapted for use as a top box (for mobile phone and valuables) which is intended to be with the rider at all times, so is easily detached via the aircraft galley latches;
• Frame enhancements including an extensively re-designed sub-frame incorporating a Bumot pannier mounting system, tank bash bars and engine ‘boulder bars’;
• A fully redesigned electrical layout including a Denali LED lighting system (ultra bright and reliable), lightweight lithium battery, Motogadget control unit... all neatly packaged around a bespoke aluminium air box;
• An original Dakar fuel tank was sourced and customised for purpose;
• The wheels were re-built with lightweight alloy rims;
• The suspension was upgraded; YSS shock absorber and HyperPro fork internals;
• A hand-crafted stainless steel exhaust complete with a Yoshimura silencer;
• Upgraded foot and hand controls – Apico foot controls and ASV leavers – all protected by Barkbusters.
Follow social media to see how #TUAB handles its many upcoming adventures.
The client’s donor bike was a classic ugly duckling; an odd-looking, much tinkered-with 1995 Honda Dominator. A great starting point for the TAUB; small enough to handle easily but large enough to get you out of trouble. It goes without saying what a legendary status the Dominator has for endurance and reliability… it’ll get you around the world as many times as you can stand it!
So the brief was simple, but the execution was going to be anything but. This project was going to need more thought, design, engineering and fabrication than I have ever lavished on a bike before. Normally with an adventure bike you can carry on bolting parts and accessories to it until the cows come home, with total disregard to the resulting size and weight of the bike. This build had to be different. This bike had to be perfectly practical and utilitarian but without that bulk and weight, so the design and execution had to be smart and concise. Minimal yet super-practical.
I have been lucky enough to exhibit my previous builds at the Bike Shed shows, so when the opportunity came to unveil the TUAB at this years show, not just to the public, but to the client himself (yep, he hadn’t seen it since the ugly duckling days!), I had to make it happen. I say ‘make it happen’ because it meant bringing the deadline forward considerably. So this unveiling was preceded by weeks – if not months – of burning the midnight oil at my workshop in Buckinghamshire, quite often only leaving when the sun was rising again. I’m very lucky that my wife is still speaking to me and that my kids still remember who Daddy is, but it’s been worth the effort. It’s a proud moment.
The main features are as follows:
• Two auxiliary aluminium tanks for drinking water and fuel. The water tank has a dispenser tap while the fuel tank kicks in at the flick of a switch;
• A substantial aluminium tool box is also concealed behind the panniers;
• A Peli Storm Case was adapted for use as a top box (for mobile phone and valuables) which is intended to be with the rider at all times, so is easily detached via the aircraft galley latches;
• Frame enhancements including an extensively re-designed sub-frame incorporating a Bumot pannier mounting system, tank bash bars and engine ‘boulder bars’;
• A fully redesigned electrical layout including a Denali LED lighting system (ultra bright and reliable), lightweight lithium battery, Motogadget control unit... all neatly packaged around a bespoke aluminium air box;
• An original Dakar fuel tank was sourced and customised for purpose;
• The wheels were re-built with lightweight alloy rims;
• The suspension was upgraded; YSS shock absorber and HyperPro fork internals;
• A hand-crafted stainless steel exhaust complete with a Yoshimura silencer;
• Upgraded foot and hand controls – Apico foot controls and ASV leavers – all protected by Barkbusters.
Follow social media to see how #TUAB handles its many upcoming adventures.
Click on the images below to enlarge them, or click HERE to watch the video.
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Also, read the feature article in |
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