Honda NX650 Dominator
1988
Kickstarter plus electric start, black engine and the lean original bodywork. The purest first-generation specification.
Explore every model year
NX650J
RD02
Model year supported by European Honda catalogue records.
- Model code
- NX650J
- Frame family
- RD02
- Production
- Japan
- Generation
- The original slim-body RD02
Trust the label.
Colours varied by market. These codes come from European catalogues; registration year alone does not prove model year.
Buy the code,
not the story.
Check the frame prefix, model code, paint label and first-registration date as four separate facts.
Used Dominators often have swapped panels, tanks, engines and decals. A convincing colour scheme does not make a bike a particular model year.
Before buying: inspect oil level and consumption, hot cylinder head, cover threads, headers, bearings, linkage and frame corrosion—especially on RD08 bikes.
644 cc.
No software.
- Engine
- 644 cc air-cooled RFVC single
- Valve train
- Four radial valves · SOHC
- Fuel system
- 40 mm Keihin CV carburettor
- Transmission
- Five-speed · chain drive
- Front wheel
- 21 inch
- Rear wheel
- 17 inch
- Starter
- Electric; kickstarter on early 1988–1989 European models
Power, brakes, emissions equipment and trim can vary by country. Use the manual matching the frame number, not a generic internet specification.
The correct generation only.
These documents match this model family and year range.
What model code identifies the 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator?
The documented 1988 reference is NX650J in the RD02 frame family. Market and registration date can differ, so always verify the VIN and colour label.
How can I confirm that a Dominator is really a 1988 model?
Check the frame prefix, model code, paint label and first-registration date separately. Panels, engines and decals are easily swapped.
What should I inspect before buying a used NX650?
Check oil level and consumption, the cylinder head when hot, cover threads, headers, bearings, linkage and frame corrosion. Use the manual matching the frame number.