The Italian RD08 / RD08A

Honda NX650 Dominator

1997

Honda technical data lists increased front travel for the V/W/X group compared with S/T.

Explore every model year
Red Honda NX650 Dominator archive reference motorcycle
1997
NX650 archive reference · year data below
NX650VRD08AItaly
Model identity

NX650V
RD08A

Model year supported by European Honda catalogue records.

Model code
NX650V
Frame family
RD08A
Production
Italy
Generation
The Italian RD08 / RD08A
Factory colour archive

Trust the label.

Colours varied by market. These codes come from European catalogues; registration year alone does not prove model year.

Y140NYellow
R201BRed
NH1EBlack
What to verify

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.

Core specification

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
Important

Power, brakes, emissions equipment and trim can vary by country. Use the manual matching the frame number, not a generic internet specification.

Sources for this year

The correct generation only.

These documents match this model family and year range.

Buyer questions

Identify first.
Buy second.

See the adventure build guide

What model code identifies the 1997 Honda NX650 Dominator?

The documented 1997 reference is NX650V in the RD08A 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 1997 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.

Field dispatch

No schedule, no promises. One email when there is something worth watching.