The Italian RD08 / RD08A

Honda NX650 Dominator

1998

Mechanically close to 1997, distinguished mainly by its black, violet and red catalogue palette.

Explore every model year
Red Honda NX650 Dominator archive reference motorcycle
1998
NX650 archive reference · year data below
NX650WRD08AItaly
Model identity

NX650W
RD08A

Model year supported by European Honda catalogue records.

Model code
NX650W
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.

NH1EBlack
RP140AViolet
R201Red
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 1998 Honda NX650 Dominator?

The documented 1998 reference is NX650W 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 1998 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.