Custom Honda NX650 Dominator Is a Scrambler Built to Withstand Argentina’s Toughest Roads

Shop boss Lucas Layum used a 1993 variant of Honda’s lineup as his starting point, and the client was happy to give him free rein over the customization process. First things first, Lucas had the Honda NX650 stripped of all its factory bodywork, together with the wheels, suspension, and front brake. The stock subframe was deleted, as well, making room for a looped custom part fabricated in-house.

It supports a scrambler-style bench seat with high-density padding wrapped in tan leather, and there are small LED turn signals attached to the tubing left and right. Lower down, we see a bespoke rear fender whose southernmost tip is home to a circular taillight and the license plate bracket. Handmade side covers are located a bit further ahead, concealing the airbox and an under-seat electronics tray.

The right unit also forms a heat shield for the exhaust, which is a custom stainless-steel part manufactured from scratch. Going back to the bodywork, the centerpiece is a Honda CG125’s fuel tank adapted to suit the Dominator’s frame, with tailor-made mounts holding it in place. A protective sump guard keeps the engine’s underside out of harm’s way, and we find a second bespoke mudguard at the front.

It’s placed between a conventional pair of Ohlins forks, held in place by fresh triple clamps. Ohlins is once again the name of the game out back, where you'll notice a premium piggyback shock absorber replacing the stock module. For improved stopping power, the front brake was upgraded with a Bybre caliper and a higher-spec aftermarket disc.

Unsprung territory houses a new set of wheels shod in dual-purpose Heidenau rubber, offering plentiful grip both on and off the tarmac. Front-end illumination is provided by a state-of-the-art LED headlight, while the turn signals are placed lower down on the bottom triple clamp. In the cockpit area, Lucas installed a multi-function dial and a replacement handlebar, with the latter sporting leather grips, round mirrors, and a top-notch brake master cylinder.

The color scheme chosen by Lucky Custom is decidedly stealthy, with a layer of satin-black covering the engine, frame, and wheels. Black is the primary color used on the bodywork, too, this time done in a gloss finish and joined by grey detailing on the fuel tank and side covers. Lucas Layum really went to town with every aspect of this build, and the fruit of his labor speaks for itself!