Adventure riders understand that the more their motorcycles fall over, the less they worry about it. This philosophy is essential when taking a bike into rough terrain. Tristan Dewey, a film and television composer and sound engineer based in Bend Of Islands, Australia, is no stranger to this philosophy. Inspired by his childhood pet goat, Tristan decided to build a custom scrambler out of his Honda NX650 Dominator. Unlike most custom builds, Tristan’s Dominator is not meant to be a showpiece but a bonafide adventure bike.
Tristan started the build without a workshop or shed, working on the back of an old truck. Despite limited tools, he managed to do most of the work himself, only outsourcing the lacing of the new rims. The rebuild began with a full tear-down, allowing everything to be cleaned up and powder-coated before reassembly. Tristan installed a new Wiseco piston in the motor and had the cylinder honed by Electrosil. Upgrades include a Magura hydraulic clutch, a Mikuni TM-42 Carb, an upgraded oil cooler from Sutton Cycleworks, and stainless steel headers.
Despite the rugged nature of the bike, Tristan incorporated several tidy mods. He rewired the bike around a Motogadget controller and created a hinged electronics tray under the seat. LED lighting is used throughout, with custom-made brackets holding the headlight and front turn signals. The cockpit features Magura handlebars, a Motogadget speedo and switches, and Oxford heated grips. A canvas tool roll sits above the headlight, carrying all the necessary tools for repairs out on the trail.
Tristan also made several upgrades to improve the bike’s performance. He had the stock hubs laced to new Excel rims with heavy-duty spokes and replaced the original shock with a Honda XR600 unit. The fuel tank is adorned with new reproduction Honda badges, and the custom seat is upholstered in kangaroo leather. Instead of a traditional paint job, Tristan has allowed the fuel tank to accumulate scars from his adventures.
Throughout the process, Tristan received support and advice from various individuals and businesses, including Jax Garage, Modern Motorcycle Sydney, Siri Hayes, and Nick Venn. Despite the bike’s rough appearance, Tristan’s Honda NX650 Dominator has proven itself on countless road and off-road journeys. It’s a true testament to the adventure and spirit of its owner.