When the question revolves around a potential candidate for customization, the NX650 Dominator from Honda is most likely the answer. It’s cheap, reliable, and easy to work on – three highly desirable characteristics in the eyes of any bike-modding specialist. Versatility is also a well-known trait of the NX650, so the model can be transformed into just about anything builders might dream of.
Naturally, it’s best suited for scrambler conversions or just about all manner of dual-sport builds, and we doubt anyone will feel bad for giving its uninspiring looks a facelift. Diego and Riccardo Coppiello, the fraternal duo behind North East Custom, certainly didn’t mind that prospect whatsoever. They took a 1995 Dominator, worked their custom magic, and turned it into a neo-retro rally bike that looks terrific from every angle.
The Coppiello brothers were all about the two-wheeled life long before they were even old enough to get a license. Being the older of the two, Diego was the first to catch the motorcycling fever at the age of 12, but it didn’t take long for Riccardo (or Riki) to follow suit. The lads rode and modified tiny mopeds early on, then they moved on to larger Vespas, and finally: motorcycles.
When they got a bit older, Diego and Riki started working on high-revving go-kart engines for a team called F&M Racing. This taught them plenty of valuable lessons about mechanics and upgrading performance, while a brief incursion into the world of powerboat racing must’ve also offered some rather precious know-how.
Come 2014, they decided to merge this experience with their love of two wheels and customization, founding North East Custom (NEC) on the outskirts of Padua, Italy. Now that we talked a little bit about their history, let’s get back to the striking Honda Dominator pictured in this article’s photo gallery. The project was commissioned by a couple of friends, who seemed more than happy to give the Coppiellos carte blanche.
Photo: Filippo Molena
First things first, the ‘95 MY NX650 got taken apart and cleaned up wherever necessary, but there was no real need to fiddle with its immortal 644cc thumper. The air-cooled, 45-hp engine remains internally stock to this day, with the only related modification occurring on the exhaust side of things. Namely, we’re referring to a premium pair of Virex mufflers that replace the factory parts from Honda.
NEC’s makeover was far more extensive when it came to the cosmetics. Diego and his brother got rid of the original fuel tank to make way for the better-looking module of a 1989 variant. Right ahead of this repurposed tank lies a handmade fiberglass fairing built in-house, merging seamlessly with the former and oozing rally bike influences.
Fabricating this unit required a lot more elbow grease than replacing the gas tank, but it was definitely worth the effort. You'll spot dual LED headlights integrated into the front fairing, one with a larger diameter than the other. Although these would probably be enough to keep the way ahead nice and lit, North East also fitted a couple of auxiliary units for good measure.
They’re discreetly attached to the underside of the fairing on its flanks, behind the Dominator’s forks. A high-mounted UFO fender completes the new outfit in that area, while the standard forks feature fresh paint and rubber gaiters. Riki and Diego really went to town in the cockpit area, coming up with a bespoke dashboard that bears the motorcycle’s fuse box, Koso instrumentation, and a purposeful GPS mount.
Photo: Filippo Molena
North East Custom also added a tailor-made leather bag beneath all these goodies and a cross-braced Neken handlebar further back. The latter comes equipped with NEC-branded padding, foldable aftermarket mirrors, and Domino grips, among other items. Now, the bike’s saddle might look completely new, but it was in fact shaped out of the NX650’s original seat, then upholstered in a mixture of standard leather and suede.
On the flanks, the Italians installed custom aluminum side covers, which wrap around the exhaust mufflers to keep excessive heat at bay. Finishing off the rear-end adjustments is a fiberglass fender topped with a tubular luggage rack, and this structure is in turn home to a quick-release bracket compatible with an Orbit bag.
An LED taillight, aftermarket turn signals, and a sturdy license plate holder are all attached to the fender’s southernmost tip. In the unsprung sector, NEC’s adventurous one-off received a pair of replacement rims shod in dual-purpose Continental TKC 80 rubber. After fitting some enduro-style foot pegs, it came time for North East to address the final aspect of this build – the paintwork.
Inspired by the Husqvarna Norden 901, the livery is a stunning amalgamation of white, greyish blue and, of course, neon yellow. The neon hue is also present on the stitching used throughout this entity, while the black 782 graphics point to the owners’ birth years (1978 and 1982). All in all, it’s fair to say Diego and Riccardo outdid themselves once again!
A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing. Full profile
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