NX650-Powered Custom Honda XR600 Is Now in Its Third Iteration, Looks Better Than Ever

In its first incarnation, this stylish scrambler had been a Honda XR600R from the model-year 1998. It was snatched by Ellaspede of Brisbane, Australia back in 2011, not long after the shop first opened its doors. The Aussies turned it into a street scrambler of sorts, subsequently using it as a showpiece to draw the public’s attention to their newly-founded firm.

Sure enough, the XR600 served its purpose, but it continued to stick around Ellaspede’s headquarters long after doing so. The lads admittedly grew quite fond of the restyled Honda which helped them put their name on the map, so they couldn’t bring themselves to let it go. Still, the motorcycle was due for another round of customization somewhere down the line, and it was in 2021 that it finally took place.

Approached by Tom – a guy eager to get his hands on a modded XR600 – Ellaspede decided it was the perfect opportunity for them to revisit their long-time companion. A number of items present on the bike at that point are still there, including the exhaust system, 18-inch wheels, and Honda XL500 fuel tank. However, a full engine swap was discussed with the client from the very beginning.

Tom managed to score an NX650 Dominator powerhouse online, and it certainly didn’t hurt that a rebuild kit was also included in the sale. Aside from its larger capacity and a similar horsepower figure to that of the XR, the NX650's single-cylinder mill offered the benefit of an electric starter, as well. Nonetheless, there was still a lot of room for improvement, so the 644cc motor was sent to All Carts & Cycles for a complete overhaul.

The cylinder head was ported during the rebuild, the original piston made way for a fresh replacement, and an aftermarket air filter is now attached to the carburetor. As for the inhaler itself, the OEM unit got ditched in favor of a Mikuni alternative measuring 42 mm (1.7 inches). Other upgrades are said to have been carried out, too, but Ellaspede didn’t mention what exactly they involved.

On the other hand, we’ve got a solid idea about the team’s suspension-related work. Up front, they installed a Honda CRF’s inverted forks, which were previously refurbished and shortened by around 100 mm (four inches). Custom spacers have been used to connect the CRF forks to the front wheel, and a brand-new piggyback shock absorber can now be spotted at the back.

Most of the electronics got relocated to a handmade box underneath the seat, including all the extra bits associated with the electric-start Dominator engine. As the Ellaspede crew got it just right on their first go, no further structural changes were made to the subframe this time around. There is, however, a youthful scrambler-style saddle placed up top, featuring black upholstery and contrasting green stitches.

Surrounding this new seat is an array of LED lighting hardware – Posh turn signals on the flanks and a wide taillight at the back. One may also notice a secondary Koso Hawkeye taillight, attached a bit further south on a custom-built rear fender. An unobtrusive license plate bracket is attached underneath, and all these goodies do a fantastic job at keeping the motorcycle’s rear end as tidy as possible.

We come across a custom fender at the front end, as well, fitted nice and high right beneath the bottom triple clamp. Above it lies a 6.5-inch Thunderbolt LED headlamp supplied by Koso, while the blinkers are identical to those found at the rear. The cockpit area is now home to a Daytona Velona speedometer and underslung rear-view mirrors, but the rest of the equipment you see there was installed during the initial makeover.

For the final touches, this Dominator-powered XR600 was completely rewired, and its wheels received dual-purpose K60 rubber from Heidenau. The tires measure 110/80 at the front and 140/80 at the opposite end. A modern drive chain and replacement sprockets have also been added, along with a discreet USB charging port that sits right next to the speedo.

As the specimen’s green and black color scheme turned out great during Ellaspede’s first rebuild, the guys decided to keep it on this version of the bike, too. Tom was understandably over the moon upon seeing the end result, with the project’s completion occurring in 2022. With its refined looks, beefed-up suspension, and NX650 power under the hood, this groovy custom scrambler is all set for many years to come.