In the run up to the launch of the OS-BASE Adventure Kriega’s design team discussed which bike would be ideal to photograph for the packaging. Being a universal-fit rackless base, created to suit all shapes, sizes and ages of adventure bike, it didn’t feel right to use a current model of ADV, and some of the older adventure bikes aren’t quite eye-catching enough to jump off a display shelf. Eventually it was decided a custom adventure bike felt right, and we knew just the one.

Kriega has been working with influential Swedish photographer Gorm Taube for years. [Read our Gorm Moto interview). We had kept an eye on the evolution of his Honda NX650 project bike, based on the model we in the UK call a Honda Dominator, and it was time to find out more about it.

KRIEGA: When did you buy the Honda? 
Gorm I picked up the 2001 NX650 RD08 in Stockholm in 2015, where it had spent its life as a true commuter for many years. At first it was just meant to be a practical daily rider alongside my then project bike, a Yamaha SR500 that is still hiding under a cover in the corner of the garage. The NX came fitted with a big top box, oversized taillight and loud graphics, so not exactly pretty, but the bike itself was solid. A few miles on the clock and nothing scary hiding under the plastics.

What drew you to this bike out of the thousands of options?
It all started with a custom bike that caught my eye, the Kiddo Uno by Spanish firm Kiddo Motors. Looking up the donor they used I realised these bikes were fairly common around here and seen as a bit of an ugly duckling. With the right modifications they could really shine. It’s not flashy, but it feels built to go anywhere without fuss, and that’s what hooked me.

When did you start designing your own parts for it, rather than just fitting bolt-ons, and why?
That started after I moved back to Sweden in 2019. I wanted to push the bike further, but most of the parts I found either looked wrong or didn’t do what I needed. The aftermarket selection back then was mostly top boxes and universal stuff, so I started making my own. It was part necessity and part curiosity to see how far I could take it.
The luggage anchors were among the very first projects. They were simple but solved a big problem when I wanted to travel with gear. After that came the skid plate and racks, and then things snowballed into more custom pieces.

What was the most complicated part to design? 
The Rally Tower is the most complex and ambitious project so far. The sheer amount of parts and bolts needed to make it work was a project in itself. Add to that the countless hours making small adjustments to get it sitting just right, compact, and tight without losing any functionality. Nothing is ever done purely from a functional or aesthetic point of view. It’s all about balancing and maximising both, which takes far more effort and time. Making something highly functional or purely aesthetic can be easy, but combining the two is where the real challenge is.

What’s your favourite bolt-on part and your favourite Gorm Moto component? 
Maybe not a true bolt-on, but for me it’s the wheels. Swapping the OEM rims for Excel rims with a 19in front really balanced the bike and makes it both ride and look much better [the NX650 has a 21in front as standard]. For my own parts it might be something small like the rear disc guard. I love when the small details fall into place and make the whole package look correct.

Do you sell more or less Gorm Moto NX650 parts than you expected?
More. I thought this bike was too niche for anyone to care, but it turns out there’s a whole community of NX riders who want the same upgrades I do. It’s been cool to see parts ship out to all corners of the world. ‘I make what I need’ has always been the driving force. That keeps quality high and focuses my energy on the parts I truly want for myself.

Can you run us down the significant modifications you’ve not already described?
It runs an Acerbis long-range tank, a rebuilt engine with a bigger piston, carb and exhaust. The suspension is upgraded both front and back, and the cockpit is cleaned up with a Motogadget gauge, switches, M-Unit Blue as the heart of the electronics, and a fully custom loom to support it all. Then there’s all the practical stuff like racks, skid plate, custom covers and luggage supports.

What’s been your favourite ride on it? 
The bike is set up for travel, but the last years have been more focused on family, so we still haven’t done that big ride with it in its current state. Luckily there are plenty of gravel roads just a few miles from my door. Forests, lakes, and quiet tracks where you don’t see anyone for hours. That’s when the bike feels most at home.
The biggest ride I’ve done on it was down to Milan and back, and it didn’t miss a beat the whole way. The only thing that ‘broke’ was a bolt on the exhaust heat shield that went missing somewhere in the Alps.
I still dream of riding it across Scandinavia and over to Iceland. A trip with no highways, just rough tracks, and wild camping until you lose track of the days.

What’s next for it?
It’s pretty well sorted now. I’ll keep refining things for comfort on longer rides, but the big changes are done. Small details still make a big difference though. I’m currently building another NX with a more street-oriented approach, and some of the parts are also tests. If they work well, they might find their way onto the Rally.

Do you think you’ll keep it forever, or do you need to sell bikes to have room for the next project?
This one is a keeper. I’ve let bikes go over the years, but the NX has turned into something more personal. It’s always the bike I come back to and want to ride. I do have an issue with creating sentimental bonds with my bikes, and the idea of selling them always feels a bit strange. My Ducati SCR is currently listed for sale, but I’m feeling all kinds of mixed emotions over it.

How do you feel about being used on the Kriega packaging?
It feels surreal in the best way. I used Kriega gear long before the company knew who I was. To see my bike on their packaging now is a real full-circle moment.

Anything else to add?
Only that this bike has given back more than I ever thought it would. It started as a commuter and turned into the bike that shaped a lot of my design work, my riding and even the people I’ve met along the way.

The Gorm Moto NX650 Rally is fitted with OS-BASE ADV COMBO 24 – a Kriega OS-BASE Adventure + 2 x OS-12 Adventure Packs. Kriega also offers COMBO 12 (2 x OS-6 Adventure Packs) and COMBO 36 (2 x OS-18 Adventure Packs). The OS-BASE and OS-ADVENTURE PACKS are also sold individually, allowing you to build the ideal rackless luggage system for your tours and adventures.

To buy, order directly from kriega.com or head to your local dealer for a closer look
Kriega UK dealer network
Kriega Worldwide importers

See more Gorm Moto and check out his NX650 custom parts at gormtaube.com

The OS-BASE is an over-the-seat harness for mounting OS-ADVENTURE PACKS as saddlebags. This system provides a super-tough, lightweight, easy-fit solution from 6L up to 54L capacity, without the need for pannier racks.

There are 2 x UNIVERSAL-FIT OS-BASES: OS-BASE DIRTBIKE (for the latest enduro bikes) and OS-BASE ADVENTURE (for adventure bikes old and new ) plus 11 x MODEL SPECIFIC designs available for Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, GasGas, Husqvarna and KTM. If your bike isn’t on the list, then the OS-BASE ADVENTURE is for you.

The lowdown on Gorm Moto’s custom Honda NX650 ‘Rally’