BUYERS’ GUIDE: NORTON DOMINATORS
How to get the best you can
Getting production back into its stride after World War II, Norton bosses could be forgiven for concentrating on the singles that had served them so well before the conflict. But, even before the war, Triumph’s Speed Twin had changed the face of motorcycling. With a new breed of motorcycle on offer from one of its chief rivals, Norton management soon realised they needed a twin in the range.
They entrusted the design of a new breed of Norton engine to Bert Hopwood, who had previously worked on both Triumph’s twin and Ariel’s exotic Square Four. Hopwood came up with a reasonably conventional 360° parallel twin, with a single chain-driven camshaft in front of the cylinders, and the Model 7 twin was born.
While the 1948 Model 7 twin was the first Norton to carry the Dominator name, it’s the Featherbed-framed models that most of us consider to be the real deal. They arrived for the 1952 sales season in the shape of the 497cc Dominator 88, which shared the Model 7’s engine – but the most significant feature of the new model was that famous Featherbed frame. Already a proven winner on the race track, the Featherbed lifted the new Norton twin onto a whole new level. No matter that the 88’s frame was constructed from mild steel, rather than the chrome-moly tubing of the Manx racing versions, here was a genuinely race-bred frame on a road bike.
The 88 was an instant hit and, following a few minor tweaks over the next few years, was joined by the 597cc Dominator 99 for 1956. The new model proved to be more of the same, with a top end just over the ton and the same peerless handling as its little brother. For 1960, the new frame – with its seat rails closer together at the rear of the new (slimmer) tank – gave a more comfortable riding position, and sportier SS versions of both models appeared for 1961, with higher compression and lumpier cams. But the originally export-only 650 Manxman, which debuted the same year, was a portent of the future. The home-market Dominator 650SS that hit the showrooms in September was the way forward, and the Model 99 was dropped at the end of the year. Both the 88 and 650SS continued until 1966 (gaining 12v electrics in 1964) when production of the 88 ended. The following year, the 650SS was dropped, too, and the era of the Dominator had ended.
Today, though, a Dominator remains one of the class acts among British twins. The 500s are delightfully smooth, though they do lack a bit of power. The 650SS has power aplenty, at the expense of a bit more vibration, and the 99, like Baby Bear’s porridge, is just right. All models enjoy great spares back-up and all handle brilliantly.
The Featherbed frame really is a fine thing and Domis make great allrounders; the only real shortcoming of the 99 and 650SS is that the single-leading-shoe front brake lacks a little power. The engines are pretty robust if looked after, so there’s no
compelling reason not to own a Dominator – though prices are creeping up.
If you’ve never ridden one, try one if you get the chance. You’ll realise what all the fuss is about.
THE RIDE
As you’d expect, the handling of the Featherbed frame is one of the finer points of the Dominator. Even today, the Featherbed feels remarkably competent – a tribute to an outstanding design that was well ahead of the contemporary competition. And, with decent modern tyres fitted, that becomes truly exceptional.
Even if you arrive at a corner travelling a little faster than you planned, just take a deep breath, tip it in, and let the Mccandless-designed chassis do the rest. The frame is complemented by the
‘THE DOMINATOR REMAINS ONE OF THE CLASS ACTS AMONG BRITISH TWINS. ALL OF THEM HANDLE BRILLIANTLY’
excellent Roadholder forks, which were also the benchmark for the competition. Buy a Domi and you certainly won’t be complaining about your bike’s handling.
While the engine performance doesn’t get anywhere near overwhelming the frame, even in 500cc, Domi 88 form, it still delivers a lively enough ride and is delightfully smooth. Cruising at 65mph is comfortable enough and a top speed of around 90mph is easily within reach – especially if you go for the SS version.
If you want more, the 597cc 99 or the 650SS are the models to go for. A 99 has a genuine ton-plus top end. Period road testers got around 110mph out of the 597cc Domi, while the 650SS is a genuine rival to Triumph’s Bonneville in the speed stakes – and with the benefit of that fine-handling Featherbed frame.
Only the aforementioned front brake lets the side down a bit. It’s just about OK for the Model 88, but the bigger twins could do with something better. Both Norvil and Andover Norton (see left) can provide that, with a twin-leading-shoe conversion for the 1957-on eight-inch Norton sls brake costing around £300-350 according to spec.
There are few faults, great parts back-up and the Domi is one of the best-handling twins of its era. If you like Brit twins, value an accomplished all-round riding package and want something that’s relatively easy to keep on the road, Norton’s Dominator – in any of its guises – has to be worth a look.