1962 Norton Dominator 650 SS Registration Number USL 520 Fr...

Estimate

£4,000 - £5,500

1962 Norton Dominator 650 SS

Registration Number USL 520
Frame Number 18104206
Engine Number 10420618

- One of first SS models built, older restoration, recently rebuilt engine

Norton first started exporting to America in 1949. The Americans were impressed with Nortons racing successes, but wanted a twin that was capable of doing the ‘ton‘. The 500cc Norton 88 Dominator was only capable of 90mph and was no match for the 650 Triumph Thunderbird and BSA Gold Flash - Norton needed more power. Engine designer Bert Hopwood, enlarged the engine to 600cc introducing the Norton 99. The Norton Model 99 Dominator was powered by a 600cc air cooled OHV vertical twin putting out a respectable 31 bhp. The sports model, the 88SS would put out 44bhp.

The new SS of 1962 was at the time capable of an impressive 115 mph from its 49bhp, 646cc OHV air cooled parallel twin. Under test, the SS proved to be 10mph faster than its rival, the Triumph Bonneville, at a whisker under 120mph. The SS (Sports Special) Dominator sold well and is much sought-after today.

This 1962 Norton 650 SS would have been one of the first SS produced, more recently having the benefit of a full restoration, and has been well kept since. We are advised by the vendor that the engine has been recently rebuilt and runs well with. All in all, a lovely honest bike in good condition.