Norton Model 88 Dominator
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox motorcycle
| name = Norton Model 88 Dominator
| image = Norton Dominator 88 500cc (1957) (15776399275).jpg
| alt =
| caption = 1957 Norton Dominator 88
| aka =
| manufacturer = Norton
| parent_company =
| production = 1952-1966
| assembly = Bracebridge St, Birmingham (1952-62)
Plumstead, London (1962-66)
| predecessor = Norton Model 7 Dominator
| successor =
| class =
| engine = {{convert|497|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} air-cooled OHV vertical twin
| bore_stroke ={{Convert|66|x|72.6|mm|abbr=on}}
| compression =
| top_speed = {{Convert|95|mph|abbr=on}}
| power = {{Convert|29|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 6,000 rpm
{{Convert|36|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,000 rpm (88SS)
| torque =
| transmission = Wet clutch, 4-speed, chain drive
| frame = Featherbed duplex cradle
| suspension = Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
| brakes = drum front & rear
| tires = 3.00x19 front, 3.50x19 rear
| rake_trail =
| wheelbase = {{Convert|55.5|in|abbr=on}}
| length = {{Convert|84|in|abbr=on}}
| width = {{Convert|26|in|abbr=on}}
| height =
| seat_height = {{Convert|31|in|abbr=on}}
| dry_weight = {{Convert|380|lb|abbr=on}}
| wet_weight =
| fuel_capacity = {{Convert|3.5|impgal|abbr=on}}
| oil_capacity =
| fuel_consumption =
| turning_radius =
| range =
| related =
| sp = uk
| footnotes = {{sfn|Sharkey|2021}}{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|p=99}}{{cite web |title=1954 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1950/54NortonBrochure.pdf |via=www.classicbike.biz |access-date=20 June 2021}}
}}
The Norton Model 88 Dominator, also originally known as the Dominator De Luxe{{sfn|American Motorcycling March 1953}} was a 500 cc vertical twin motorcycle manufactured by the British Norton Motorcycle Company from 1952 to 1966. It was the first of Norton's motorcycles to use the featherbed frame, which established Norton's reputation of producing fine handling machines.{{sfn|Holmes|2007|p=140}} The 88 used the Bert Hopwood designed engine that was first fitted to the Model 7 and was initially for export only. It became available on the home market in 1953.{{sfn|Sharkey|2021}} Norton were a small manufacturer at the time and without the economies of scale the model was expensive compared to other manufacturer's equivalent machines. The 88 retailed for 20% more than the contemporary Triumph Speed Twin and was dearer than the 650 cc Triumph Thunderbird.
Technical details
=Engine and transmission=
The 497 cc Bert Hopwood designed engine from the Model 7 was used in the 88. The pre-unit 360° pushrod vertical twin used cast iron cylinders and head. Ignition was by a magneto mounted behind the engine and power for the lights was supplied by a dynamo. Later models used an alternator and coil ignition.
An alloy cylinder head was introduced in 1955{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|p=99}} and various improvements were make to the engine during the model's production run.
Primary drive was by chain to a multiplate wet clutch{{cite web |title=1957 Norton Dominator |url=https://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/1957-norton-dominator.html |website=Classic-British-Motorcycles.com |access-date=26 June 2021}} and was enclosed in a pressed steel chaincase. Oil leaks from the chaincase were a common problem.{{sfn|Melling|2003}} The gearbox had 4 speeds.{{cite web |title=1956 Norton 497cc Dominator 88 Frame no. 71331 Engine no. 71331 |url=https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/18221/lot/420/ |website=Bonhams |access-date=26 June 2021}}
=Cycle parts=
{{main|Featherbed frame}}
Norton had commissioned Belfast racer and engineer Rex McCandless to build a new frame for their Manx racers. The McCandless frame was first used in 1950 and brought many victories for the Norton team and praise from the riders.{{sfn|Walker|2006|pp=40-49}} The landmark design influenced motorcycle chassis design for many years.{{sfn|Foale|2006|pp=1-6, 1-7}} The 88 used the featherbed frame to provide a sportier road bike, although the road going versions of the frame were made from mild steel tubing rather than the Reynolds 531 tube of the racers. Early frame could distort if bumped into a curb which was resolved by adding a reinforcing gusset. The frame was {{convert|30|lb|abbr=on}} than the ES2 type frame of the Model 7.{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|p=96}}
Front suspension was short Roadholder forks and rear swinging arm pivoting on Silentbloc bushes.{{cite web |title=1955 Norton 497cc Dominator 88 Frame no. K122 62984 (see text) Engine no. 62984 K122 |url=https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23600/lot/405/ |website=Bonhams |access-date=26 June 2021}} Brakes were {{convert|7|in|abbr=on}} single width drums front and rear although full-width hubs were later fitted.
The first models were finished in Norton's trademark polychromatic grey colour scheme.{{sfn|Melling|2003}} In 1959 metalescent blue, red and black/silver finishes were offered as options. Two-tone finishes were introduced with the Standard model being offered in red/dove grey, black/dove grey and two-tone grey. The De Luxe was available in red/dove grey, blue/dove grey and green/dove grey. No colour options were offered in 1961, the Standard being finished in two-tone grey and the De Luxe in blue/dove grey.{{cite web |title=1961 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.motobrit.com/motc2/mphp/brolongpage.php?photo=/motc2/mimages/bro/nor/nor61bro.jpg&title=1961%20Norton%20Brochure |via=www.motobrit.com |access-date=26 June 2021}} In 1963 the Standard model was offered in green/off-white and the SS in black with a silver tank.{{cite web |title=1963 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.motobrit.com/motc2/mphp/brolongpage.php?photo=/motc2/mimages/bro/nor/nor63bro.jpg&title=1963%20Norton%20Brochure |via=www.motobrit.com |access-date=26 June 2021}}
Model naming and variants
The Model 7 Dominator had been introduced in 1949. When the featherbed framed model 88 was introduced it was designated the 'Dominator De Luxe' to differentiate it from the Model 7.{{cite web |title=Road Test: Norton Dominator Model 88 |url=https://www.classicmotorcycle.co.uk/norton-dominator-model-88/ |website=The Classic Motorcycle |access-date=24 June 2021 |date=27 August 2014}} In 1956 the 'Dominator' name was dropped and the bike was designated simply as the 'Model 88'.{{sfn|American Motorcyclist December 1955}}{{cite web |title=1956 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.motobrit.com/motc2/mphp/brolongpage.php?photo=/motc2/mimages/bro/nor/nor56bro.jpg&title=1956%20Norton%20Brochure |via=www.motobrit.com |access-date=20 June 2021}}
The Dominator name returned for 1959 with the model being known as the 88 Dominator.{{cite web |title=1959 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1950/59NortonBrochure.pdf |via=www.classicbike.biz |access-date=26 June 2021}} In 1960 a new 'body styled' variant was introduced with enclosed rear bodywork. This was known as the Dominator De Luxe and the existing model became the Dominator Standard.{{cite web |title=1960 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1960/60NortonBrochure.pdf |website=www.classicbike.biz |access-date=26 June 2021}}
A sports version, the 88 Dominator Sports Special was introduced in 1961.{{sfn|Motor Cycling May 1961}} The De Luxe model was discontinued in 1962, the Standard in 1963 and the SS model continued production until October 1966.
| class="wikitable"
|+ Model naming and variants | |||||||||||||||
| Model | {{vertical header|1952}} | {{vertical header|1953}} | {{vertical header|1954}} | {{vertical header|1955}} | {{vertical header|1956}} | {{vertical header|1957}} | {{vertical header|1958}} | {{vertical header|1959}} | {{vertical header|1960}} | {{vertical header|1961}} | {{vertical header|1962}} | {{vertical header|1963}} | {{vertical header|1964}} | {{vertical header|1965}} | {{vertical header|1966}} |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align: center;"
| Standard | colspan=4 | 88 Dominator De Luxe | colspan=3| 88 | {{no wrap|88 Dominator}}
| colspan=4 | 88 Dominator Standard | ||||||||||||||
| style="text-align: center;"
| Enclosed rear bodywork | | colspan=3| 88 Dominator De Luxe | ||||||||||||||
| style="text-align: center;"
| Sports | | colspan=6 | 88 Dominator Sports Special (SS) |
=88 Sports Special=
The Sports Special (SS) version of the 88 Dominator was introduced in 1961. Power output was increased to {{convert|36|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,000 rpm by using twin 1 1/16" (27mm) Amal Monobloc carburettors,{{sfn|Motor Cycling May 1961}} larger {{convert|1.4|in|abbr=on}} inlet valves, the camshaft from the 650 Manxman, 8.5:1 compression ratio and a siamesed exhaust. A test conducted by Motor Cycling at the MIRA testing ground showed the machine capable of reaching the 'ton' (100 mph).{{sfn|Motor Cycling May 1961}}
In 1962 the head from the 650SS was fitted in 1962 which had larger 28.5mm inlet ports which were angled down, 40° splayed exhaust ports to improve cooling and larger fins. The 88SS was produced until October 1966.
Model history
An experimental featherbed framed dominator was first seen in Holland in 1951, and the 88 was officially launched at the Earls Court Motorcycle Show later in the year.{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|p=96}}
The model sold well in 1952 but supplies of the frame, which was fabricated by Reynolds Tubing, limited production to around 20 machines a week.{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|pp=96-97}}
The bolt-on rear part of the frame was replaced with a welded-on sub-frame{{cite web |title=Norton Dominator 99 |url=https://www.real-classic.co.uk/2017/01/11/norton-dominator-99/ |website=RealClassic |access-date=28 June 2021 |date=2017-01-11}} and the front brake increased to {{convert|8|in|abbr=on}} in 1954.{{cite web |title=Norton Dominator |url=https://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/norton-dominator.html |website=Classic-British-Motorcycles.com |access-date=26 June 2021}}
Full width alloy hubs were introduced for the 1956 models along with a new Lucas headlamp with the speedo, ammeter and switch located in the headlamp shell. Compression ratio was raised to 7.8:1 from 6.8:1 to take advantage of the better fuel that was now available.{{sfn|American Motorcyclist December 1955}} An alloy head was also fitted in this year,{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|p=99}} which was {{convert|13|lb|abbr=on}} lighter than the previous cast iron item.{{cite web |title=Norton heavy twins heads |url=http://atlanticgreen.com/nhth.htm |website=atlanticgreen.com |access-date=25 June 2021 |date=September 2016}}
For the 1957 model the gearbox was changed to the AMC gearbox used on AJS and Matchless twins.{{cite web |title=The Norton Commando Gearbox |url=https://www.preservationcycle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=192:the-norton-commando-gearbox&catid=86&Itemid=1739 |website=www.preservationcycle.com |access-date=29 June 2021}}
An alternator and coil ignition were fitted in place of the magneto and dynamo from 1958.{{cite web |title=1958 Norton Brochure |url=http://www.motobrit.com/motc2/mphp/brotallpage.php?photo=/motc2/mimages/bro/nor/nor58bro.jpg&title=1958%20Norton%20Brochure |via=www.motobrit.com |access-date=26 June 2021}}
The featherbed frame was modified in 1960 by moving the top tubes closer together. The updated frame came to be known as the 'slimline' and the previous version as the 'wideline'.{{sfn|Sharkey|2021}}{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|pp=97-99}} Compression ratio was increased to 8.1:1, gear ratios changed and bonded clutch plates fitted.
A new head was introduced in 1961 on the 88SS model with larger finning and inlet valve increased from {{convert|1.3|in|abbr=on}} to {{convert|1.4|in|abbr=on}}. This head was also fitted to the Standard 88 from 1962.
In 1962 the 88SS was fitted with the cylinder head used on the 650SS which had larger 28.5mm inlet ports which were angled down, 40° splayed exhaust ports to improve cooling and larger fins.
Racing
{{see also|Norton Dunstall}}
The Norton racing team starting developing the 88 for racing, the machines being known as Domiracers. Initially they were no match for the Manx Norton. Under Doug Hele's guidance the machine was developed to increase power to {{convert|55|bhp|abbr=on}} and the machines were {{convert|35|lb|abbr=on}} lighter than the Manx.{{sfn|Cloesen|2016|p=39}}
The first outing for the racing 88s was at the 1953 Daytona 200 where a pair of machines were entered and Milt Lassiter finished third.{{sfn|Walker|2006|p=210}}
In 1960 Dennis Greenfield and Fred Swift won the 500 cc class of the Thruxton 500 on a Domiracer. Tom Phillis came third in the 1961 Isle of Man TT Senior race and was the first rider to achieve a 100 mph lap on a pushrod bike and also it was the first 100 mph lap on a twin.{{sfn|Sharkey|2021}}{{sfn|Cloesen|2016|p=39}}
An 88SS won the 1962 1,000 km production race at Silverstone.{{sfn|Walker|2013}}
The factory stopped the Domiracer project in 1962 and the bikes and spares were sold to Paul Dunstall who continued their development.{{sfn|Sharkey|2021}}{{sfn|Cloesen|2016|p=40}}
References
{{reflist}}
=Bibliography=
- {{cite book |last1=Cloesen |first1=Uli |title=British Café Racers |date=1 September 2016 |publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd |location=Dorchester, Dorset |isbn=978-1-84584-896-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmFlDQAAQBAJ&q=domiracer+thruxton+500+Fred+Swift&pg=PA39 |language=en}}
- {{cite book |last1=Foale |first1=Tony |title=Motorcycle handling and chassis design : the art and the science |date=2006 |publisher=Tony Foale Designs |location=Benidoleig, Spain |isbn=978-84-933286-3-4 |edition=2nd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=84hF-qoR5I8C&q=featherbed+frame&pg=SA1-PA6 |language=en}}
- {{cite book |last1=Holmes |first1=Mark |title=Ultimate motorcycles : the most exotic & exclusive bikes on earth |date=2007 |publisher=Chartwell Books |location=Edison, NJ |isbn=978-0-7858-2284-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HlOALZh5OAQC&q=norton+dominator+model+88 |language=en}}
- {{cite web |last1=Melling |first1=Frank |title=Classic bikes: Norton Dominator |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/2724812/Classic-bikes-Norton-Dominator.html |website=Daily Telegraph |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110175959/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/2724812/Classic-bikes-Norton-Dominator.html |archive-date=10 November 2012 |date=27 September 2003 |url-status=live}}
- {{cite book |last1=Reynolds |first1=Jim |title=Best of British bikes. |date=1990 |publisher=Patrick Stephens |isbn=978-1-85260-033-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/bestofbritishbik0000reyn/page/98/mode/2up}}
- {{cite book |last1=Sharkey |first1=Alex |title=Classic Bikes: Essential Transport |date=19 March 2021 |publisher=Character-19 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QbQkEAAAQBAJ&q=norton+dominator+model+88&pg=PT86 |language=en}}
- {{cite book |last1=Walker |first1=Mick |title=The Manx Norton |date=November 2006 |publisher=Redline Books |isbn=978-0-9544357-9-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1PoIKeAV9u0C&q=norton+dominator+daytona+beach+1953&pg=PA210 |language=en}}
- {{cite book |last1=Walker |first1=Mick |title=British Motorcycles of the 1960s and '70s |date=20 January 2013 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |location=Oxford [England] |isbn=978-0-7478-1315-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0uICwAAQBAJ&q=norton+dominator+model+88 |language=en}}
- {{cite magazine |title=Norton Space No.12 |date=March 1953 |magazine=American Motorcycling |via=WALNECK'S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER, MARCH 1990 |page=18 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K2raRfQhjrIC&q=norton+dominator+model+88&pg=PA34 |language=en |ref={{harvid|American Motorcycling March 1953}} }}
- {{cite magazine |title=The 497 cc Norton Dominator 88SS |magazine=Motor Cycling |date=11 May 1961 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wi-H6qDa-ugC&q=norton+dominator+88ss&pg=PA87 |via=WALNECK'S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER, DECEMBER 1995 |language=en|pages=52–56|ref={{harvid|Motor Cycling May 1961}} }}
- {{cite magazine |title=Norton "Two Group" Program For 1956 |date=December 1955 |magazine=American Motorcyclist |page=24 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8PsDAAAAMBAJ&q=norton+dominator+model+88&pg=PA24 |language=en|ref={{harvid|American Motorcyclist December 1955}} }}
External links
{{Commons category|Norton Dominator 88}}
- {{YouTube|f4UlWXF6vlE|Norton Dominator 88}}
{{Norton motorcycles}}