1953 Norton Motorcycles Dominator 88

Specifications
Stock: N53-258
Current condition: SHOW-DRIVER
Performance: 500cc parallel twin w/ overhead valves, 29 hp
Transmission: 4 speed
Mileage: 28 miles since restoration
Tires: Avon Speed Master MK II 3.25-19 in the front, and MK II 3.50-19 in rear
Vin #: 50258
Engine #: 50258122
Description

This Dominator 88 motorcycle has been previously restored and has logged less than 30 miles since. The bike runs and drives very nicely, features a beautiful light blue finish that is accented with White pin striping and brilliant chrome. The Dominator also features a featherbed frame and Roadholder forks, dual chrome exhaust with art deco-like styling, a black seat with complimenting red piping, 6 volt charging system, and passenger footrests.

History

The Dominator is a twin cylinder motorcycle developed by Norton to compete against the Triumph Speed Twin. The original Dominator was designed in 1947 and 1948 by Bert Hopwood, who had been on the Speed Twin design team at Triumph. This design set the pattern for Norton twins for the next 30 years. The Featherbed frame was designed for Norton by the McCandless brothers and made by the Reynolds Company because the Norton Works did not have the necessary welding capacity for its manufacture. The Featherbed frame led to the Model 88 Dominator, also called the Dominator De Luxe, which used the same 497cc engine and was developed in 1951. Originally developed for export it was sold on the home market from 1953. Dominator production ran from 1948 until the 1960s.