Norton 650 Dominator
Suspension Front: telescopic forks | Rear: swinging arm | |
| Brakes | Front: 8 in (200 mm) drum, Rear: 7 in (180 mm) drum | |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.00x19 front, 3.50x19 rear | |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 in (1,410 mm) | |
| Weight | 434 lb (197 kg) (dry) | |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 imp gal (16 L; 4.2 US gal) | |
| Footnotes / references [1][2] | ||
The Norton 650 Dominator was a 650 cc
Background
To satisfy the American market desire for larger displacement engines, the 650 cc Manxman was introduced as an export only model in 1961. A European styled version of the Manxman was shown in early 1962 at the Amsterdam International Auto Show and went on sale in April that year as the 650SS.[2] Single carburettor versions of the machine were also produced.[3]
Model variants
The 650 Dominator was initially produced in 3 variants; Standard, De Luxe and Sports Special (SS).[3]
650 Standard
The 650 Standard used a single carburettor version of the 650 engine. It was only produced in 1962 and 1963. Following the styling of the 88 and 99 Dominators, the bike was finished in 'Norton Grey' in '62[4] and polychromatic blue and black in '63.[5]
650 De Luxe
A two-tone finished version of the Standard was offered in 1962 only and designated the 650 De Luxe. It was finished in blue and dove grey.[4]
650 Sports Special
The 650 Sports Special was the most popular version of the 650 Dominator and was the only variant offered from 1964 to 1967. It used the twin carburettor engine from the Manxman and was finished in black with a silver tank and chrome mudguards. Optional extras included a revcounter and a fairing.[6]
Motor Cycling magazine obtained a best one-way speed of 119.5mph during testing of the 650SS at the MIRA test track in February 1962.[3] A 650SS won the Thruxton 500 in 162, '63 and '64.[7]
Technical details
Engine and transmission
The 650 Dominator used the engine from the Manxman. The engine had its roots in the 1948
An alloy
A single
Primary drive was by chain to a multiplate
Cycle parts
The combination of slimline featherbed frame and Roadholder forks used on previous Dominators was carried forward to the 650. Alloy hubs containing 8 in (200 mm) front and 7 in (180 mm) rear drum brakes were fitted.[2][7]
References
- ^ a b c Reynolds 1990, p. 99.
- ^ a b c d e f Scaysbrook 2021.
- ^ a b c "1967 Norton Dominator 650SS Frame no. 123113 Engine no. 123113". Bonhams. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ a b "Extract from 1962 Norton Brochure". Retrieved 2 July 2021 – via www.collectorsweekly.com.
- ^ a b c "1963 Norton Brochure". Retrieved 2 July 2021 – via www.motobrit.com.
- ^ "1964 Norton Brochure" (PDF). Retrieved 2 July 2021 – via www.classicbike.biz.
- ^ a b Falloon 2020.
Bibliography
- Falloon, Ian (28 December 2020). "Falloon's Favourites: Norton 650 SS". INFO MOTO. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- Reynolds, Jim (1990). Best of British bikes. Patrick Stephens. ISBN 978-1-85260-033-4.
- Scaysbrook, Jim (9 April 2021). "Norton 650SS: Norton's top twin?". Old Bike Australasia. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
External links
- Norton 650SS on YouTube