Norton 1958 Model 88 497 cc 2 cyl OHV 3510

Norton 1958 Model 88 “Dominator” 497 cc OHV twin frame # N122 77652 engine # 76767 14P

Inspired by the popular success of Triumph’s pre-war Speed Twin and aware that other factories were working on their own versions, Norton realised that if they were to have any future after World War 2, they too needed a twin engine. The job was undertaken by Bert Hopwood, who had worked on the development of Edward Turner’s original Speed Twin design and had vast experience in the industry. Chief design point was the use of only a single camshaft for inlet and exhaust valves, in place of the two used by Triumph and all the other factories. The design had to work within the constraints of Norton’s antiquated manufacturing machinery as well as being able to run on the poor quality post-war petrol. And for reasons of economy, it had to fit into the existing single cylinder model’s frame. Such thoughts as these were behind the choice of a single carburettor, with close inlet ports and exhausts. Fitted into plunger cycle parts from the range-leading ES 2 single, with some cosmetic changes including a special tank and mudguards, this became the Norton Model 7 Dominator, launched in 1949. It was phased out in 1956, having long been overshadowed by its replacement, the De-Luxe, or Dominator 88, which first appeared in 1952. Mind you, just for overseas markets, only in 1954 the home marked would be supplied with the new model. What made the 88 special was its frame, a close copy of the successful Featherbed used on the works Manx Norton racers. Weighing some 9 kg less than the Model 7, it handled and went rather better than its predecessor. In 1956 a 597 cc version of the Model 88 appeared, identical to its 497 brother apart from the slightly more powerful engine: the 88 delivered 29.5 hp @ 7,000 rpm, the 99 put out 34 hp @6,500 rpm.
On February 28, 1957 The Motor Cycle published a road test of the Model 88, with the heading: “Stylish High-performance Roadster with First-class Steering, Roadholding and Brakes”. A minor point of criticism was the position of the footrests, they “are a shade too far forward for a high-performance machine; in consequence, several consecutive hours of high-speed riding produced a mild ache in the rider’s thighs and forearms.” The overall test result was excellent though: “To sum up, the latest Model 88 is a good-looking five-hundred twin with a zestful and tireless engine, remarkably powerful brakes and a well-subdued exhaust. Steering is in the best Norton tradition and will please the many enthusiasts who rightly insist on fist-class high-speed handling.”

Our polychromatic grey machine was originally sold in The Netherlands and was first registered on March 31, 1959. She has been restored to a high level and is a sweet and strong runner, with powerful brakes and excellent roadholding. She comes with practical oil pressure gauge and current Dutch registration.

Video: https://youtu.be/vZZ1y7dRstw