Comprehensively recommissioned by avid Norton enthusiast
Incredibly rare model
Early example of one of the most important motorcycles in the Norton line up
First production Norton to utilise a featherbed frame
The Appeal
With the design legend Bert Hopwood set to the task, Norton’s all new creation post World War 2 was always going to be a success. The first production bike to utilise the marque’s legendary Norton Manx racing featherbed frame along with a twin cylinder engine to compete with offerings from Triumph, the Model 88 Dominator did a rather excellent job of cementing the Norton brand as a maker of truly great handling motorcycles.
The example we see here, an incredibly early 1953 model, has been under its current ownership for some 40 years, and in this time has seen an incredible transformation from the cafe racer style custom bike it was bought in back to near factory original condition, using the finest quality parts that could be sourced throughout the years.
From an aesthetic perspective, there’s certainly no knocking the Model 88. A true testament to the rebuild and restoration undertaken by the current owner the Norton presents in excellent cosmetic order. Formerly painted black with a more bespoke custom look to it, the Dominator now sits in the correct silver paint scheme with black and red detailing and is now of a far more original standard.
The paintwork itself is of a great standard, presenting with a good shine from all angles. The Norton decals and aforementioned detailing on the tank mirror the high quality seen throughout the rest of the bike and the somewhat iconic featherbed frame, coated in a neat all black finish is in equally great shape.
Front and rear we find a great set of Norton mudguards, with the point to note here being the all-important, original and rather rare rear mudguard piece that sits neatly over the rear wheel. Just above is the well upholstered Norton seat, which has remained unchanged throughout the bike’s lifetime, even during the bike’s custom phase in the 1970s and 80s.
Focusing on the front end of the bike, we are presented with a marvellous cluster of grips, levers and quality gauges detailed off nicely with chrome embellishments and detailing. At ground level, the wheels are alloy rims and new stainless steel spokes and both are in excellent order and really set the bike off nicely from an aesthetic perspective. VAG9zafmviGGHYW2WiHfSn5EgU4xwgkIm7d6ZWH3.jpeg658.23 KB
The Mechanics
Brilliant 497cc twin cylinder engine
Upgraded electronic ignition starter system
Horde of rare Norton mechanical pieces
Aptly labelled as one of the “great twins”, the wonderful 497cc twin cylinder found in the Model 88 is an absolute gem.
A brilliant performer on the road, the Bert Hopwood 497cc designed motor in this particular bike is in wonderful condition, both from an aesthetic and mechanical perspective. The engine, chains and ancillaries are all of a great standard, and upon start up work well to provide a wonderful idle and engine note that bellows through the excellent Norton, “pear drop” exhausts.
Perspective buyers will be interested to note that in the interests of reliability the somewhat temperamental magneto ignition system has been replaced in favour of a far better electronic ignition system. The wiring and necessary pieces for this are stowed neatly in a compartment under the seat. It should however be noted that if one wishes to reinstate the older ignition system, voltage control and the necessary parts are still in the current owner's possession to do this.
Complementing the excellent featherbed frame excellently, the front mounted “Road holder” suspension forks are in great order and present well. The same of course, can be said for the rear suspension setup.
Beautiful, well handling, highly original. One really can't go wrong with this Model 88. A far cry from its former “cafe racer” guise, this truly remarkable bike now boasts great clean bodywork and mechanicals, alongside a horde of genuine Norton parts, all presenting in excellent shape. There is no question this is certainly one of the most exciting to come to market in some time.
What better way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather than behind the handlebars of an iconic piece of classic motorcycle history.
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