Norton Dominator 99

Launched in 1948, the original 497cc Dominator was designed by Bert Hopwood to compete against the Triumph Speed Twin which he had also helped to design. The 596cc featherbed framed Model 99 was introduced in 1956 as a larger capacity version of the 500cc Model 88. The 99 had a power output of 31bhp, partly due to a higher compression ratio possible with the alloy head introduced a year earlier. Full-width alloy hubs with improved brakes had also been introduced a year earlier, preparatory for the capacity increase from 500cc to 600cc.

First registered in August 1956, this Norton Dominator 99 was purchased by the current vendor from Spinning Wheel Garage in 1997. Although the bike was in good condition when acquired, between 2000 and 2004 it was treated to a nut-and-bolt restoration by Robin James of Leominster at a total cost of some £19,000. This included rebuilding and balancing the engine and fitting a new Amal carburetor. The seat was also recovered in leather and the original Featherbed frame restored. Since the restoration was completed the bike has only covered some 560 miles and is said to remain in very good order throughout. In August 2004 the finished bike was featured in a six-page article in ‘The Classic Motorcycle’ magazine, a copy of which is retained in the history file.