One aspect that stands out in the bespoke bicycle world is the abundance of good-natured humor. David Gwyther, the creative force behind Death Spray Customs, brings a distinctive “Why so severe?” perspective to the customized scene. Utilizing his signature custom paint designs, he has transformed an array of items, including Nascar cars, bicycles, car hoods, helmets, and motorcycles, each one as unique and irreverent as the next. A guy like that likely trips over his own ego. A truly brutal 1959 Norton Dominator.
The Dominator was introduced by Norton in response to Triumph’s Velocity Twin in 1948. The Norton Dominator’s potent 500cc parallel-twin engine, nestled within its iconic featherbed frame, presented a formidable force on the road. The Dominator’s impact on Norton’s future production cannot be overstated; its design legacy effectively set the tone for the next three decades, an extraordinary testament to its enduring influence.
The 1959 ‘Dommie’ variant of David’s sports model features a larger 600cc powerplant, characteristic of subsequent iterations, which generates approximately 31 horsepower. While the DSC Dominator’s engine remains in inventory, it is distinct from all others except for a single Mikuni carb conversion, with energy output determined by its unique manufacturing facility specification of 31 bhp. The bike’s chassis remains largely unchanged, except for the modifications David has implemented to enhance the bodywork and control systems.
A set of custom-designed rear suspension components positions his feet for added aggression when navigating sharp turns. The aluminium race tank and Manx seat are exchanged for unique manufacturing facility components at Norton, while a reproduction Honda CR750 race fairing is customised to fit the Norton’s narrower proportions by being narrowed and trimmed accordingly. David has further enhanced the bike’s stability by incorporating a central oil reservoir situated just ahead of the rear wheel. David’s attention-grabbing makeover of his Norton motorcycle features a bold white-on-black polka dot paint job, complemented by a striking banner graphic wrapping around the front fairing, adding a touch of whimsy to this pivotal milestone in Norton’s storied history.
