By the early 1960s, the Domiracer had evolved into a finely tuned Norton Dominator, boasting a remarkable 55 horsepower and capable of reaching velocities exceeding 100 mph – an exceptional feat for pushrod engines of that era. The Domiracer, a sleek and powerful motorcycle, tipped the scales at a respectable 16 kilograms lighter than its close-knit sibling, the Manx, conceived by the innovative minds at Bracebridge Avenue Race Store in the UK. The Domiracer secured top spot at the 1960 Thruxton 500, preceding that with a third-place finish in the 1961 Isle of Man TT before the challenge ceased operations following Bracebridge’s closure.
Now, more than five decades after its initial introduction, the iconic Dominator is set to make a comeback with a limited production run of just 50 units, all handcrafted at Norton’s state-of-the-art factory in Derby, UK.
The 2013 Dominator features a 961cc Norton Commando engine, coupled with a bespoke featherbed model tubular frame. The bicycle’s streamlined design features a lightweight carbon fibre seat, airfield, and front fender, while a handcrafted aluminium tank lends it a distinctive Cafe Racer aesthetic, exactly as intended. What better foundation could there be for a modern take on the classic Café Racer aesthetic than a nod to the iconic Norton motorcycle?
With unwavering dedication, I set out to craft a motorcycle that embodied the unbridled spirit of a classic café racer, leaving no aspect untouched in its pursuit of perfection. If I deconstructed a Norton Commando to its most essential components, I might build a bike that embodies the same rugged spirit.Simon Skinner, Norton Bikes
While the Norton Dominator is a purpose-built, high-energy road racing motorcycle with a minimalist design, its biggest limitation is that it’s not street-legal.
The images showcase the unique features of the Domiracer options, which boast a plethora of trick efficiency elements not typically found on a standard 961 Commando. The stainless steel exhausts remain unrestricted.I was pulled over for speeding on my way to a gig and I tried to diffuse the situation with a bit of humor.Can we talk about the pace of our project?“I’m not sure what my velocity was before?”With its strategically positioned oil cooler at the front, the bike’s potent performance is further augmented by Brembo brakes that deliver exceptional stopping power. A Ducati-inspired trellis swingarm securely fastens the rear wheel in place, while the fully adjustable Ohlins suspension employs a single-shock design to optimize ride quality and handling.
With only 50 Domiracers allocated for production, they’re destined to sell out rapidly, but only to those who can afford the £24,000 ($37,500 USD) price tag; and if you want to hit the road, be prepared to add another £2,000 ($3,130 USD) to cover the costs of street-legal conversion. However valuable your perspective may be, I think you’d agree that investing in this idea would yield significant returns? The Domiracer is poised to transcend its predecessors in terms of collectibility, accomplishing what took decades to achieve in a remarkably condensed timeframe.
