Performance Review: Norton Dominator 650 SS - [1963]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Dominator Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Dominator 650 SS is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1963. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1963 Honda C72 Dream.This particular Norton Dominator has a 647cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Honda CBR 650 R - [2024]

The 1963 Dominator shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R and the 2022 Honda CBR 650 R. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Dominator's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R | 2024cc.2022 Honda CBR 650 R | 2022cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton Dominator 650 SS in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1963 Norton Dominator shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally - [2025]

In terms of power the 647cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 49 bhp (36 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 36.8 lb-ft (49.9 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton Dominator you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS.

The 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS has a Power to weight ratio of bhp per ton and lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1963 Dominator competing with the No rows returned.

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton Dominator generating around lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the No rows returned.

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 1.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 1.5 secs, this makes the Norton Dominator 650 SS similar in acceleration to the 1965 Kawasaki W1 650 (1.5 secs) and the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf (1.6 secs). This Norton Dominator 650 SS also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS and the 1993 Kawasaki ZRX 400 DOHC

When talking about the performance of the 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1993 Kawasaki ZRX 400 DOHC (0 secs) and the 2008 Kawasaki KRR ZX-150 Ninja (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1963 version of the Norton Dominator 650 SS has a maximum speed of 119mph.

Top Speed of the 1963 Dominator equals the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS then how about a 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT (130 mph) and the 2024 Honda NT 1100 Manual (130 mph).

Related Links:

1963 Norton Dominator Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison