Performance Review: Norton Dominator 77 - [1957]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Dominator Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Dominator 77 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1957. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1958 Honda C71 Dream and the 1958 Honda C100 Super Cub.This particular Norton Dominator has a 597cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1957 Dominator shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Dominator's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton Dominator 77 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1957 Norton Dominator shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 597cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 31 bhp (23 kW) @ 5750 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 29.5 lb-ft (40.0 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 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 1957 Norton Dominator 77.

The 1957 Norton Dominator 77 has a Power to weight ratio of bhp per ton and lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1957 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 2.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 2.4 secs, this makes the Norton Dominator 77 similar in acceleration to the 1988 Suzuki RH 250 X (2.4 secs) and the 1987 Suzuki RH 250 X (2.4 secs). This Norton Dominator 77 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 1957 Norton Dominator 77 and the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 7 Twin

When talking about the performance of the 1957 Norton Dominator 77 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 2023 Yamaha Tracer 7 Twin (0 secs) and the 2022 Honda C 125 Super Cub (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1957 version of the Norton Dominator 77 has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 1957 Dominator equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1957 Norton Dominator 77 then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1957 Norton Dominator Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison