Performance Review: Norton Dominator 88 SS - [1961]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Dominator Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Dominator 88 SS is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1961. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1962 Norton Atlas 750 and the 1961 Honda C77 Superhawk CB 77.This particular Norton Dominator has a 497cc 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 1961 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 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 185 kgs (407 lbs) this makes the Norton Dominator 88 SS in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700, give or take 50kg.

The 1961 Norton Dominator shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 497cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 36 bhp (26 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 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 Yamaha Ténéré 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 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 1997 Kawasaki KLR 250 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1961 Norton Dominator 88 SS.

The 1961 Norton Dominator 88 SS has a Power to weight ratio of 194.5 bhp per ton and 159.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1961 Dominator competing with the 1997 Kawasaki KLR 250 DOHC [218.9 bhp\ton] and the 1980 Suzuki GS 450 S [218.9 bhp\ton].

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 159.4 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 1976 Yamaha IT 400 Single Cylinder [184.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1977 Yamaha IT 400 Single Cylinder [184.3 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 19.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 19.4 secs, this makes the Norton Dominator 88 SS similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Voyager (19.0 secs) and the 2017 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Voyager (19.0 secs). This Norton Dominator 88 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 1961 Norton Dominator 88 SS and the 1998 Honda CMX 250 Rebel

When talking about the performance of the 1961 Norton Dominator 88 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 1998 Honda CMX 250 Rebel (0 secs) and the 1995 Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan Classic (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1961 version of the Norton Dominator 88 SS has a maximum speed of 110mph.

Top Speed of the 1961 Dominator equals the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1961 Norton Dominator 88 SS then how about a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R (121 mph) and the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SP II (121 mph).

Related Links:

1961 Norton Dominator Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison