Under TVS ownership, Norton motorcycles are undergoing a resurgence, and motorcycling media outlets are engaged in discussion about the brand’s latest superbike, the Manx R. The Manx R is full of technology and modern styling, but not long ago, Norton was known more for its classic styling and riding characteristics, which created a more analog feel.
You don’t often see the bikes I’m referencing go up for sale, but there’s one up for auction now, and it belonged to Top Gear’s own Richard Hammond. Oh, and it’s extremely rare.
The former Grand Tour presenter is auctioning off his 2019 Norton Dominator Street historical auctioneer. The bike was a limited-edition model, hand-built and based on the standard 961 Dominator. Only 50 units were produced, and each was numbered from 1 to 50. The rarity of the bike is a selling point, but so is the fact that it was one of the last models produced by Norton ex-TVS ownership.
Photo by: Reputable Auctioneers
Norton fans will need no introduction to the 961cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin engine powering the Dominator Street. The iconic lump produced 80 hp at 6,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, giving the machine distinctive low-end grunt. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, and riders will have to do all the work of the clutch, as there is no quickshifter. The lack of a quickshifter is indicative of the rest of the motorcycle.
Apart from dual-channel ABS and electronic fuel injection, the Dominator Street was basically an analog bike. Although it came out in 2019, it had no TC, riding modes, wheelie control or cruise control. But that doesn’t mean the bike lacked hardware; Far away from.
Photo by: Reputable Auctioneers
If you’re lucky enough to win the auction, you’ll have a bike with performance parts like Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes. There’s always another feature to see once you park it, like the hand-beaten polished aluminum fuel tank, handcrafted 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust, carbon fiber flyscreen, or carbon fiber fenders. Unfortunately, this craftsmanship came at a time when Norton was struggling financially, and quality control was not well regulated.
There are some very well produced Nortons from this period, and ones that require owners to take advantage of their warranty. I can’t speak to the condition of this particular bike, but I can tell you that its odometer shows only 4,429 miles and it’s expected to be priced at £15,000 to £21,000 ($20,072 to $28,101).
