1962 Model 88; previously 1957 basket case value?

[Kiwi]

Just talked with the owner and I am going to look at/get it Saturday, she tells me some people who have looked at it think it is a 1963, but I thought from my research they stopped making the model 88 in 1957?  It has apparently got matching serial numbers R727272 so I am told.  The pipes mufflers and seat were all purchased new from Birmingham at an aftermarket shop in 1992. The bike was brought to Butterworth Air force base Malaysia by a British flyer and sold to a Malaysian businessman who on sold it to the current owner for 600 ringgit, she has the receipt and it was running when she brought it back to Aussie, don't get me wrong I haven't forgotten the comments on its potential life as an UN-loved bike but its not a bad story and it has been worked on by a restoration bloke not too far from me.

How long did the model 88 get produced for in the 500cc?
What info do I need to provide for the answer?   

Cheers

Kiwi

[Kiwi]

One more question,

I note I am shown as an advanced user, I am curious as a newbie to your forum why I would be called advanced, is it my advancing years!

[wetdog]

look here numbers  http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Maintenance/NortonEngineNumbers.htm

[Kiwi]

Thanks for that, I guess I will need to see for my self as I don't see a match on the list.

[R]

You need to take a careful note of the engine numbers, and compare to that list - for year and model.
Also the frame number, on featherbeds stamped vertically near your left foot.

122 is the prefix code for a Model 88, could be from 1951 to somewhere in the mid 1960s.
Wouldn't be the first time seller thought it was a 54 wideline, and turned out to be a 68 Atlas.
Or something somewhere in  between... !!

[Kiwi]

Thanks very much gents, I am seeing on Sunday am, will get those photos and numbers.

By the way would you guys be interested in a link to see the flight of a Dehavilland Mosquito that has been getting re-built built in New Zealand over the last 5 or 6 years I have just watched the clip as it was flying in my old home town? I know its not on topic and I don't want to encourage a telling off by the moderator but it is the first one to fly since 1992 I think.

Cheers

[Stephen Foster]

Just did a "Google" search re the Mosquito ..brilliant video !
Thanks for the "headsup" .

Used to be friendly with one of the last remaining Mosquito Pilots flying in Coastal Command .

Best of luck with the Norton .

Regards,
Steve...

[Kiwi]

Great to hear you enjoyed it Steve, I was sure there would interest.

I have a good friend who is an engine builder at Ardmore airport in Auckland where the Mosquito was re-built and he has taken me to the Mosquito hanger from time to time to see the progress during construction over the years, I don't know the guys personally but it has been really neat to see it all happening. Ardmore is the base for many of the WWII War Birds aircraft and they perform famous displays at Wanaka in the south Island of NZ every second year at Easter.

Cheers

[wetdog]

had this in the shed for a very long time , very interesting history but is new as was never used , still has a fabric covering stuck on , for a 60hp moth @1929 i think , thought i might collect the rest of the plane but got interested in bikes (thank god)

[Kiwi]

There is no question the bikes have saved you!! I have spent a bit of time in aviation and keeping the new ones going is hard enough without restoring an old girl!

[wetdog]

it was the air worthy ness side that stopped me going any further , a good freind over here (rip jeff richarson , used to race in the 50/60s ferrari ) had his planes grounded and they where never flowen again , as for cost , once the bike diesese caught a hold i dont think theres much in it , as i have to admit it did get out of control when i found a fondness for ohc singles , now cured and just enjoying what i have .

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Hi,
Norton Dominator Model 88
Cop this article http://www.classicmotorcycle.co.uk/articles/2012-03/norton-dominator-model-88

....."but it didn’t do the sporty twin justice, and in 1952, the Dominator gained the McCandless duplex frame that had hitherto only featured on the racers.  The new machine was named the Model 88 Dominator De Luxe to differentiate it from the previous model, with a garden gate frame), – which remained available until 1955 – and it was instantly apparent that here was a unique combination of looks, performance and handling".

Also this..http://www.realclassic.co.uk/norton05031400.html
http://nortondominator88.com/ I hate the term collectors motorcycle aargh, they make them sound like bubble gum cards!

The 88 Dominator looks a together machine, nicely styled, perhaps the nicest of the Norton pre-Commando twins?


Cheers

JBW

[R]

Actually, the "Dominator Deluxe" name distinguished it from the new swingarm frame ( with the single downtube) , since the gardengate (plunger rear suspension) frame had just been retired into history.  But we won't quibble over names and ancient history...

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

R,
Extract from article! If they are wrong, put them right, otherwise incorrect information, just keeps circulating round
However, from genuine publications of 1951, Norton prices can be seen against the competition.
 I do know a little, about presumably, the 88s predecessor, the Model 7 Dominator, built 1949 mainly for the export market in Australia & the U.S. of A  for cruising @  sustained high average speeds, plunger-type rear suspension, Roadholder front forks, 497cc, (66 x 72.6mm), 29.5bhp @ 6,200rpm Gear ratios: 14.88, 8.85, 6.05, 5. Tank 3.3/4 gallons, weight 438lbs, Price 1951,  £232.8s.2d including Purchase Tax & a speedo;
The competition:
Triumph Speed twin, 498cc, £199.7s.10d;
Triumph 6T Thunderbird, 649cc, £208.5s.8d;
Vincent Black Shadow,998cc, £381, dead.
BSA Golden Flash, 648cc, £203.4s;
Ariel 4G Square4,997cc,£260.7s;
Matchless Super Clubman, 498cc, £234.19s;
Pricewise BSA were the thorn in Triumph's side!

Now you can see why Turner must have rubbed his hands together with glee when he moved to BSA!  Old rivalries never die!  Not sure, whether his heart was ever in Armoury Road, as stated in publications, amongst other things he tipped the Gold Star off its pedestal for starters.

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

OK gents here goes, I have just spent an hour or two going over it, I am not sure how many photos will be accepted hopefully I have reduced the files sizes enough with out making them hard to see.

What I can see missing thus far of real importance are; pistons and pins (good ones), Dizzy cap is cracked, header retainers, headlight chrome retainer, and what ever else you may see.

Is it possible to get new valves, springs and seats? Pistons an rings I guess are not too hard? new barrel assuming the old one doesn't mic up?