2017 Norton 961cc Dominator Donington Edition

Registration no. not registered Frame no. SAYCNE010HY001301 Engine no. 501-1678

• Limited Edition No.1 of only 6 produced
• This model was never available to the public
• Unused from new

From Norton's first motorcycle in 1902, a succession of single-cylinder racing and sporting machinery left the factory. The model 7 twin made its debut in 1948 later becoming the Dominator. From the initial capacity of 500cc the parallel twin engines enlarged steadily, ultimately becoming a 750 when the Atlas appeared. In 1968 the 750 Commando was released and after1973 was joined by the new 850 variant. Progressing through several versions, eventually the 850 incorporated an electric start on the Mark III models released in early 1975. Norton produced their very last Commando models in 1978, thereafter supplying the Mark II rotary to police forces. A limited edition of 100 Classic rotaries were released in 1987 in traditional Norton colours. Selling out rapidly, the pressure was on for other machines, and this was eventually fulfilled, after some delays, by the liquid-cooled Commander in 1988. The model lasted until 1992 when internal problems brought a halt to motorcycle production.

The Norton name travelled to the USA in the late-1990s under the ownership of Kenny Dreer of Oregon, who designed a modern take on the old Commando-type engine, and produced a contemporary version of a Norton twin with 961cc capacity. This model was named the 961 Commando, and entered production, theoretically, in 2006, but few were made. However, Dreer and his investors had achieved one important thing, apart from the new design, and that was to bring the question of the Norton name ownership to an end by consolidating the various claims to it. This left the field clear for Stuart Garner to purchase Norton in 2008 and, with the rights to produce and the new design, with some modifications production was started in 2010. Initial production of the Commando 961 continued as Norton worked towards improving the design, and several limited editions appeared with the traditional Norton model names, such as Dominator. Offered here is one such limited edition, although this is one of the more exclusive ones, as only six were made, and they were never available for dealers, or the public, to buy. Instead, this edition of the Dominator was for 'Friends' of the factory only, either sponsors, suppliers, or, as in this case, close neighbours of the factory. This was number 1 of this model to be released, and comes with a letter of authenticity signed by Stuart Garner. The bike has never been used or started, but kept in dry garage storage from new.

Documentation comprises the aforementioned letter from Stuart Garner together with the machine's handbook and service booklet in the original service pack. This bike is in
'as new', unused condition, and the new owner, should he wish to use it, will need to execute basic checks prior to use, and carry out running-in, according to the maker's instructions.