FEATURED IN THE JANUARY 2019 ISSUE OF ROADRACING WORLD…
The premier road racing class in the 1960s was very different from the current MotoGP class. The only factory team competing was MV Agusta; the rest of the bikes in the field were British single-cylinder machines, mostly Manx Nortons. While the Manx was a good bike, the engine was expensive to make.
In 1957, Doug Hele, a skilled engineer and avid road racing fan, started developing the 500cc twin-cylinder Norton Dominator 88 roadster engine for racing, calling it the Domiracer. Hele felt it could make as much power as the Manx, weigh less and cost 20% less to produce. With over three-quarters of the 500cc class riding Manx Nortons and increased road racing interest in America, the potential sales looked promising.
Plans to enter the 1961 Senior TT on the Isle of Man with a full-on racebike were made at the end of the 1960 season…
“Historic Racebike Illustrations” in the January 2019 issue of Roadracing World
In this month’s installment of “Historic Racebike Illustrations” Mick Ofield highlights the Norton 500cc Domiracer, and a tale of one man’s dream to make a better racebike to take on the dominant single-cylinder GP bikes of the day. While Doug Hele’s machine did not take the 1961 Senior TT win he so badly wanted, rider Tom Phillis became the first rider to lap the TT circuit at more than 100 mph on a pushrod Twin – a feat not matched until 1969. Story, vintage photo and illustrated details of 1961 Norton 500 Domiracer, all in the January 2019 issue of Roadracing World.
Roadracing World& Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR INSTANT ACCESS!
PREVIEW the January 2019 Issue
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Log in or subscribe HERE.
Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Visit www.roadracingworld.comdaily for breaking news and events.
https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
https://twitter.com@roadracingworld
https://instagram.com@roadracing_world
Join the Roadracing World Online Community of Racers, Riders,& Fans. Post photos and results, make connections with sponsors, and more! Create your Roadracing World Online Profile today!
www.roadracingworld.com/signup