1966 Dominator?

Voodooo

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I currently have a 2016 commando 961 and also a 2016 dominator 961.

I’m interested in purchasing a classic Norton and have found a 1966 dominator 650 SS. Is there such a thing as a 66 dominator or are they atlases? Without tearing the motor apart how can I tell if it’s a 650 dominator or a 66 atlas 750?
 
The 650 ss will have an engine number starting with 18.
There should also be an SS stamp after the 18 with the SS 650.
 
... also an easy way to see if it's not an Atlas - only the Atlas had the timed breather directly on the primary end of the cam tunnel.
All smaller capacity versions (650ss included) had the hose connected below the LH rear off the crankcase, just below the barrel.
I believe the bore of the 750cc Atlas meant there was no longer room for the internal gallery to the back position.
 
The 650ss certainly is a very smart motorcycle.

Does the Atlas really vibrate as badly as it’s reputation suggests?

Either of them with JS Ultra light rods and pistons certainly has a lot of appeal.
 
Engine number will start 18 SS and possibly a P at the end. Pumstead works. Crankcase breather at rear below left cylinder barrel unless after 42 years ive got a atlas with 650 pistons etc.
 
The 650 ss will have an engine number starting with 18.
There should also be an SS stamp after the 18 with the SS 650.

SS stamp after the 18.... only starting in 63...

500-600-650 are small bolt pattern barrels and all have rear intake drain hole.
750 and 850 are large bolt pattern barrels and these also have intake drain down hole (moved to a totally different location).
 
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67 engine on my old rattler, mongrel with a 62 slimline, ex rac es2 combo unit. Commando front end and has out lasted several other relationships. Earplugs are the only answer for both. !!!
 
The 650ss was listed in Guiness World records as the World's fastest production motorcycle in 1964.


Glen
 
The 650ss certainly is a very smart motorcycle.

Does the Atlas really vibrate as badly as it’s reputation suggests?

Either of them with JS Ultra light rods and pistons certainly has a lot of appeal.
I had my Atlas crank balanced then went to a Boyer and a single Mikuni, solving the problem of how to put an air cleaner on it. The vibration is much reduced and is low frequency, not the annoying high buzzy feel it originally had. Yes my Atlas lived up to all the stories of being a viscious vibrating monster. Astounding that the factory thought that was OK.
 
Mines a 66/67 650 SS :) Plumstead built. starts 18ss on the engine ends with a /P for Plumstead. Love it to bit's I got mine from the original owner who bought it in 67' got the original bill of sale with the postage stamp and everything :)
 
You lucky blighter, as we say if we was posh. Jammy git if not. Apparently there's a ex rac combo in the shuttle worth collection with a pre suffix reg plate one digit off mine, as I said she's a bitsa but still loved after 42 years.
 
I aquired my Feb. '62 650 SS from the first owner. He blew it up after 10,000 miles in the late sixties, & it was left standing in his garage for forty years until I came along. As found, the only parts it didn't leave Bracebridge St. with were a replacement rear tyre & a pair if Dunstall long megas.
When I rebuild the engine I had the crank dynamically balanced to 65% & it is lovely to ride & smooth enough from 1000 to 7000 rpm. It is one of the bikes I would not part with.
 
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