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1960s Norton 650SS Dominator 650cc Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Norton 650SS (Super Sports), built from 1962 to 1967, is widely regarded as the sharpest of the Dominator twins. With twin Amal carburettors, a high-compression 646 cc engine and the renowned featherbed frame, the 650SS delivered genuine 100 mph performance and poise. Early 1962–1964 bikes, with period details and stronger racing association, tend to command a premium over later 1965–1967 machines unless the later bike is unusually original or well documented. Many UK survivors were used hard, so today originality, completeness and paperwork separate average examples from top-tier machines.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and year range)

Condition	Early (1962–1964)	Later (1965–1967)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may lack original carbs, clocks or mudguards; full rebuild required	£2,800 – £4,500	£2,200 – £3,800	Car & Classic – Norton 650SS archive; eBay UK completed listings
Roadworthy / Presentable Starts, runs and rides; typically older repaint or mixed fasteners; largely complete and usable	£5,800 – £8,500	£4,800 – £7,200	H&H Classics – Motorcycle results archive; Iconic Auctioneers – bike sale archives
Restored / Excellent High-quality restoration or very original survivor; matching numbers; correct finishes and twin-Amal setup	£9,500 – £14,000	£8,000 – £12,000	Bonhams – Motorcycle auctions; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: UK-supplied, matching-numbers early 650SS with documented history sit at the top of the ranges. Later 650SS remain desirable but typically trade lower unless exceptionally original. US re-imports with non-stock fittings or missing tinware trend 10–20% below midpoint.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality & completeness: Correct twin Amal carbs, Smiths instruments, mudguards, silencers and nacelle/lighting are key value drivers.
• Numbers & documentation: Matching engine/frame, factory records, old logbooks, MOTs and invoices can add thousands.
• Frame & cycle parts: Featherbed frame condition (no repairs at headstock), correct fork yokes, wheels and brake hubs affect confidence.
• Engine health: Top-end wear, cam/followers, sludge trap and crank condition heavily influence pricing.
• Restoration quality: Period-correct paint codes/decals, fasteners and finishes (avoid over-polish) outperform cosmetic-only refreshes.
• Market timing: Spring/summer sales are strongest; winter brings more projects and keener pricing.

Conclusion

The UK market recognises a clear early/late split for Norton’s 650SS. Projects range from £2.8–4.5k (early) and £2.2–3.8k (late). Usable roadworthy examples achieve around £5.8–8.5k (early) versus £4.8–7.2k (late). Collector-grade restored or very original survivors sit in the £9.5–14k (early) and £8–12k (late) brackets, with premiums for matching numbers, correct parts and thick history files. Buyers continue to pay for correctness and provenance over shiny paint alone.

Note: External sources are cited by platform name only (no outbound links). Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from sale records at the time of writing.

All Valuations