BMW R42 vs Norton Dominator 88SS (1962)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R42stacks up against the Norton Dominator 88SS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R42 | Norton Dominator 88SS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1928 | 1962 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 12 hp | 36 hp |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | — | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.5-26 / 3.5-26 | — |
BMW R42 vs Norton Dominator 88SS — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R42 and the Norton Dominator 88SS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R42 brings 12 hp, while the Norton Dominator 88SS counters with 36 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: