1951 Norton ES2

Andy Marks
19 hours ago
4 min read

I bought my 1951 Norton ES2 in 2013 with the intention of using it for rallies and longer trips around the UK and Europe. Since then, I've continually developed the engine, chassis and touring setup to create a classic Norton that is comfortable, reliable and capable of covering serious distances. These pages document the modifications I've made and what I've learnt from around 15,000 miles on the road.

A Brief History of the Norton ES2

The ES2 was first introduced into the Norton range in 1928. It shared its cycle parts with the CS1 but had an OHV engine. Throughout its production life, the ES2 generally offered a more up-to-date specification than the Model 18. 1939 saw the introduction of plunger rear suspension as an optional extra, however this was short lived as the ES2 was dropped from production during WW2. When reintroduced in 1947, plunger rear suspension and telescopic Roadholder forks were standard. In 1948 the engine received a major redesign including an oil feed to the rocker box, stronger timing side crankcases and significantly improved valvetrain.

1950 saw the introduction of the Laydown gearbox which reduced the gear-lever travel, making the gearbox easier to use. They didn't, however, do anything to limit the persistent oil leaks. Later updates included a larger petrol tank, swinging arm rear suspension (Pre-Featherbed, Wideline and Slimline frames where all used), alloy cylinder heads and alternator/coil electrics to name a few.

The Story of My ES2

I bought my 1951 Norton ES2 in 2013 to be used for regular trips away, both in the UK and abroad. It was purchased in the condition seen here, so although fairly scruffy it was mostly complete.

Vintage black-and-silver Norton ES2 motorcycle parked on a sidewalk under an East Main St sign, with old posters and a weathered look.

The initial restoration consisted of a complete strip-down, clean, repaint, rechrome and reassembly. I completed this in time for the 2014 riding season. However, following the season's riding, including a trip to France, I decided that the performance wasn't what it should be. The bike was perfectly usable, but the engine performance, handling and general touring setup all left considerable room for improvement.

Vintage black-and-chrome Norton motorcycle parked on a sunny path, with PHA 320 plate, grass and trees in the background.

Building a Classic Tourer

In the years since I have continued to work on, modify and upgrade my ES2 to make it the classic touring bike I want it to be. Rather than show you another shiny restoration, I will use these pages to focus on what I have done to build and prepare a classic Norton for rallies and long distance trips around the UK and Europe.

Vintage motorcycle with sidecar and PHA 320 parked on a grassy hilltop above sea and green valley under cloudy blue sky.

The Bike Today

Although I believe I will always see this bike as a work in progress, it has become my go-to bike for almost any multi-day rally, especially if I am carrying luggage from place to place. The sections below summarise how the bike has evolved. If you'd like to see the work in more detail, follow the links to the full articles.

Performance

The engine development means that this ES2 will comfortably cruise at 60-65 mph, whilst also being quite happy plodding along at 30 mph in top gear. I have seen 85 mph on the speedo whilst travelling back up through Germany in 2016, before I remembered how far from home I was and easing off!

Read the full article on the ES2 Engine Development

Handling

Improved damping in the forks has made the bike feel more planted on the road whilst a set of Avon Roadriders has also significantly improved the cornering compared with the more traditional Speedmaster/Safety Mileage combination I previously used.

Close-up of a black motorcycle rear rack and exhaust-mounted luggage box on a workshop floor, with worn metal and bolts. — Later modifications to the panniers significantly improved the handling

After some initial, and at times scary, issues caused when I first fitted the panniers, moving them forward and tucking them in to improve the weight distribution means that the handling is now almost as good with them on as it is without.

Read the full article on the ES2 Chassis Development

Stopping

A slightly later 8-inch front brake has helped here. I still think there is room for improvement, but the bike now stops well enough for me to be confident using the additional performance provided by the engine and chassis modifications.

Comfort

This is by far and away the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, including modern ones. I have ridden up to 300 miles in a single day on this bike, that's a lot of hours in the saddle! I'd had enough by the time I arrived at my hotel but had no concerns getting back on the bike the following morning.

Vintage motorcycle parked at Oberalppass 2046 m road sign, with snowy Alps and rustic huts under cloudy sky. — A bike needs to be comfortable if you're going to ride it from Sussex to Switzerland

Usability

The panniers, spare oil, sidestand and satnav all contribute towards this bike being incredibly easy to live with on the road. I think where this bike really shows its merit is in the fact that I enjoy taking it out for an evening ride to the local bike night just as much as I enjoy setting off across the Channel on it.