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MY CART

Norton ES2 - Chassis Development

Whilst working to improve the engine performance of my 1951 Norton ES2, I didn't just focus on making the engine go faster! I wanted a bike that I could use regularly, so I spent almost as much time making it handle and stop better. Although I am not worried about complete originality with this bike, I wanted to make these improvements without losing the classic lines and character of the ES2.


Vintage Norton motorcycle parked on a road overlooking green rolling hills under a blue, cloudy sky; plate PHA 320.

Suspension

A common problem with the plunger Nortons is how they bounce about over bumpy roads. I have seen some clever damping solutions for plunger Nortons but haven't done anything with this one yet. However, I have found that damping the front effectively makes a big difference to the overall handling of the bike by preventing the bike from getting into a rhythm after hitting a bump.


Norton Commando fork damper unit, black spring, screw and washer arranged on a black background, showing a disassembled mechanical component.

I fitted a set of later, Commando-type fork internals to my ES2 which offers a significant improvement over the original setup. I'd almost forgotten just how much better they were until I rode a friend's ES2 with standard internals. The very first bump I hit reminded me how much nicer my own bike is to ride.

 

There are, however, a number of other options on the market now. We fitted a set of RGM internals to a Model 18 since doing the ES2 and, if the time comes to change these, I think I would go for those next time. 

Brakes 

Once the performance started improving it became apparent that the standard 7" brake wasn't up to the task. It worked brilliantly for about 20 yards, then got hot and faded away to nothing. Not ideal when you’re still doing 40mph! After descending several Alpine passes on a trip to Italy in 2016,  I decided something had to change.

Two rusty circular metal wheel parts side by side on a black background, one silver and one dark brown.

I found a slightly later 8" Norton front brake on eBay. As it was designed to fit the same forks, it was a straightforward swap. After building it into a new rim, it went straight in and gave a marked improvement in braking.

Sidestand

Getting a Norton on and off the centre stand can be back-breaking work, especially once it has luggage on it. I find the best method is to stand slightly further back and pull the bike backwards rather than lifting it. Even so, I wanted an effective sidestand on my ES2 and the original Norton design just doesn't cut it. It's mounted onto the front engine plates and, being so far forward, I have seen more than one Norton lying on its side because the back end swings around and lifts the front wheel up.

Close-up of a metal motorcycle kickstand and mounting bracket against a black background.

I used a Norton stand and spring but made a completely new bracket, mounting it behind rather than in front of the engine. I had to shorten the arm and, rather than putting the original foot back on, I made a new one as large as I had space for to reduce the chances of it sinking into soft ground. Once finished, I had it all powder coated black and it fits in as if it has always been there.


I have no worries about leaving the bike on the sidestand now. I don't even attempt to use the centre stand if the bike is loaded or on uneven ground, where the sidestand tends to offer a more stable option.

Exhaust

I'll be honest: a big part of the reason I fitted a Brooklands can was because I like the look of them. The only downside, as far as I can tell, is the noise. when I was riding in Switzerland it was great fun until I noticed the people following me dropping back as soon as we saw a tunnel coming up!


By the time I got home from that trip I was ready to accept it was a bit much, so I fitted the baffle shown in the picture below. It's a piece of perforated tube, partially blocked at the end, welded onto the end of the downpipe. I'll never be able to sneak up on anyone, but it's toned it down slightly without costing me the distinctive bark of the Norton.


Close-up of a dirty motorcycle exhaust pipe and perforated heat shield on a red workshop floor, with oily parts and a tray below

The Result on the Road

None of these modifications were carried out to make the ES2 something it isn't. The aim has always been to improve the handling, braking and practicality while preserving the character that makes it such an enjoyable classic motorcycle to ride. It still feels unmistakably like a Norton ES2, just a better one.

What Would You Like to Do Next?



 
 
 

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