Norton ES2 Chassis Work
Although done side by side, there was quite a bit of chassis work to carry out in order to keep pace with the engine work. As the bike got quicker I wanted it to handle and stop better as well!
Suspension
A common problem with the plunger Nortons is how they bounce about over bumpy roads. There isn't a lot you can do with the plunger units but damping the front effectively makes a big difference and stops the bike getting into a rhythm after hitting a bump.
We have fitted a set of later, Commando type, fork internals to offer better damping, they offer a significant improvement over the original fork internals.
However, there are a number of other options on the market now. We have 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 to away to nothing. Not ideal when you’re still doing 40mph!
I found a slightly later 8” front brake on eBay, being a Norton brake designed to fit in the same forks it was a straight swap so, after building it into a new rim, it went straight in and this gave a marked improvement to the breaking.
Panniers
An important part of any touring bike, the panniers where bought with a rack to suite a modern Triumph. This was then modified to fit the ES2 frame whilst retaining the clips and fittings.
The panniers can be locked closed and locked to the bike, so the panniers offer a level of security for riding gear whilst out exploring the places you've stopped at!
This work was done in a bit of a rush before a rally and, after using the bike, I discovered the panniers were too far back. When fully loaded the bike started to weave at anything over about 50mph due to the lack of weight on the front wheel!
After putting up with it for several years by just not filling them up with anything too heavy, we cut the racks up again and managed to move them forward about 3.5", my heal just about clears the pannier now for starting with them on.
We took the opportunity to tuck them in as well and they are nearly 2" further in, making the bike 4" narrower with both panniers fitted. This was so tight that the right hand side pannier rubbed on the toolbox, rather than move it back out we moved the tool box in about 1/8" to regain some clearance.
The handling was transformed and it looks a lot neater as well. Win win!
Exhaust
Mainly to look good and clear panniers
Work on making it quieter
People dropping back when in tunnels in Italy!