MODERN CLASSIC. Phase 1 Objective:- To develop a good looking Featherbed ES2 cafe racer, with better than standard performance while still reliable and low maintenance. Norton first produced the ES2 in 1927, and the model was offered for almost 40 years. This leaves me in the precarious position of having to explain to the Mrs why this would be a good purchase, whilst focussing on the investment and appreciation in value the bike is sure to continue enjoying in coming years. patrolmen have covered over 100 million miles since the war on similar machines. Norton has long enjoyed a unique place in motorcycle history and continues to draw inspiration from the past whilst building on the Norton legacy for the future. They failed to fool anyone, let alone the buying public. When trying to date a engine/frame, the year code letter is the most useful up to 1960. There are some exceptions to this. Norton ES2 Pdf User Manuals. The ES2 made its debut at the 1927 Olympia Show and was generally produced to a more up to date specification than the Model 18. The ES2 shared its heritage and most of its fittings with the Model 18. As an all-time favourite, the Norton ES2 enjoyed a long association with the general motorcycling public. English Norton Model ES2. In 1959, the ES2 and its smaller brother the Model 50, both of which had been in production for well over 25 years acquired the wideline Featherbed frame; though some cynics may say that the power output of the smaller machine hardly warranted the change. View online or download Norton ES2 Maintenance Manual And Instruction Book Post-war the Model 18 was the first pushrod Norton to go back into production in 1946. History of Vintage, Veteran and Classic Norton Motorcycles. The Norton ES2 was one of the most typical and best British 500cc singles. Norton ES2 Pdf User Manuals. Norton model ES2 500 c.c. 1959 to 1970. This 1948 Norton 490cc ES2 is one of those timeless, classic motorcycles that I could actually afford. Other Frames: The serial numbers are on the headstock. Introduced in 1932, Norton's ES2 had firmly established its credentials in pre-war years. On the immediate post-war models, the most obvious difference between the two was the ES2's plunger rear suspension. The serial numbers have been known to have some overlap from one model year, or calender year, to the next. This is a 500cc open OHV of 1935. The ES2 was the more sporty version of this 18. This Phase is complete and Phase 2 is under way. 490cc OHV 1964 This machine was a rebadged Matchless G80 or AJS Model 18 marketed by AMC with some Norton parts fitted including the wheel hubs, brakes and front suspension.