1961 Norton ES2

Few significant events took place in 1927, and they are.

• Bond frontman Roger Moore is born.
• First non-stop solo flight in the Spirit of St. Louis by Charles Lindbergh.
• At Wembley, Cardiff City knocks Arsenal 1–0 to win the FA cup and
• For motorcycle fans, its the glorious year as Norton makes the headlines by bringing the sports roadster ‘ES2’.  

Well, we are taking the latter. Norton produced the ES2 from 1927 until 1964.

Introduction

When it comes to exclusivity, there is a reason why the ‘ES2’ ranks high and the present model we are talking is 1961 ES2 model.

The ‘ES2’ is the first Norton motorcycle to get the saddle-type gas tank.

It is dubbed as ‘Easy Two’, due to its simple design and reliability. The ‘E’ stands for a high cost, and the ‘S’ stands for the sports model. 

Wholesome  beauty

Engine

Not to forget the ES2 is Norton’s second version of the 490-cc single-cylinder OHV engine (hence the “2” in ES2).

The Norton long-stroke pushrod engine comes with a bore and stroke of 79 mm x 100 mm and gets 33 horses @ 5,500 RPM with a top speed of 82 MPH. 

Unlike today’s motorcycle, the ‘ES2’ carries a right-foot four-speed transmission with left-side chain drive to the rear wheel. Responsible for dispensing the fuel is Amal monobloc carburettor.

Sublime engine

Appearance 

The motorcycle gets a pretty cool coil-type distributor and six-volt positive ground electrics and a kick starter. 

The models born in 1962 were built with a slender frame and fuel tank, to provide maximum comfort to the rider.

The frame gets the rear hydraulic shock absorbers. The earlier ‘ E2’s built-in 1950’s arrived with a British featherbed frame. 

Another side angle 

Compare to traditional feather bed frames; the slender frames are more forgiving.

The chassis is attached to Norton’s Roadholder telescoping front fork and the laced front wheel sports 8 x 1.25-inch mechanical drum brakes and 3.00 x 19 tires. 

The rear wheel has 3.50 x 19 rubber and cable-operated 7-inch drum brakes.

Again the beautiful ES2

Acquisition 

In 1961 AMC motorcycle acquires Norton. The ‘ES2’ production is moved from Birmingham, England, to their Woolwich factory in southeast London.

The red paint scheme is uncommon among ES2s; most easy Twos are silver. 

The motorcycle, in its original American red colour scheme, is built for export to the U.S. for Berliner Brothers, a leading British motorcycle importer in America at the time.

The Rear

ES2 models were later badged Matchless from 1964 to 1966; however, the Matchless motorcycle’s are equipped with the AMC short-stroke 490-cc engine and shared only the front telescoping forks with the earlier Norton models.

Richard Hosley of Guilford, Connecticut restored this motorcycle. Richard is the second owner, and on the odometer, the bike has slightly crossed 16,000 miles.

In September 2013 at the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance at Saratoga Springs, New York, this motorcycle was displayed.

The owner of this Motorcycle is Mr. Reuben Solomon of Pune. India.

Specifications 

• Engine: 490cc air-cooled OHV single cylinder Horsepower: 33 bhp @ 5,500 RPM .
• Transmission: Four-speed gearbox with chain drive to the rear wheel.
• Wheelbase: 56 inches Seat Height: 31.5 inches.
• Weight: 380 pounds (dry).
• Price now*: Good: $3,640 Very good: $5,770 Excellent: $10,050 (KBB) Excellent: $6,680 .
• Trade-In: $4,230 *NADA.