1952 Norton ES2, 500cc matching engine frame, excellent runner on the road

1952 NORTON ES2. 500cc

Here is a very sound example of one of the most famous Norton 500cc singles. the sporting and sought after ES2. This genuine example dates from 1952. It is in generally very good all-round condition. Not freshly restored but nice and presentable and useable too.

It starts easily and sounds excellent mechanically. It doesn't smoke. shake. rattle or roll. It's a typical good old thumping British 500!

Riding the bike is comfortable and smooth. It pulls like a train. gears & clutch are all good. The dynamo is charging well and the speedometer is working well (although the glass is cracked).

Brakes are in good order and the bike performs really well. There is however a tendency to pop in the exhaust on the over-run which didn't seem go away even when I adjusted the pilot jet air screw. but carburation and tick-over seem perfect otherwise!

The bike comes with V5C document. registration is 929 UXS (cannot be transferred to another vehicle). frame number is G4. 40702 and engine number also is G4. 40702

There is no need for an MOT as this is pre-60 exempt. There is historic class (free) road tax valid until 31. 08. 14.

There is also a factory record extract letter from the Norton Owners Club stating that the bike left the factory on 14th Sept 1951. went to a dealer “Tew” in Petersfield Hants and was subsequently sold to a Mr T. F. Morgan of Bognor Regis.

Cosmetically the bike is very presentable and in generally very good order. It is not pristine or concours by any stretch of the imagination.

The paintwork on the frame is in decent all round condition but is not particularly lustrous and has light chips here and there. Also the black paint on the mudguards and toolbox etc. is all good but not show standard finish. The tank has been done to a good standard but is now showing some age again.

Front wheel rim has excellent chrome and has been correctly lined with silver centre and red pin-striping. Unfortunately some of the red pin-striping has flaked off in places. The spokes and nipples are good clean & rustless. Front tyre is a hardly used Avon ribbed Speedmaster.

The rear rim has perfect chrome and all the lining is nicely intact! The spokes & nipples are all clean and rust free. The rear tyre is a hardly used Avon SM.

The exhaust is most probably stainless steel. It has dulled all over as stainless usually does when used on exhausts.

All in all this is a tidy. used & useable example of the much sought after ES2.

Don't miss this super British 500cc single!