Norton ES2

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Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Easy-two’, the ES2 was launched in 1927, the first Norton to be built with a saddle tank and initiating a model name that was to survive until 1963. It is believed E stood for extra cost, S for sports and 2 denoted the second version of the 79mm x 100mm 490cc engine. 

By 1959 the bike had been fitted with the legendary Rex McCandless Featherbed frame and at last had the handling to match its 82mph performance - you could fall off an ES2 but only after grounding the footrest and the silencer to such an extent that you levered the back wheel off the road! It also had the excellent AMC gearbox, a revised cylinder head, modernised alternator electrics and an 8-inch front brake with full width hubs.

For 1961 the bike was further improved with the adoption of the Slimline frame which had the upper frame rails narrowed and a slimmer tank fitted to greatly enhance rider comfort while retaining the legendary handling.

We are advised that this seemingly complete machine started life as an RAC patrol bike. It has been off the road for 42 years, retaining its original buff logbook, rider's handbook and comes with a current V5 document. The bike has been protected by a layer of grease while in storage.

Highly respected in their day, a good example is a real pleasure to ride making the restoration of this machine a very worthwhile exercise.