1952 Norton ES2
A standard motorcycle from 1952, the 1952 Norton ES2 delivers 22hp from its 490cc OHV single engine.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- OHV single
- Displacement
- 490 cc
- Cylinders
- 1
- Power
- 22 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque
- 30.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 79.0 × 100.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Amal carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel single cradle
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 4-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 125 km/h (78 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 170 kg (375 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 182 kg (401 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 780 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1380 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 14.0 L
History & Story
Norton's 1952 Norton ES2 arrived in 1952 as a standard motorcycle designed for the discerning rider. Produced in United Kingdom, it quickly earned recognition as a capable standard motorcycle from the 1950s.
At the heart of the 1952 Norton ES2 sits a 490cc OHV single engine producing 22 horsepower at 5000 rpm. The single-cylinder powerplant features a single-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Amal carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel single cradle frame, the 1952 Norton ES2 suspends its 170 kg (375 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1380 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1952 Norton ES2 achieves a claimed top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 780 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
At the heart of the 1952 Norton ES2 sits a 490cc OHV single engine producing 22 horsepower at 5000 rpm. The single-cylinder powerplant features a single-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Amal carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel single cradle frame, the 1952 Norton ES2 suspends its 170 kg (375 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1380 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1952 Norton ES2 achieves a claimed top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 780 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Known Issues
- Isolastic mounting rubber bushings wear
- Oil leaks from numerous gasket surfaces
- Lucas electrics need attention
- Gearbox mainshaft bearing wear
- Period-correct fasteners and hardware hard to find
Fun Facts
- The 1952 Norton ES2 was produced in Norton's United Kingdom facilities
- The 1952 Norton ES2 featured a steel single cradle frame typical of 1950s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Moderate
- Collector Rating
- 5/10
Resources & Parts
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