ES 2 (2004)

I am looking for an ES 2 from around 1950. It does not need to be complete.

If anyone has one for sale, I'd be very interested especially if its in or near California.

Jerry

Jerry,

There is a really nice looking ES 2 on Ebay. The bike is located in Washington state, which is only one state away from California.

Jason

50s ES2

Hi Jerry,

Art Sirota was selling his '47 Model 18, but expensive.

ES2

Thanks for the heads up on the expensive one!

I want to put my own together. For me thats part of the fun. How much is expensive?

I can't find the ebay one so it must have ended!

I'll keep you posted on my ES2 search. I'm in no rush.

Thanks for the feed back,

Jerry

ES2

Hi Jerry,

Here's the ebay bike

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... otohosting

Last I heard Art wanted $15K. For that you can get an overhead cam model.

You're looking for a plunger type? I can keep my eyes open.

Keeping eye out

The Ebay ES2 is too late for me.

I'm looking for one around 1950. Preferably one in poor condition or if I could get the motor and frame, I can build it from that point.

Take care,

Jerry

early 50s ES2

Hi Jerry,

The tinware for these is very scarce (expensive), so try to find one that has all the parts if you want it to look original. I'll let you know if I see one.

David,

The ebay bike just hit its reserve at $7500. Apparently he's not insisting on 15 grand anymore.

What a beautiful bike. Maybe I should buy it. Will probably sell for a lot less than that Goldstar I was drooling over. But I don't know what I'd do with it. The bike is too pretty to ride and I don't feel like having a motorcycle in my living room (even if it is an award winning show bike). Oh well.

Debby
clueless dreamer

Debby
Put $5k into your Commando and you'll have a better bike to ride than the ES2 and close to the same condition if not better. Yeah you'll be upside down on the Commando but if you take care of the Commando and ride it too you will get your money back. One ride on a 500 single and you will not believe how slow they are. Elegant maybe, unique for sure, fast they are not.
If you really want a 500 single, I understand the new India built Royal Enfield with electric start is proving to be much improved over the earlier ones imported and they sell for less than $5000 new.

Scooter

ES2

Debbie,

The e-bay ES2 isn't Art Sirota's. He has a '47 Model 18 (cheap version of the ES2) that he wants $15K...good luck Art.

Scooter,

I agree with completely but didn't want to take the wind out of Jerry's sails wanting an ES2. I sold my '61 the year before last because it was just too slow...and I used the money for a '74 JPN. Still, sitting in your living room a '50 ES2 would look really nice!

Yea, I sold the JPN also. Most uncomfortable machine I ever rode. The Commando in roadster form is the best.

Junior mentioned the Indian Royal Enfield Bullet. I have a 2001 - kick start only version. I like it alot, but it too is not up to the traffic conditions, unless all you want to do is ride up and get an ice cream cone. Cruising over 55 is not recommended, which is difficult to judge as the speedo is rather optimistic. My date lives 125 miles distant, in a very small town - 95% interstate - hammering it in the car takes me about 1.5 hrs. I rode the Bullet down during the 4th of July holiday. It took me 4 hours, using only secondary roads - I did, however, win "Best Non-Harley" at the car/motorcycle show the town had. I have read Pirsig and agree with the philosophy, but that last hour and a half in driving rain - without any raingear - made me question the utility.
That said, the machine is one of the coolest things I have had. I have always wanted a big 4 stroke single. I don't think I will ever sell it - I understand that resale value is not the best anyway. But, I love it.
The lack of speed, however, is what has spurred me to get my '74 Interstate back on the road. If I can maintain 70mph cruise, on the interstate, on the Interstate, the likelihood of being run-over should be less likely, and cut my travel time significantly.
Singles are cool, however. no doubt about it.
Best regards
Todd

1951 Model 18

Hi Jerry,

I see the NCNOC website has this in the for sale section...$6500. The difference between an ES2 and a Model 18 is the frame. The ES2 has a plunger rear suspension and the Model 18 has a rigid rear.

www.nortonclub.com

It's cheaper than the'61 ebay ES2 that finally sold for $8000.

Hi Jerry,
Bringing this back from 2004. Did you ever find an around 1950 model 18 or ES2? There has been an ad in Fairfield, Ca for about a year for what is listed 1952 model 18. It shows F3 so actually a ‘51. It belonged to the sellers dad and is stripped for off road. I was tempted, but to put it back to original would cost more than Hagerty says is the ”value”. Current price is $3500.

ILLF8ED said:

Hi Jerry,
Bringing this back from 2004. Did you ever find an around 1950 model 18 or ES2? There has been an ad in Fairfield, Ca for about a year for what is listed 1952 model 18. It shows F3 so actually a ‘51. It belonged to the sellers dad and is stripped for off road. I was tempted, but to put it back to original would cost more than Hagerty says is the ”value”. Current price is $3500.

Click to expand...

Hi David,

Thanks for looking out for me. I could not find an ES2 when I was looking. That’s when I came across and purchased the BSA Super Rocket. I am focused on that now. If it were a later swinging arm one in basket case I would be more interested. I am kind of overloaded now, got the MK3 in bits all over the place as well as BSA parts laid out. I need more space (a barn). I think my BSA will be finished next year and I will be on the lookout again for a late ES2 after that,

Cheers

understand. The price just went down to $3000, but I’m still resisting. I even passed on a formerly raced 1960 BSA DBD34GS for $800 being sold locally a couple of months ago.

I know, its very difficult to resist buying these old bikes, if there is a bargain. I got to focus on what I have already, to keep them all running well. We all remember when they (ES2's etc.) were in abundance as well as the parts, not so much any more. We are spoiled with our commandos as its so easy to get parts. I need to get in the garage soon. I got the parts I need arriving to put my swinging arm back in the Mk3. I have to get it done so I can get tyhe BSA back up on the lift and carry on with that. Its still riding weather here on and off. Snowing today and its going to be 60 degrees and sunny on weekend.

Exactly

Well the ES2 would be an excellent choice... they are seriously tough.. btw the single downtube handles well enough for you not to get scared..

oldmikew said:

Well the ES2 would be an excellent choice... they are seriously tough.. btw the single downtube handles well enough for you not to get scared..

Click to expand...

I used to have a ‘61 slimline ES2. Still have the red ‘72 combat roadster.

Ilf8ed, those are really good looking bikes , how was the '61 to ride in modern traffic -did it seem under powered , was engine vibration an issue , sure is a beauty though.