Seen an ES2 for sale

So for the ebay one what do you think its worth......or what would you pay. I have no experience with these older ones. This one looks to be in good original condition.
 
I don't know what they should fetch, but that 1959 bike is a featherbed frame! They didn't make very many of those. The bike has a completely different attitude when compared to the earlier models.

Russ
 
radiofun said:
So for the ebay one what do you think its worth......or what would you pay. I have no experience with these older ones. This one looks to be in good original condition.


I'd buy that bike if I had the duckets.
 
Radiofun
a pic of what i bought 1959 and 1960 were the same spec, 1961,62 went to slimline frame and without the chrome panel/round badge.
Mine has wrong rear mudguard, tank doesn't have the chrome panels/round badges (but did come with uncrhromed blanks), tls front brake has been fitted (but had to be reshoed/machined), wrong headlamp shell (but came with a correct unpainted blank) and has a magnetic speedo plus the paint is a bit tired when you see it in the flesh. So not a show bike but very rideable.
The black one on EBay looks pretty original, blank disc above the speedo should be a Lucas badge, ignition switch should be a beehive light/ignitiion switch, horn is a later repro. All easily sortable if you wanted.
I have done a couple of recent trips (4 andf 5 days) with soft panniers, it was quite happy at 65mph on the flat (as fast as we are allowed in the Nanny state of New Zealand), 50 - 55 mph on the hills.
Seen an ES2 for sale

best of luck.
 
ntst8 said:
Radiofun
a pic of what i bought 1959 and 1960 were the same spec, 1961,62 went to slimline frame and without the chrome panel/round badge.
Mine has wrong rear mudguard, tank doesn't have the chrome panels/round badges (but did come with uncrhromed blanks), tls front brake has been fitted (but had to be reshoed/machined), wrong headlamp shell (but came with a correct unpainted blank) and has a magnetic speedo plus the paint is a bit tired when you see it in the flesh. So not a show bike but very rideable.
The black one on EBay looks pretty original, blank disc above the speedo should be a Lucas badge, ignition switch should be a beehive light/ignitiion switch, horn is a later repro. All easily sortable if you wanted.
I have done a couple of recent trips (4 andf 5 days) with soft panniers, it was quite happy at 65mph on the flat (as fast as we are allowed in the Nanny state of New Zealand), 50 - 55 mph on the hills.
Seen an ES2 for sale

best of luck.

What's it like riding one of these bikes, say on the road out to Russell, or other winding, relatively low speed roads. Seems like it would be a joy. I have sorta fallen in love with the idea of a single in a featherbed frame. So just curious.

Russ
 
rvich said:
What's it like riding one of these bikes, say on the road out to Russell, or other winding, relatively low speed roads. Seems like it would be a joy. I have sorta fallen in love with the idea of a single in a featherbed frame. So just curious. Russ
Russ,
This is my first featherbed and i can only imagine what a revelation they were when first released. Definitely holds a better line in the corners than the Commando, but not a lot of power in the ES2 so its all about maintaining momentum. It would be great to have a go on a 650 SS.
The best run so far has been the Waioeka Gorge (from Gisborne to Opotiki) which has 50km of tight winding roads all on a slight downhill run from hills to the sea. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Iain
 
radiofun said:
So for the ebay one what do you think its worth......or what would you pay. I have no experience with these older ones. This one looks to be in good original condition.

That paint job on the tank is none too standard, nor are those kneepads.
So someone has had a go at it, no telling what the rest is like. ?
But it does look good, and mostly standard...

All iron engines are an acquired taste, leisurely performance is what it is all about - use the torque, not the revs. And like all products of older british engineering, a little constant fettling will likely be required...

P.S. That pillion seat is fitted very close to the saddle, you'll have to be VERY good friends !
Perhaps it was intended for the rider to use, when imitating Geoff Duke ?

Seen an ES2 for sale
 
Seen an ES2 for sale

I purchased this 1957 model recently it has been sitting for 25 years, It supposedly was going recently but i will pull it down and check it over- next years project.
Al
 
possm said:
Seen an ES2 for sale

I purchased this 1957 model recently it has been sitting for 25 years, It supposedly was going recently but i will pull it down and check it over- next years project.
Al
How much did you have to give?
 
not as good as Commandos (where we are totally spoilt by the good availability) but Norvil, RGM and others do have some parts.
 
The eBay bike is stated to have an original tool kit - original for a Commando, I think, as the buyer won't get far with those AF spanners on a Bracebridge Street Norton - it even has the tool for undoing the Commando chaincase inspection plugs.
 
79x100 said:
The eBay bike is stated to have an original tool kit - original for a Commando, I think, as the buyer won't get far with those AF spanners on a Bracebridge Street Norton - it even has the tool for undoing the Commando chaincase inspection plugs.

Ho ho, didn't see that pic.
Yes, it also has the tool for changing the spring preload on the rear shocks.
Won't go far with that on a plunger bike, doesn't have rear shocks !
 
rvich said:
What's it like finding parts for these bikes?

Tinware (tanks and guards and toolboxes) can be tricky to find, but do turn up on ebay etc now and then. Repop stuff from India is starting to appear, quality can be patchy apparently (sound familiar ?), depends on what year you are looking for.

Gaskets and cables and brake shoes are all available, and since gearboxes clutchs forks etc are the same as dommies, are all available. Hasn't always been so though, I recall looking for some stuff for an early dommie at a Norton (Commando) dealer some decades ago, and they said "whats that" ? Norton Villiers did Commandos, no connection whatever to earlier models...
 
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