what model it is

Hey
I am new to this forum so hello to all of you, i have recently acquired a Norton and i am about to start the restoration but i am having difficulties in identifying which model it is (ES2 or model 50)?
As per the papers engine number is 66529 and the year of production is 1956 , engine size 490cc.

Some of the missing parts include the toll box, oil tank and rear wheel, while looking around to find the missing parts i got confused whether i will need the large toolbox and oil tank or whether i will need the small ones and whether the rear wheel is with the full rear wheel hub or not .....do not know how to post a picture of the bike here ?

A Model 50 is a 350, es2 500.

Mike B.

I am restoring a 57' 19S
When I bought it, the previous owner didn't know the year so I had to do some research and asking around to find out
Feked is selling a 56', they have it advertised as a 57'

https://www.feked.com/1957-norton-es2-5 ... 80cee9592c

So if it is a 56' that is what it should look like
You might find it hard to find some of the parts, PM me your email and I will send you some sources

also, it could be made in 56' and be a 57 model year
I forget all the things I was told to look for, there are many changes
The 57' the push-rods are more enclosed by the head fins, the speedometer is flush in the headlight, the styling of the gas tank is different, lots of other things
If you look at photos of 56 to 57 you will see

please drop me a quick email and I will sent you photos patr_elen@yahoo.com

many thanks

Brochure pic of the 1956 ES2
http://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/nort ... 956-04.jpg

And 1957
http://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/nort ... re-ES2.jpg

One of the big differences between a 56 and a 57 was the change from the laydown gearbox to the AMC box.
Conveniently not shown in the brochure pics !

The Model 19 for 1957 does give a view of the AMC box though.
Model 19 was essentially a 600cc version of the ES2...
http://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/nort ... el-19S.jpg
And the newer style muffler for 1957.
hth

many thanks to all-my bike is an ES2 1956 model....any idea how to post pictures in this forum?

See the sticky on the Commando main page.

Patrick78 said:

many thanks to all-my bike is an ES2 1956 model....any idea how to post pictures in this forum?

Click to expand...

You need to post them to one of the many (free) sites that host pics,
photobucket, flickr, etc

and then post the direct link to the pics here, using the Img button above.

- and the /img in sq bracket to get it to display here.
(if I'd used the sq brackets a second time on that , it'd try to show something, and they'd a disappeared)
hopethishelps.

Again thanks to all of you for all the posts.
It seems that my bike (bits and pieces know) is an ES2 500cc made in 1956, however wondering around in internet i can not match the engine number with the year 1956, my engine number is 66529 and a bit higher towards the right it is written 79x100 and slightly below the number 66529 there is either number 4 or the letter A..not very clear whereas as per the following page (http://www.bmh.com.au/norton/index.php?id=modelnum) the letter L should appear.
In addition how can i identify whether my bike is a wideline or slimline version

Many thanks
Patrick from Cyprus

Hi
It wouldn't be a wide or slim, these are refereed to as single down tube or pre- feather bed
(I didn't know any of this a few months ago)
There are a couple different versions, as far as I know, the frame under the engine, on one it is tubes the other is a loop that I think is cast
If you look at the Andover site, they list parts and show diagrams for 'pre featherbed' they show the 'loop' lower frame
I don't know what years used which, anyone?

Your number falls well within the 1956 range in my little Norton booklet.
The L might be lightly stamped, or not even present, so don't sweat that.

Mark is right, these used what is called Nortons swingarm frame, with single downtube.
These were (supposedly) sort of an interim measure, while Nortons ramped up the production of the racing inspired featherbed frames. Ran from 1953 to the late 1950s - and into the early 1960s with the last of the Nomad models.
A lot of folks will tell you these swingarm frame models are more comfortable to ride - you don't need cowboy knees to sit on one - and will hold the road just as well as any racing-inspired model - unless you intend to do insane speeds. The brakes and suspension are about the same too, so there is no real drawback to them either.

You need to work on getting a good pic or 2 onto photobucket etc, so we can have a look.
Cheers.

photo of my bike, current condition