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Norton ES2 1949 - cast iron

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Can anyone please advise if I can use a trickle charger on my Norton, as its hard-wired without a key isolation, I do not want to damage the electrics.

Also- the bike starts and rides beautifully but has a top speed of around 55 mph. Not that I bought this for speed but I had an expectation of slightly over 70. When speaking to the seller he advised it might have a sidecar gearbox. Can anyone advise please how I find this out?? Can anyone also advise any other reason for the bikes top speed, there is nothing obvious as the bike runs so well.

Thanks in anticipation.

Rob

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To check whether your bike has solo or sidecar gearing you will need to check what size engine sprocket is fitted to the bike. This is simply done by removing the primary chaincase.   If you are lucky and have a primary chaincase which doesn't leak oil it might be better to enjoy the bike as it is currently set up. 

For solo use a 20 tooth engine sprocket was recommended and for use with a sidecar a smaller engine sprocket of 18 teeth was used. 

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...and you can charge it OK.  It should have magneto ignition but, even if someone has converted it to another system, as long as you don't short circuit anything you should not be able to do any damage.  Remember (just in case the magneto is new to you), a mag is not connected to the battery in any way.  The only function of the battery is to power lights (including brake light).

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Some of the old singles can be real slugs if the valve timing  has not been set up well, and the timing marks can be well out.An ES2 was a sporty bike of its time .Road Test 82mph and hold 70 if needed.

 


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