Skip to main content
English French German Italian Spanish

1950s ES2/Model 7 front mudguard differences

Can somebody explain the differences in thefront mudguard for 1950's ES2- Model 7 pre featherbed. I have a 54-55 Model 7 that has a fold/ centre line down the centre of the guard front to rear, other 7's thatI have seen do not have this centre line. I also have a 1957 ES2 that I am about to restorewhich has been fitted with a later 650SS styre front guard,I have purchased a second hand replacementfront guard for it but note that according to the NOC Shop there is a pre '56without a "V" andpost '56 front guards with a "v", I have compared my replacement guard with a freinds 1955 ES front guard, both are smooth [have no centre line]and the only differenceI see is the pre 56 guard is slightly more rounded at the front point. is this the difference?

Thanks Al

Permalink

Hi Alan,

The front mudguard on the 55 models (ES2 19R/S and M7) is identical to the 47-54 16H (and others) apart from the bolt holes for the front number plate. There is no rib on these at all. If it has one then it isn't off a Norton.

The early M7 had what is known as a "cathedral" mudguard in some circles because of the shape but this isn't a rib more a peak that is followed on in the tank, a detail which never changed. This mudguard is for a 21" front wheel so won't fit the later machines anyway.

No-one knows for certain when the "V" actually started but it is thought todate toearly in the 56 model year but this time period is a grey area, they did many odd things with tinware for very short periods.

Jim

 


Norton Owners Club Website by 2Toucans