Author Topic: Keeping busy...  (Read 695 times)

iansoady

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Keeping busy...
« on: August 30, 2022, 03:21:44 PM »
As both the Norton and Honda are behaving themselves and needing no more than the odd breath of air in the tyres I need something to keep my otherwise idle hands busy. So got this on ebay - now winging its way to me....



It is a single although hardly a thumper. The plan is to restore it (and maybe fit the plaque square!) and get to understand these wee beasties with a view to making one from scratch at some time in the future.

In other news, enjoyed a 20 mile canter on the ES2 this morning. Very nice.

« Last Edit: August 30, 2022, 03:26:52 PM by iansoady »
Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....

themoudie

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2022, 09:32:59 PM »
 ;D ;D ;D ;D Steady away Ian!

Unlike Mike Browne, who brought the NZ built Norton ES2 into 3rd place in the MGP Senior Classic race. Last lap 110+ mph and the fastest machine in the sector from Cronk-na-Mona to Grandstand for the whole race, with a race average speed for 3 laps of 108.899 mph. Beating a Craven Manx, ridden by Jamie Coward into 4th place.

Full results link: 2022_MGP+Senior+Classic-result

Link to a Facebook image of Mike Browne on the Norton ES2 during the 2022 MGP Senior Classic race 2022_MGP_Senior_Classic_race_#14

I would love to know what they did to the engine to make it quicker than a Manx!  ;)  I doubt if you kick it over!  ::)

Good health, Bill

Itsme

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2022, 06:32:30 AM »
Hi Ian

Good to hear the bikes are behaving. Lovely little engine there even though I have no idea how they work I bet it will be fun to tinker with. That plaque is presumably as fitted at the factory and gives lie to the idea that there's no pride in workmanship these days as clearly there never was in some instances!

Have fun.

Ian

iansoady

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2022, 09:06:23 AM »
Yes, I'd also like to know what's inside the engine. As someone commented on a FB page, I wonder why Joe Craig wasted his time on the Manx!
Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....

themoudie

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2022, 09:15:47 AM »
Quote
As someone commented on a FB page, I wonder why Joe Craig wasted his time on the Manx!

OOOOO! Cruel!  ;D

Bill

CrazyFrog

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2022, 06:59:22 PM »
Looks like fun Ian. I have my Mamod traction engine in the loft somewhere - a Christmas present when I was a lad. I must see if it still goes one day...
2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
2021 Honda CB125F

Moto63

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2022, 04:06:43 PM »
I too still have my mamhod traction engine Ian / Pete. My DEFINITELY still works. I too got it as a Christmas present when I were knee high to a grasshopper. Thinking approx 1974/5 still in great condition 👍
Cheers, Michael

CrazyFrog

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2022, 08:26:52 AM »
I can remember mine dribbling burning meths over the carpet once, when I'd over filled it with youthful exuberance. I was about as popular as a fart in a lift for a while...
2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
2021 Honda CB125F

iansoady

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2022, 09:36:44 AM »
I've stripped, cleaned, polished and "tuned" it (by lapping the cylinder face and remaking the big end which was very loose) and am waiting for some wicks to arrive so I can fire it up. I fear however that its bits are too tiny for my fingers which are more attuned to motorcycle sized components. 8BA nuts are very small indeed especially when looking for them on the mucky floor......
Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....

Itsme

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2022, 07:50:38 AM »
I find when looking for dropped nuts etc (cooer missus) on the floor that using a torch even in daylight helps. Of course it doesn't help pick them up which is why I have a magnet on a telescopic arm. Yes I really do drop things that often!

XBRian's Dad

iansoady

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #10 on: September 09, 2022, 09:10:29 AM »
Yes to torch, no to magnet which isn't much use for brass nuts. However it's amazing how much swarf they pick up.....
Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....

Itsme

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #11 on: September 09, 2022, 02:34:49 PM »
Yes to torch, no to magnet which isn't much use for brass nuts. However it's amazing how much swarf they pick up.....

True, also for stainless nuts and bolts, which is where a blob of blutack sometimes helps. I've spent far too much time picking things up clearly.

Spartacian

iansoady

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Re: Keeping busy...
« Reply #12 on: September 14, 2022, 03:33:38 PM »
It runs and even sounds like a timy thumper on full chat......

Very easy job - I'm thinking of hooking it up to a little electric motor to run as a dynamo and light up an LED. But I suspect I will tire of it before long.

Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....