Performance Review: Norton 500 ES2 - [1947]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton 500 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton 500 ES2 is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1947. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1947 Norton 500 Model 18.This particular Norton 500 has a 490cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1947 500 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the 500's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton 500 ES2 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1947 Norton 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 490cc 2 valve Wankel 1 cylinder engine produces 21 bhp (15 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 22.1 lb-ft (30.0 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2002 Honda VT 400 Shadow has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1947 Norton 500 ES2.

The 1947 Norton 500 ES2 has a Power to weight ratio of 110.7 bhp per ton and 116.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1947 500 competing with the 2002 Honda VT 400 Shadow [134.6 bhp\ton] and the 2005 Honda VT 400 Shadow Sabre [134.6 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton 500 generating around 116.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 T [141.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid [141.6 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 33.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 34.1 secs, this makes the Norton 500 ES2 similar in acceleration to the 2019 Honda PCX 150 EFI (33.4 secs) and the 1947 Norton 500 Model 18 (33.4 secs). This Norton 500 ES2 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1947 Norton 500 ES2 and the 1979 Yamaha RS 200 Twin

When talking about the performance of the 1947 Norton 500 ES2 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1979 Yamaha RS 200 Twin (0 secs) and the 1987 Kawasaki Gpz 250 R (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1947 version of the Norton 500 ES2 has a maximum speed of 78mph.

Top Speed of the 1947 500 equals the 2006 Honda XR 650 R DallAra

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1947 Norton 500 ES2 then how about a 2006 Honda XR 650 R DallAra (89 mph) and the 2005 Honda XR 650 R (89 mph).

Related Links:

1947 Norton 500 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison