HELP.. 1948 ES2

[beemer]

This might sound like a daft question to those who know, but here i go.. I've just acquired a 1948 Norton ES2 500cc. I have absolutely no idea how to start it. The gentleman i bought it off had only had it 6 months and said he had only managed to start it once and ridden it around the block. It's not run now for over 5 months. I've never had an old single before and therefore never come across a manual advance/retard lever or a decompression lever. I don't want to attempt to start it if there's a possibility of doing any damage by moving levers this way and that. Can anyone help me please. Many Thanks..PHIL

[bandit]

hi beemer .this is how I start my es2.put bike on center stand. turn on fuel tap.set mag lever mid way.hold in valve lifter.kick over twice.let go of lifter.push down on kick starter untill you can feel compression.raise exhaust lifter.ease over compession then kick down hard.you may need to close air lever too.good luck gary.

[VintageBike]

once the engine is running you'll want to fully advance the timing again for normal running.

Regards

Nigel

[beemer]

Thanks Gary and Nigel for the advice...PHIL

[33d6]

Much the same technique is used for all 500 singles of the period be it BSA, Matchless, Ariel, Norton or whatever, so if you talk to the owner of any of them and watch their technique you won't go far wrong.
In the days when Army DR's  rode the BSA M20 they were taught much the same starting technique as described with emphasis on the 'long swinging kick' where the whole body weight was brought to bear on the kick start not merely the the strength of the leg.
When learnt this results in a far more effective 'kick' for no more effort.
Don't worry, it's just another motorcycle skill to learn and once learnt will never be forgotten and easily used on all big singles.
Cheers, Bob