ES2 featherbed air filter

Hi Paul

I too would like the information you ask for to use on my Slimline model 50, but I fear no answer exists! The route I am considering, is to try and get the belmouth near to the hole on the plate attached to the oil tankby ;-a)re welding manifold to suit.

b) fitan angled spacer toget thesame result.

I could then fit a rubber pipe to the carb and fit the air filter between the battery box and oil tank. I have a spare head to experiment with, when/if Isolve this problem I'll advise you

Regards John O

Hi Paul,

Can't believe it's over 5 years since your original question! How times fly, I am slightly resigned to never getting an air filter on my M50, unless I modify the position of the inlet manifold, and now I am not sure it would be worth it.

I would be interested in seeing the drawings if available but I feel it may not be forthcoming.

Good look,

Regards John O

If the filter is the same part number as the one for a single carb Dommy,  then It was availiable from Norville.     A filter box that bolts to the back of the oil tank, a carb screw on ring, a rubber connector and  from the internet a Ca4294 fram filter that you cut to fit.  Not the easiest thing to fit and needs painting and a bit of "fetling"  but has protected my 99 for years.

My friend's featherbed ES2 had the blanking plate between the oil tank and battery box with a 2"hole for the air filter...but the hole was in the middle, and the ES2 carb is offset. He was sure his bike was original but the plate with hole would only perhaps suit a single carb Dommie. Anyway...air filter on ES2 remained a mystery owing to the offset carb.

...............and get a spare oil tank and make a small cutaway to accommodate the tapered, screw-on air filter that Burlen makes. The cutout nicely welded into the tank, it wouldn't be noticed.

I've just added a Ramair foam sock type filter. Will fit just about any carb, but won't win a beauty competition. You can always take it off if you want to show off!

I had two flanges laser cut and had a chap weld up a 100 or so degree manifold out of dairy grade ssteel to the left of the bike to enable the carb and pancake filter to fit . Worked well. I will look for a photo. In the dusty environment out here an airfilter is essential. 

Just a though, I wonder why does the inlet manifold on the head needs to  be so long? If it was reduced by say 25mm maybe a slim filter would then fit.

What effect this would have on my limited performance I have no idea, but I am sure someone will!

Regards John O

Hi to all following this subject. Thought I'd share with you the filter I have just managed to squeeze onto my 1959 ES2 carb. Bought it this week on Ebay for £3.99 inc. delivery. The bike is awaiting a test ride but I don't recon I'll notice any loss of performance! Yes it is forced in place up against the oil tank and slightly deformed in shape but should still filter the air as intended.

I take your point Paul,

it would be nice to at least see an original air filter fitted on a slimline, so a copy could be made, but after five + years, I feel that it doesn't exist!

Just hoping!

Regards John O

ps I like your filter Alan

Just to let you know that we do not have the drawings you mention. Sorry.

Tony Ripley, Tech Admin

Hi,

Not knowing what these things are meant to look like, this is an air filter for single carb Featherbed Twin. Will it fit or possible to adapt?

Available from the NOC shop.

Regards

Tony

Thanks for your input Tony,

The more I think about this elusive air filter, The more I am convinced that the only route is to put a connection from the carb to the hole between the oil tank and battery box, using a rubber connection or  a metal fabricated one. The actual filter could then be connected, in the gap behind the hole, where there appears to be ample room, the one shown in Tony's second comment could then be used.

The idea of trying to fit a filter direct to the carb, (without increasing the gap to the oil tank, or distorting the filter) is, I think not possible.

Someone please prove me wrong !

Regards John O

I am sure that if HM Forces used featherbed singles units in the Middle East, they must have been fitted with air cleaners.   Anyone have any idea what might have been used?

Mike

Hi,

My 1959 Norton ES2 has a Vokes air filter, which I believe to be original.

See attached photo.

Regards

Jerome

Alan - that ebay filter which you say is bearing against your oil tank will surely vibrate its way through the paint and maybe the metal?

George

Jerome - The picture of your ES2 is what I was hoping to see. I thought it could be done and your picture proves it. I don't see why some of these couldn't be manufactured, I will think about modifying a filter to fit like that. 

Many thanks Jerome for your post.

I hope that I have tracked down an original filter in the Czech Republic. ES2's were supplied to their police force in the 50's so perhaps air filters were fitted to the export and/or police versions. Peter Holland is also investigating the Vokes filter. Hopefully we will have some progress in the new year.

They were delivered in 1959...I'm sure that they were Widelines and a couple were in regular use when the NOC held their first INR there. I don't seem to have photographed any though. The contract was widely reported in the press at the time, but I only have a scan of the crated photos.