1965
Norton ES 400 Electra - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 991968 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | ES 400 Electra |
| Year | 1965 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
|---|---|
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rearsuspension | Two schock |
| Seat | Dual |
| Wheels | Spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 66.0 x 56.0 mm (2.6 x 2.2 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Wet multiplate |
| Compression | 7.9:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 400.00 ccm (24.41 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Starter | Electric |
|---|
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Overallheight | 1,016 mm (40.0 inches) |
|---|---|
| Overalllength | 2,032 mm (80.0 inches) |
| Overallwidth | 686 mm (27.0 inches) |
About Norton
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
James Lansdowne Norton
Best Known For:
Isle of Man glory (Manx), Featherbed frame, Commando twins; modern V4/V-twin revivals
Company History
Few badges carry more romance than Norton: Manx singles howling over the Mountain, the Featherbed frame teaching the world about chassis stiffness, and the Commando’s rubber-mounted charisma defining a generation of British twins. Financial dramas and ownership changes punctuated the marque’s modern history, but the idea of Norton endured—elegant engines, taut handling, and a certain aristocratic restraint. Recent revivals pursued premium V4s and modernized Commandos with contemporary electronics and finishes, aiming to reconcile heritage with present-day reliability and compliance. Enthusiasts remain drawn to the riding experience: steering that reads the road, engines that speak through the bars, and ergonomics suited to fast B-roads. Historically, Norton is a pillar of motorcycling’s canon. Whether in classic trim under club racers or in modern carbon and billet, the name signals a commitment to the art of handling and the poetry of mechanical rhythm.