P11 Norton Daily rider

Thing is, let's not overlook the fact that the original design was for going fast in the rough in the USA. Hence the best off road frame AMC had, along with their biggest motor. It wasn't designed as a roadster, that came by default.
In the UK there were no similar competition scenarios, one magazine booked a trial place only to have it cancelled due to foot and mouth! They also concluded that a change of handlebars, fuel tank and footrests would be preferable to make it: '..a serious touring bus', thus again missing the point completely!
Then, of course, along came Commando.........
 
I’ve had limited time on mine but first impressions are that it’s a lot of fun! Mines got a freshly rebuilt motor using Commando pistons, so compression is higher. New Amal Premiere carbs. It’s a nice upright riding position, pretty light and nimble, wide bars. The grunt is instant, lots of torque which is what you really need on the road rather than big redline bhp figures that are less useful on such a bike. It also makes a great bark so the nearest thing I can compare it to is a big capacity 60s supermoto that seems to bring out the hooligan in you, if that makes sense?!
 
My P11 SSS sounds like a 4 cylinder drift car. It sounded like a Norton when it was stock with twin pipes. The 2 into 1 exhaust definitely changed the exhaust note. I've never had the up style signature scrambler exhaust on it. Couldn't get the pipes when I put it together in the 70's. I can get them now, but not in any hurry to do the work to make them fit. Mounting tab welding and frame painting would need to be done. Maybe before I sell it, so it looks like a P11 from the primary side. :)
 
Here's mine. Replaced spokes (Buchannan Stainless Steel), tires, chain and sprockets, fork tubes and seals, rear shocks, primary chain and rubber bumpers in the clutch, and numerous small parts. I also had to source a skid plate, which was missing. Future plans to repaint the oil tank and side cover - to get rid of the PO's application of the huge Norton Sticker) and fix a couple of small oil leaks. I'm not real happy with the oil lines either - the bike came with cheap hose which I replaced with oil line from Earls, but I really want some original "herringbone" line which will fit better.

I know it should have the smaller tail light, but it came with the Ranger taillight, which looks nice.
 

Attachments

  • P11 Norton Daily rider
    IMAG0393.webp
    295.8 KB · Views: 280
gnolan said:
Here's mine. Replaced spokes (Buchannan Stainless Steel), tires, chain and sprockets, fork tubes and seals, rear shocks, primary chain and rubber bumpers in the clutch, and numerous small parts. I also had to source a skid plate, which was missing. Future plans to repaint the oil tank and side cover - to get rid of the PO's application of the huge Norton Sticker) and fix a couple of small oil leaks. I'm not real happy with the oil lines either - the bike came with cheap hose which I replaced with oil line from Earls, but I really want some original "herringbone" line which will fit better.

I know it should have the smaller tail light, but it came with the Ranger taillight, which looks nice.
Click to expand...
Almost forgot - I had to have both gages rebuilt - speedo didn't work and the tach bounced around a lot.
 
EstuaryBoy said:
Thing is, let's not overlook the fact that the original design was for going fast in the rough in the USA. Hence the best off road frame AMC had, along with their biggest motor. It wasn't designed as a roadster, that came by default.
In the UK there were no similar competition scenarios, one magazine booked a trial place only to have it cancelled due to foot and mouth! They also concluded that a change of handlebars, fuel tank and footrests would be preferable to make it: '..a serious touring bus', thus again missing the point completely!
Then, of course, along came Commando.........
Click to expand...
The concept of the P11 is by moden parlance a town and jungle bike, IMO it's too big to be the former, I have a smaller lighter version of this, but nowhere near the same amount of power. At the end of the day it does neither one or the other, so it's something I have to live with.
 
Originally, the P11 was a big man's desert racer. To me personally, the frame is very nice for what it is, and works well on the street, and/or (with better brakes) on a road race course I would imagine. I think it would be a kick in vintage steeplechase as is. Racing a steeplechase on a P11 would beat the hell out of anyone out of shape though. I could not do it, but I'd like to see someone try.
 
Bernhard said:
The concept of the P11 is by moden parlance a town and jungle bike, IMO it's too big to be the former, I have a smaller lighter version of this, but nowhere near the same amount of power. At the end of the day it does neither one or the other, so it's something I have to live with.
Click to expand...
Not quite sure what you mean by: 'Too big' Bernhard? I had a 441 BSA Victor prior to the P11 and found that lacking in road performance, so it had to go... Like Goldilock's porridge I found the P11: 'just right'..
 
EstuaryBoy said:
Not quite sure what you mean by: 'Too big' Bernhard? I had a 441 BSA Victor prior to the P11 and found that lacking in road performance, so it had to go... Like Goldilock's porridge I found the P11: 'just right'..
Click to expand...
Off road, a heavy weight bike is always going to be more difficult to be manhandled over rough terrain, or don't you ever take your bike through the jungle?
 
The more I look at these bloody things the more I like them, a really purposeful looking motorcycle and, with today’s crowded roads and speed cameras , it probably is very purposeful too.

I think I want one...
 
Bernhard said:
Off road, a heavy weight bike is always going to be more difficult to be manhandled over rough terrain, or don't you ever take your bike through the jungle?
Click to expand...
Bernhard, you referred to: 'Town and jungle', then put the P11 as too big for the former.......
(No jungles locally, only 'concrete' :-) )
It was bought solely as a road bike, only time it went off road was when I spent too long checking out the operation of the rear light!!!
 
Last edited:
Fast Eddie said:
The more I look at these bloody things the more I like them, a really purposeful looking motorcycle and, with today’s crowded roads and speed cameras , it probably is very purposeful too.

I think I want one...
Click to expand...
If I had another, I'd have to upset the purists and fit indicators......
 
EstuaryBoy said:
If I had another, I'd have to upset the purists and fit indicators......
Click to expand...
Actually there’s no excuse for any upset these days, unless you’re a tight arse. There are some brilliant indicators around that are so tiny as to be virtually invisible, yet are unbelievably bright. But you gotta pay for ‘em.

Or, fit some ‘two for a tenner’ shit from China !

You pays your money...
 
Fast Eddie said:
Actually there’s no excuse for any upset these days, unless you’re a tight arse. There are some brilliant indicators around that are so tiny as to be virtually invisible, yet are unbelievably bright. But you gotta pay for ‘em.

Or, fit some ‘two for a tenner’ shit from China !

You pays your money...
Click to expand...
I'd go with Lucas lollipops and upset EVERYBODY :-)
 

Similar threads

MexicoMike
  • Locked
Norton as "daily" rider?
2 3 4
Replies
63
Views
9,293
kerinorton
K
J
  • Locked
850 Daily Rider Project
2 3
Replies
43
Views
3,370
L.A.B.
L.A.B.
p400
P11 Norton engine piece weights in grams
Replies
10
Views
1,721
p400
p400
jerrykap
History of the P11 Prototype article.
Replies
15
Views
5,170
frankdamp
F
Back
Top