P11 Parts - Problematic Vendor

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Mar 30, 2013
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Just a quick note.
I have had numerous troubles with the following vendor: http://classicbritishmotorcycles.com/ in respect of P11 Parts (Stanchions, Engine Mount Bolts)
Namely:
2x occasions of non delivery (despite protestations of having sent) and very slow response/numerous excuses; and
1x occassion of replacement part being completely the wrong part (fork stanchions, diameter incorrect). When contacted to complain, I was told that my P11 must be non-standard. However, parts sent from usual vendor fit perfectly and manual attests to incorrect size of delivered parts.

May be a series of "one offs" but I would avoid using this vendor and stick to reputable and reliable vendors.
 
I would stick with AMC Classic Spares and Walridge for P11 parts. There was a third source that worked for me - Domiracer here in the US - but they're gone.

Most of the pieces (over 95%) for the P11 series are identical across the full run of about 2500 machines.

In a nutshell, P11s had solo seats, high pipes, skimmed hubs, off-road forks, alloy fenders and aluminum oil tanks. Many had the larger, 3 gallon fuel tanks. About 700 made. Some had no ID on tank, some had =M= badge, some had 'N' badge.

P11As had wide dual seats, low pipes, skimmed hubs, road forks, steel tanks, and about half had chromed fenders. About 1300 made. =M= or 'N' badge on tank, usually with silver 'D' stripe like the N15CS/G15CS. Some late P11As had 'Ranger' decals applied to oil tank and battery cover

Rangers had longer, narrow dual seats, unskimmed hubs, front brake switch, different chromed rear fender, gold 'D' stripes on fuel tank with 'Norton' logo transfer, Commando head, tapped Atlas-style, Lucas amber reflectors at the front fuel tank mounts. 496 or 497 were built.

Over the run of P11s, two fuel tanks were used, four oil tanks were used, two front fenders, three rear fenders, three seats, two handlebars, two tail light assemblies, skimmed and unskimmed hubs, high and low pipes. Perhaps 400-600 P11 and P11As were sold as Matchless machines. All Rangers were Nortons. It would not be surprising to see an early bike with chrome fenders, as the original alloy fenders were prone to cracking, and some early bikes had chrome fenders fitted by the dealer as a warranty item.

All used the standard Atlas motor, AMC gearbox, Matchless primary, Teledraulic forks, AMC hubs, Matchless frame and ancillaries, Amal concentrics, Lucas distributor, Dural engine plates, aluminum head steady. The foot peg mounts are unique to the P11, but the pegs themselves are the same as the late G80CS and G15CS/N15CS.
 
re, "It would not be surprising to see an early bike with chrome fenders, as the original alloy fenders were prone to cracking, and some early bikes had chrome fenders fitted by the dealer as a warranty item."

Strange as it may seem the 750 Atlas nearly always split at the rear mudguard, I replaced mine with Alloy ones from Paul Dunstall which somehow lasted until I sold the bike.
 
Funny how that works.

I'm cleaning up a 1961 G80CS, and it still has its original alloy fenders without a single crack - a few dents, but no cracks.

My Ranger chrome rear fender took extensive repairs to refurbish. 7 of the 8 holes had radial spider cracks, some 2" long. The only hole in good shape was the one for the tail light wire grommet.

I think its more related to how hard the bikes were run and how much time was spent in the buzzy rev ranges. My Ranger had 16,900 miles on the odometer and was put away in the mid-70s with fork damage. This G80 shows 4900 miles and was owned by one man from late 1961 until he passed away last year
 
It all depends on what aluminium alloy was used in making the fenders. Some British bikes used an aluminium alloy called "Birmabright" This was a very tough material and quite resistant to the kind of cracking we expect to see on thin aluminium which has been subjected to vibration.
Landrovers used Birmabright for their aluminium bodies. Vincent used Birmabright for their fenders, which often are still crack free after almost 70 years of use.
On the other hand, the original al. fenders on my new 1974 Ossa dirt bike self destructed in a maze of cracks after maybe 30 hours of riding. They were likely made from an alloy that was closer to pure aluminium.

A modern day replacement for Birmabright is aluminium 5052, very easy to find in North America and said to be even more resistant to cracking than the original Birmabright.

Glen
 
Interesting information worntorn , some of the readers on this website provide a mine of information :!: :)
 
hrwat1 said:
Just a quick note. I have had numerous troubles with the following vendor: http://classicbritishmotorcycles.com/ in respect of P11 Parts (Stanchions, Engine Mount Bolts) Namely:
2x occasions of non delivery (despite protestations of having sent) and very slow response/numerous excuses; and
1x occassion of replacement part being completely the wrong part (fork stanchions, diameter incorrect). When contacted to complain, I was told that my P11 must be non-standard. However, parts sent from usual vendor fit perfectly and manual attests to incorrect size of delivered parts.
May be a series of "one offs" but I would avoid using this vendor and stick to reputable and reliable vendors.
Thanks for the heads up. My best supply for P11 parts has been Walridge
 
Agree. Have used Walridge throughout and they have always been reliable, quick and helpful.
 
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