1967 P11 Value

Hi Folks-

Newb here. I have the opportunity to buy a 1967 P11 (serial 121168) that is reasonably complete and in running condition, but is in need of fettling to be roadworthy. It's in need of a repaint, could use a new seat, has the wrong air filter and was converted to magneto ignition at some point. And, naturally, it will require all the old rubber bits replaced. It appears to have 8400 original miles on it, and I would label it as being in "good" condition- or about a 7 out of 10, mostly for cosmetic reasons.

I'm having trouble finding a solid relative value for this machine. Any pointers? Anyone care to suggest a range?

Internet is your friend.
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L51126157

My rough guess is 7 to 8 grand. All the bits required to bring it back to std spec are available.

-Knut

I

mdt-son said:

Internet is your friend.
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L51126157

My rough guess is 7 to 8 grand. All the bits required to bring it back to std spec are available.

-Knut

Click to expand...

in USA 7/10 $
in England 9/10 P
In Italy 13.000 Euro
This is the price for sale that i have seen in last years.

The prices others have posted seem to be in the ballpark, but the only real answer is what the buyer is willing to pay. If you want it and can afford it, then the price is right. If your plan is to flip it for a profit, then you shouldn't be asking that question on this forum. I saw a post somewhere that said the way to sell a Norton for $10K is to buy it for $1K and spend $13K to restore it!

Ron L said:

I saw a post somewhere that said the way to sell a Norton for $10K is to buy it for $1K and spend $13K to restore it!

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That's true. Bikes are poor investment objects. However, the compensation for monetary deficit is enjoyment and satisfaction. A P11 brought back to a gleamy state of tune can fetch $15K upwards, but I have no idea how much money you'd have to throw at it to reach such perfection - probably a lot. You need to be a professional restorer if expecting your own workshop hours to be rewarded.

-Knut

Thanks folks!

Seller was right in the middle of that range, so I think we can deal.

While I appreciate the gleaming museum restorations, I really prefer a more modest approach that allows the bike to be used as designed- my intent was to make a "rider restoration": good 10-foot appearance and something that I won't feel bad about riding in the mud, with most attention paid to mechanical details and pure appearance secondary. Hopefully it can serve as my conveyance to Dawson the next time I make the D2D run. My 72 Yamaha RT2 has made the trip twice and it's time for a change!

As far as i knowh in Italy there are eight P11 on the road.
Mine first was owned here at home from a USA navy six fleet Nato with base Gaeta.
Others come all from USA or England.
Not very easy to have a P11 here and who wants has to pay much.
Last, nice bike but not concours, was paid 13000 euro.
In the early of 1970 there was a P11 in Rome owned by an american actor.
Had licenze RHX192F i think english.
I have the picture.

So Elfix, where is the photo set of this P11 you are considering?

mdt-son said:

Internet is your friend.
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L51126157

My rough guess is 7 to 8 grand. All the bits required to bring it back to std spec are available.

-Knut

Click to expand...

This bike was for sale a long time but finally sold for much less. It had low miles on the speedo but a frozen motor. I know because I bought it.

I haven't figured out how to post pictures to here- is there a on-site tutorial?

Yes, please do a search.

<a href="https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/pictures-of-your-norton-commandos.5804/#post-63959">Pictures of your Norton Commandos</a>


See post #5, among others.

Well, It appears I need a new photo hosting thingie- I gave up on Photobucket when they ransomed all my pictures. Let me see what I can do...

Old thread so safe to hijack , I'd trade my Commando in for a nice P11 in a heart beat

Jackman said:

Old thread so safe to hijack , I'd trade my Commando in for a nice P11 in a heart beat

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As I've said before, for every 22 Commandos there's only 1 P11 including all 3 variants. C-ya, Jer

Jackman said:

Old thread so safe to hijack , I'd trade my Commando in for a nice P11 in a heart beat

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Really? You don't do many long trips apparently, or have never ridden a P11.
They can be made to behave, but will never be touring bikes, IMHO.

- Knut

mdt-son said:

Really? You don't do many long trips apparently, or have never ridden a P11.
They can be made to behave, but will never be touring bikes, IMHO.

- Knut

Click to expand...

Well actually no but I do appreciate the style of the P11 .

A Norton P11 is next on my most wanted bike list

mdt-son said:

Really? You don't do many long trips apparently, or have never ridden a P11.
They can be made to behave, but will never be touring bikes, IMHO.

- Knut

Click to expand...

Mind you, here in the UK, if you avoid the motorways, with the plethora of speed restrictions and traffic density I found the P11's riding position and power delivery make it okay for distance work..
Proviso being no fancy pistons to shake things up, though the lack of indicators and top class braking have to be factored into your riding style

Jackman said:

Old thread so safe to hijack , I'd trade my Commando in for a nice P11 in a heart beat

Click to expand...

My experience having owned and ridden both is the lighter weight shorter P11 has the potential (depends on the rider) to out handle a Commando in the twisties, but the front brake is not good for going balls out, so you'll never get to the breakfast spot before a Commando unless the Commando is being ridden by a individual who is always a mature back marker.

A high pipe P11 will get more attention when parked than just about any bike out there. People have not seen many of them. The Commando is an icon and very recognizable. The P11 is rare and a little weird. Finding one that does not need any work and been gone through from front to back is going to cost a bunch. Finding one that needs work should be easy enough, but fixing it up will cost a fortune in the end.

If you need a touring bike, a Norton in general is not a good solution price performance wise. So many better cheaper options that won't eat up your time maintaining them. Guys that say they don't spend time maintaining a P11 don't ride as much as they claim. Lot of experts that don't ride often going around.

That said I wouldn't buy another Norton of any flavor period. Only reason I still have a 1967 P11 Norton is I have so much money tied up in it I'm not willing to give it away to some low balling shopper that got what he thinks is a P11 value from a group of Commando owners.

mdt-son said:

Really? You don't do many long trips apparently, or have never ridden a P11.
They can be made to behave, but will never be touring bikes, IMHO.

- Knut

Click to expand...

Back in `69-`70 I toured Europe and North Africa for more than 7 months on my P11A with my wife on the back. It's all I had and I was able to make do with it just fine. Would I, or could I do it again? Hell no. P11's are great for TT's, tavern to tavern, twisties and showing off. If you want to eat up the miles get something modern and reliable.