Norton-Villiers had a reputation for producing some of history’s greatest motorcycles. It struck a winning formula in 1967 when it released its P11 model. Known as the “Desert Sled,” it proved an effective weapon in desert racing, only raising the white flag in the face of fierce competition from lighter two-stroke models. This 1967 P11 is a survivor that runs and drives. The new owner could give it a kick and ride off into the sunset.
Norton released the P11 in 1967, combining a powerful, flexible engine with a relatively light and robust frame. Competition was the company’s primary focus, although buyers could later order one for road use. Specific production figures for the P11 are hard to find, but various sources suggest that the combined P11/P11A/Ranger 750 total is around 2,500 machines. The seller confirms this is #218 to roll out of the factory, and it spent its early life as a California racer. Its heritage is clearly visible, courtesy of the marks and scratches on the crankcase, suggesting it didn’t always remain in the upright position. However, they add to the overall character, and eliminating these imperfections would be the equivalent of erasing part of its history. The frame is in good order, and the tank is spotless. This Norton rolls on its correct wheels and is ready to provide a new owner with hours of off-road enjoyment.
The P11’s beating heart is its 745cc twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. It produced an impressive 54hp at 6,400rpm, but its low-end torque delivery made it ideal for competition work in loose sand. It could effortlessly pull out of soft surfaces without breaking into wheelspin that often buried the competition. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed transmission, and with a weight of 345 lbs, the P11 was surprisingly maneuverable. The seller confirms this classic is numbers-matching and that its healthy engine produces plenty of power. They say it sounds excellent, a readily believable claim considering its free-flowing exhaust. It runs and rides, suggesting the winning bidder could climb aboard and indulge in a spot of historic racing fun.
The seller listed this 1967 Norton P11 Desert Sled here on eBay in Oceanside, California. The twenty submitted bids confirm that enthusiasts like what they see, but with the price sitting at $3,050, it is unsurprising that it remains below the reserve. However, auctions often intensify as the end draws near, and I see no reason why this one should be any different. It should top $14,000 before the hammer falls, but whether that will be enough for it to head to a new home depends on how optimistic the seller is with their reserve. Motorcyclists are a passionate breed, but does yours burn intensely enough to pursue this classic further?
Hmm, quite frankly I’d figure folks would be all over this. This would sure ruffle the feathers of those backwoods hikers, it looks like it could handle anything, more so than that dismal DRZ,anyway, and it should. I read the P1 1ST was designed for US market only, particularly the S.Cal. scrambles, a precursor of MX. Looking at a modern machine today, this seems mighty archaic, and looking at it makes old injuries ache once again, but at the time, this was one of the hottest sticks out there. There were many that tried, but seemingly fell back to traditional roles, like road bikes. I always thought Harley missed the boat by running the Italian jobs rather than a MX Sporty( Buell came close) and I feel the Nortons superior road capabilities are overlooked in a mode like this. Sorry, again, 200 viewers and price hasn’t moved tells me interest is ka-put. They are the coolest “Limey”, and one of the few bikes that was allowed in a pack of Harleys,,just not in the front.
Pretty cool ride! Must have raced with a different tank. That one is in nice shape.
Very Kool Vintage bike! Agree with HoA,you would think folks would be all over this. Economy is well,you know.
It’d be tempting to wire up a period correct quick detach headlight/taillight on this beauty just to make it “street legal” and ride it-
Very surprised it hasn’t blasted thru the fiscal ionosphere already as it seems every genuine Snortin’ Norton listed in the marketplace lately has done.
It’d be tempting to wire up a period correct quick detach headlight/taillight on this beauty just to make it “street legal” and ride it-
Very surprised it hasn’t blasted thru the fiscal ionosphere already as it seems every genuine Snortin’ Norton listed in the marketplace lately has done.
I for one am not at all surprised that the bidding has stayed low on this so far. The serious bidders aren’t going to come out of the shadows until there’s less than a minute to go, hoping to grab it at the last moment with a big bid. Seller should have put in on BAT, but maybe they didn’t want it for some reason.
I think the lack of a title might be holding this sale back. Nortons are torquey, fast and good handling bikes. I hope it finds a good home.
I had a P-11A Ranger. Nice bike overall. A bit of a shaker at highway speeds but reliable. I remember a couple of hotshots in my hometown. One had a Kawasaki 500 Triple and the other had a Honda 750. On a cool, dry day the Kawasaki gave me a good run and usually beat me. But the Honda was no match for the Norton. Too bad, the Honda rider was a fanatic who thought Honda invented the motorcycle. I humiliated him a couple times 50 years ago and he hasn’t spoken to me since.
The P-11 series was essentially a Matchless. Some differences in the front brake. Matchless always seemed to run a magneto while Norton couldn’t seem to make up its mind. Mine ran a mag and the engine number began with a G-15, which was more of a Matchless designation. But everything else on my bike was Norton. It went like Jack, the Bear. Tall first gear, it could do almost 50 in low, 70 in 2nd and almost 85 in 3rd.
I miss the bike…
Oh the Matchless, as 15 year olds my neighbor had and still has his Matchless, fun and heavy with a cool sound. I went 2 strokes back then and never looked back, well that was before I broke my leg again on my YZ490. Followed what most folks my age did, bought a Harley. I like Barn Finds for the memories.
Y get rid ofa villers?
Got the 1st gen bronk (yellow?), what a great match ! AND
livin in SoCal?
Herumph !
This is the definition of COOL! You wouldn’t even have to ride it to LOVE IT!
You said it, Joe.
Sold. US $6,000.00
31 bids, Ended
Condition:
Used
Ended:
Jun 16, 2024 17:49:39 PDT
The seller should report it stolen! Sad,sad result!
Shoulda left the tank color the original Matchless orange/scarlet or flamboyant red metallic. The bike came with q/d headlite/tail lite. Coli ignition was standard on the 67 model P11 as Lucas,Prince of Darkness, stopped producing magnetos by then and even Velocette went over to coil. Just saying.