Performance Review: Norton P11 A 650 - [1969]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton P11 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton P11 A 650 is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1969. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1969 Suzuki A 95 Two Stroke and the 1969 Suzuki T 125 II Stinger.This particular Norton P11 has a 745cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1969 P11 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the P11's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2018cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton P11 A 650 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1969 Norton P11 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 745cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 54 bhp (40 kW) @ 6400 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 36.8 lb-ft (49.9 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton P11 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1999 Kawasaki ZR-7 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1969 Norton P11 A 650.

The 1969 Norton P11 A 650 has a Power to weight ratio of 305.9 bhp per ton and 208.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1969 P11 competing with the 1999 Kawasaki ZR-7 DOHC [330.4 bhp\ton] and the 2004 Kawasaki ZR-7 DOHC [330.4 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton P11 generating around 208.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1985 Suzuki SP 600 Single Cylinder [233.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 1988 Honda VFR 750 F-J [233.9 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.4 secs, this makes the Norton P11 A 650 similar in acceleration to the 2009 Kawasaki EX 500 R Ninja (12.1 secs) and the 2009 Kawasaki EX 500 R Ninja (12.1 secs). This Norton P11 A 650 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1969 Norton P11 A 650 and the 1991 Yamaha XT 350 YDIS

When talking about the performance of the 1969 Norton P11 A 650 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1991 Yamaha XT 350 YDIS (0 secs) and the 2022 Yamaha Tenere 700 (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1969 version of the Norton P11 A 650 has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 1969 P11 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1969 Norton P11 A 650 then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1969 Norton P11 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison