Talk:Norton-Villiers
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"In 1966 Associated Motorcycles AMC went bankrupt and were taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings who formed Norton-Villiers to oversee operations. At the time Norton was the only motorcycle marque in the company that was making money."
Wrong! During 1964--69 there were made more AJS/Matchless than Norton bikes, indicating a different problem: Too many similar models, design was too staid, and manufacturing costs were probably too high measured by the limited numbers produced.
"The AJS and Matchless traditional single cylinder four-stroke models were finished."
Wrong! The G85CS remained in production 1966 to early '68, later to be raplaced by a revived G80CS on request of the americans. It is believed that the G80CS remained in production the entire model year 1969.
"Matchless and AJS badged models, with Norton motors, were assembled till 1969, but nothing new was undertaken for those marques."
Wrong! There may not have been any large changes to the G15-line, but all models had new carburettors, ignition systems and an ignition lock for 1968. The G15CS/N15CS/M33CS had improved cycle parts for 1968-69.
The P11 series was a completely new development for 1967 and was further developed for 1968-69. The P11 was available either as Norton or Matchless. It would be wrong not to acknowledge the P11 on merits of looks and performance.
¨¨¨¨mdt-son