The Norton Atlas adventure bike has been revealed.
The Norton Atlas is a new 585cc parallel-twin adventure platform, with the Atlas and Atlas GT marking the British brand’s move into the adventure-touring and sport-touring segments.
Designed and engineered at Norton’s Solihull headquarters, the new Atlas range is built around a 585cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. Norton claims outputs of 51.5kW at 9300rpm and 57.5Nm at 7300rpm, with drive through a six-speed gearbox, assist-and-slip clutch and standard bi-directional quickshifter.
The Atlas name has plenty of history for Norton, dating back to the original model introduced in 1962. That bike was aimed heavily at the US market and became known for its strong performance, long-distance ability and British character. Norton says the new Atlas is intended to carry that adventure spirit into the modern era.
“The Atlas name is emblematic of an era when motorcycling was synonymous with adventure,” said Norton Motorcycles CEO Richard Arnold. “We are proudly carrying forward that rich Norton legacy with our all-new line-up of modern yet quintessentially British adventure motorcycles.”
Both new Atlas models use a high-strength steel trellis frame, with the engine acting as a stressed member, and a cast aluminium twin-sided swingarm. The adventure-focused Atlas runs a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, 180mm of suspension travel at both ends, 220mm of ground clearance and an 845mm seat height. Norton lists wet weight without fuel at 188kg for the Atlas and 192kg for the Atlas Apex.
The Atlas GT takes the same core platform in a more road-focused direction, with 17-inch wheels front and rear, shorter 140mm suspension travel and an 815mm seat height. Norton says full Atlas GT pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
Suspension is by KYB, with fully adjustable 43mm USD forks and a fully adjustable rear monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment. Braking hardware includes twin 310mm front discs with radial Bybre calipers and a 270mm rear disc.
Electronics are a major part of the package, with a Bosch six-axis IMU, lean-sensitive ABS, cornering traction control, drag torque control, dynamic cruise control, wheelie control, rear lift control and rear slide control. Five ride modes are standard: Urban, Rain, Sport, Tour and Enduro.
The Atlas Apex adds further equipment, including vehicle hold control, electronic combined braking, tyre-pressure monitoring, heated grips, cornering lights, puddle lamp, adjustable windscreen and rear luggage/pillion handle kit.
Both models feature an 8-inch touchscreen TFT display with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, multimedia control, GoPro control, over-the-air updates and Norton Rider app integration. Keyless ignition, a USB-C charging port and LED lighting are also standard.
UK pricing starts at £8250 for the Atlas and £9450 for the Atlas Apex, while European pricing starts at €9250 and €10,525 respectively.
Australian pricing and availability have not yet been confirmed.
