Motorcycle specifications Norton650 Atlas 2019 Chemin des Hespérides

After the characterful vintage roadster and the TT-flavored sports bike, Norton is thinking about diversifying its range by announcing the 650 Atlas for 2019. With this, the English brand brings out the name from its majestic past A machine from the 60s that preceded the famous Commando.

With this patronymic that smells of mountains and rock, Norton is going to tap into a trendier segment by proposing its vision of a scrambler. But not a roadster with an all-terrain marketing makeover. It's a more upscale machine, which will nonetheless be the manufacturer's entry-level model. The look, the big fork, the big brakes and the various appendages speak volumes about the Atlas' desires. The new twin, which we've been talking about for some time now, will also be unveiled.

A parallel twin, all new and modern, and the complete opposite of the Commando / Dominator block philosophy. Here, we've cut the V4 block from the sporty 1200 RR, reworked the dimensions a little and lengthened the stroke of the two remaining pistons to obtain a 650 capable of producing 70 to 100 horsepower, and more than 170 in a supercharged version. Which power will be chosen for the Atlas? Perhaps we'll find out at ECIMA, or more likely at the Birmingham Motor Show.

Faced with the Ducati 800 Scrambler, BMW R NineT and other teasers in the segment, the Norton Atlas is clearly aiming higher. Above all, its new engine paves the way for larger production runs - for the brand and for partner Zongshen. Since its relaunch some ten years ago, the manufacturer has cultivated a high-end image with expressive motorcycles. Let's hope this one is in the same vein.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos