Motorcycle specifications NortonAtlas 650 Nomad 2019 Tempting, everyday life in Norton
Atlas... Titan of ancient Greece, forced to break his back because he carried the world. Then the mountain range of North Africa. Above all, an emblematic Norton model, preceding the Commando of the 60s in the manufacturer's saga. Today, it's an excursion into the scrambler clan. More than that, in fact, as this is an affordable model, almost cheap compared to the 961 Commando and 1200 V4. But a Norton isn't a British bike that's easily seduced. Even in the entry-level range, the bike knows how to make itself desired, and its appetite for adventure doesn't mask its good manners.
The Atlas has cachet, and a dual personality. The Nomad version is more road-going, while the Ranger version is more rural. Whichever version you choose, the British model asserts its presence, a precious side, a desire to certify a coat of arms rather than a reason. The shape and details are in the vein of fine machines. Most Scramblers don't feature open-worked fork crowns, exhaust grilles or similar attention to detail. The front end, like its Moto-Morini alter ego, leans towards excess. This enormous 50 mm inverted fork is almost imperial, supported by 320 mm brake discs and Brembo 4-piston monobloc calipers. A fine tool; but apart from for show, what's the point of putting hypersport gear on this kind of bike? On the other hand, it's undeniable that the owner will get his money's worth, and that it will be difficult to catch the bike off-guard with such a bow.
Certainly more up for a biting ride, driven more than happily with this brand-new engine. For simplicity's sake, Norton has split the V4 of its hypersport in two, then established a displacement of 650 cm3. The cylinders have the same bore, but a longer stroke. This parallel twin with 270° timing promises great performance, with a claimed 84 hp. Not bad, not bad at all for this type of engine. An MT-07 twin, though more generous in cubic capacity (689 cm3), already delivers a very fun 75 hp. Torque, at 6.6 mkg, is right up there with the rest of the class.
Suspension is also on a higher level. The Roadholder fork is adjustable throughout. The shock absorber, from the same brand, features only preload adjustment.
For a machine more road-oriented than the Ranger, you'd expect to see 17-inch tires... In fact, only the rear features this size, with a wide 180/55-17. The front wheel is an 18-inch, with a 110 gum. The Ranger differentiates itself with more trekking shoes.
Norton has chosen to give it greater suspension travel than a standard roadster. 150 mm on either side. This allows for a few incursions, and results in a somewhat higher seat height, at 824 mm.
More playful than the Ranger, the Atlas 650 Normad benefits from a shorter wheelbase of 1446 mm, while sharing the same weight (178 kg) and frame. An innovative tubular steel perimeter structure encloses the engine, while holding a steering column inclined at 24.2° and a remarkable aluminum swingarm. The two-material saddle with topstitching is also worth appreciating for its overview.
This Atlas is a tempting approach, with an undeniable need to stand out and be admired. As Norton is far from the production capacity of its compatriot Triumph, and out of reach of most manufacturers, only 250 units of the 650 Nomad will be produced, for a price of £9995. This gives us approximately 11500 euros for the models arriving in Europe. Add a hefty dose of taxes to the bill, and this scrambler will be far less affordable than we'd hoped. But it's still the least expensive model in the range, and a great way to invest in the Norton dynasty.
The Norton Atlas will remain in the books, like the Greek myth. The relaunch of Norton led to certain choices, including burying the Atlas project. This appealing scrambler-trailer is therefore condemned to having been no more than a pipe dream.
M.B - Manufacturer's photos
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