Norton Motorcycles has confirmed that its Atlas middleweight naked bike will launch globally next year in two variants, Nomad and Ranger.
The Norton Atlas was originally revealed in pre-production guise in 2018, but the brand’s tumultuous transition to new ownership held a question mark over its release.
Norton previously described the Atlas as an ‘everyday’ motorcycle with its reasonably affordable pricetag of £9,995 ($A18,155), however, pricing for the 2021 range has yet to be locked in.
Both the Norton Atlas Nomad and Ranger share the same engine and chassis, but each offer a distinct personality.
The Nomad is the more road-focussed, with a stripped back ‘cafe racer’ stance, while the Ranger takes on a ‘scrambler’ design with taller suspension, a high exhaust and a number of off-road focussed elements.
Powering the Norton Atlas is a 650cc parallel twin generating 63kW and 64Nm, which is backed up by premium adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes.
Hand-built parts are found throughout, with aluminium machined elements and a diamond-stitched seat, while more modern exterior features include LED lighting and electronic gauges.
The pre-production Atlas weighed in at 178 kilograms (dry), featured a seat height of 824mm (Ranger: 875mm), and had a 15-litre fuel capacity.
This news follows the recent reveal of the 2021 Norton V4RR sportsbike, which was significant as it indicated the first new model since the bikemaker was acquired by TVS Motors.
Norton Motorcycles fell into administration in January of this year due to significant financial problems, but was saved in April when Indian firm TVS Motor Company bought the manufacturer for a reported £16 million ($A29.1m).
In a recent interview, Norton’s new chief executive officer John Russell touched on how it plans to move forward in the long term, before confirming that a new model is on the horizon.
“TVS bought Norton because it was a once in a generation opportunity to buy one of the great brands of the motorcycle industry,” he said.
“It’s our job, our goal, to make sure the foundations we create now, create the real potential for us to unlock this brand and deliver its potential long term.
“Much of what we are working on is invisible to our customers and enthusiasts but at the heart of what we’re doing is this bike, which will be the first one available from the new Norton at the end of this year.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
Only time will tell