P78
RIDE REVIEW I 2027 NORTON ATLAS APEX
that embraces modern technol-
ogy rather than attempting to
recreate the styling or mechani-
cal character of past Nortons.
At its heart is a 585cc, liquid-
cooled parallel-twin producing
a claimed 69 horsepower at
9300 rpm and 42 lb-ft of torque
at 7500 rpm. The engine uses a
270-degree crankshaft, giving it
an uneven firing order intended
to provide a more characterful
delivery and improved traction
feel. A slipper clutch and stan
-
dard up-and-down quickshifter
are also fitted.
The engine is one of the
Atlas's strongest attributes. It
delivers its power in a quite ac-
cessible fashion, with enough
low- to midrange torque to make
progress easy without feel
-
ing intimidating. There is also
a willingness to rev when the
road opens up, giving the Atlas
a useful spread of performance
for both commuting and longer-
distance touring.
alongside the Scrambler 650.
That project, however, never
reached production following
the collapse of Norton's previ
-
ous ownership. The less said
about that, the better.
The new Atlas therefore
represents a second attempt
to attach the historic name to
an adventure-oriented Norton,
although the new motorcycle is
an entirely different proposition.
Developed under TVS owner
-
ship, it is a clean-sheet design
For a rider of
6-foot-1, the ergos
are quite comfy for
a few hours' ride.
Weather protection
is also decent from
that admittedly
small screen.
