Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1545985
The 19-inch front wheel and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provide the fundamen- tals for exploring beyond the pavement, but the Atlas is ultimately designed as a versatile adventure-tourer rather than a lightweight enduro. The Bybre brakes provide sufficient stop- ping performance for the motorcycle's perfor- mance and intended use, but they won't blow your hair back in terms of performance. The feel at the lever is a little odd—there's not a huge amount of bite at first, then the power ramps up quite quickly. This could be a bit of an issue for new riders, but it works well off-road, as the softer initial bite makes for a more progressive stop on loose surfaces. In all, it works fine, just feels a little different. The Atlas enters a competitive segment dominated by established Japanese and European manufacturers. Its point of dif- ference is a contemporary interpretation of Norton, combining a modern 585cc parallel- twin with distinctive styling, sophisticated electronics and premium equipment. The Iceland launch demonstrated its versatility, with the Atlas comfortable on pavement, agile through winding roads and capable of tackling gravel and less- developed surfaces. The engine offers useful performance without being overwhelming, while the suspension and 19-inch front wheel provide the expected adventure capability. The base Atlas is likely to appeal to riders prioritizing simplicity and value, while the Apex suits those seeking greater comfort and convenience for longer trips. As Norton's second major release under TVS ownership, the Atlas is an important model for the com - pany's future. It carries a historic name but is firmly a product of Norton's new era, offering a credible and technologically sophisticated entry into the middleweight adventure market. Pricing for the base Atlas and the Atlas Apex will be available later in the summer, and bikes will arrive in North America in the fourth quarter of this year. CN P86 RIDE REVIEW I 2027 NORTON ATLAS APEX 2027 NORTON ATLAS ($ TBA) Engine Liquid-cooled parallel-twin, 270-degree crank Valvetrain DOHC, 8-valve Displacement 585cc Bore x Stroke 78.0 x 61.2mm Compression Ratio 12.2:1 Transmission/Final Drive 6-speed Horsepower (claimed) 69 hp @ 9300 rpm Torque (claimed) 42 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm Fuel System Multi-point sequential fuel injection system, ride-by-wire throttle Clutch Wet, multiplate; slip-and-assist function; cable actuation Frame Steel trellis Front Suspension KYB 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable Rear Suspension KYB monoshock RSU, fully adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 7.1 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 7.1 in. Front Brake Dual 310mm discs, radial Bybre calipers, cornering ABS Rear Brake Single 270mm disc, Bybre caliper, cornering ABS Wheels, Front/Rear Cast aluminum alloy, 19 x 3.00 in. / 17 x 4.50 in. Tires, Front/Rear Eurogrip Explo R Plus, 110/80 ZR19 / 150/70 ZR17 Rake/Trail 25.7° / 4.0 in. Wheelbase 57.7 in. Ground Clearance 8.7 in. Seat Height 33.3 in. Fuel Capacity 4.1 gal. Average mpg (claimed) 54 mpg Weight (wet, no fuel, claimed) 414 lbs. (Apex version 423 lbs.)