Norton Atlas Tech Specs are Out, Standard Bike comes Loaded

• Liquid-cooled parallel-twin makes 69bhp
• KYB adjustable suspension; 23kmpl claimed

Norton Atlas technical specifications just came out, and the standard form already looks like a serious entry into the middleweight adventure segment. The standard version comes packed with a twin-cylinder engine, adjustable KYB suspension, a large 720p TFT display and a wide electronics package.

The 585cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine has a 270-degree crankshaft. It puts out a generous maximum power figure of 69bhp at 9,300rpm and peak torque of 57.5Nm at 7,300rpm. The bore and stroke are at 78mm and 61.2mm, compressing 12.2:1. Norton has also used multi-point sequential fuel injection and a ride-by-wire throttle. That 270-degree crank should be able to give the engine a stronger character than a flat-sounding twin.

The six-speed transmission comes with a bi-directional up and down quickshifter. It also uses a cable-operated assist and slip wet clutch. This should support aggressive downshifts on fast twisty roads or more ease on loose surfaces. The final drive is through an X-ring chain with a 16-tooth front sprocket and 47-tooth rear sprocket.

The chassis uses a steel trellis frame with a cast aluminium swingarm. The engine too works as a structural member to keep the package light and more compact. The standard Atlas has a wet weight without fuel of 188kg which sounds very competitive for a middleweight adventure tourer with this level of equipment. It gets a 15.4-litre fuel tank, an 845mm seat height and 220mm ground clearance. The KYB 43mm upside-down front forks with 180mm of wheel travel are fully adjustable. At the rear too the KYB monoshock has 180mm wheel travel with adjustable damping and hydraulic preload adjustment.

Atlas gets twin 310mm semi-floating discs at the front with radially mounted Bybre callipers, while the rear uses a 270mm disc with a Bybre calliper. Wheels are 19-inch front and 17-inch rear combination with either cast alloy or spoked steel wheels depending on configuration. Tyres are Eurogrip Explo R Plus units sized 110/80 ZR19 at the front and 150/70 ZR17 at the rear.

The electronics package is sweet as well. It gets a Bosch 10.3MB six-axis IMU along with Norton’s drag torque control, ABS, tractive effort control, dynamic cruise control, total wheelie control, rear lift control and rear slide control systems. There are four ride modes to choose from, Urban, Rain, Sport, Tour and Enduro. That looks like a serious suite for a middleweight adventure motorcycle.

The standard Atlas also gets a full-colour 8-inch touchscreen TFT display with 720p resolution. It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, music and call control, turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, ride telematics, Norton Rider app integration and over-the-air software and firmware updates. There is also keyless ignition with electronic steering lock, seat lock, and fuel filler cap.

Lighting is handled by LED twin-projector headlamps with dynamic light intensity and signature daytime running lights. The front indicators are integrated into the handguards while the rear gets an LED 3-in-1 multifunction taillight and indicators. Atlas is also designed with touring practicality in mind even in standard form. There’s adjustable brake and clutch levers, aluminium footpegs with removable rubber inserts and a one-piece rider and pillion seat. Norton is claiming a fuel consumption figure of 23kmpl.