Norton Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle brand owned by TVS Motor, has unveiled its new mid-weight adventure touring motorcycle, the Norton Atlas GT. The company has introduced two versions for European markets – the standard Atlas and the road-focused Atlas GT. The new motorcycle is designed for riders who enjoy long-distance touring as well as everyday riding. With the popularity of adventure and touring bikes growing rapidly in India, there is strong speculation that Norton could launch the Atlas GT in the country in the future. Here’s a detailed look at the bike’s key features, specifications, and what makes it stand out.
Norton Atlas GT
The Norton Atlas GT is built for riders who enjoy long-distance touring and off-road adventures. Powering the motorcycle is a 585cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers strong performance across different riding conditions. The engine produces 69 bhp at 9,300 rpm and generates 57.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm, ensuring a balance of power and responsiveness. The bike comes equipped with a 6-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. To enhance the riding experience, Norton also offers a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, allowing riders to change gears without using the clutch for faster and smoother performance.
Design and Features
Designed to tackle rough roads and challenging terrain with ease, the Norton Atlas GT features a strong and durable construction. The motorcycle is built on a robust steel trellis frame, with the engine integrated as a stressed member to improve overall strength and stability. For a comfortable riding experience, Norton has equipped the bike with fully adjustable KYB suspension at both ends. The front gets 43 mm upside-down (USD) forks, while the rear features a monoshock setup. Together, they offer up to 140 mm of wheel travel, helping the bike absorb bumps and uneven surfaces effectively for a smoother ride on long journeys and off-road trails.
The Norton Atlas GT comes loaded with advanced safety and rider-focused features. For braking, it gets dual 310 mm front disc brakes and a 270 mm rear disc brake, offering strong stopping power. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch cast-alloy wheels, while the GT variant features a comfortable 815 mm seat height, slightly lower than the standard model. Riders can choose from five riding modes – Urban, Rain, Sport, Tour, and Enduro – to suit different road conditions. The bike also features a Bosch 6-axis IMU system that enables lean-sensitive ABS, cornering traction control, and cornering cruise control. Additional features such as wheelie control and rear slide control further enhance stability and rider confidence.
