1966 Norton Atlas – $17,000

1966 Norton Atlas for sale

SELLER SAYS:  The bike is in very good condition and comes with extensive maintenance history and full owner’s title. This bike has been part of my collection since 2007. Recent magneto overhaul and clutch replacement with receipts for all work done. For all enquiries please call Geoff on 0438 668 165 (Ballina, NSW).

EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: Named after America’s first ballistic missile, the Atlas was Norton’s first 750 twin — and, apart from the 650 Mercury, the last model to run with the much-loved ‘featherbed’ frame. The name was apt because the Atlas was indeed something of a rocketship – 0-60mph in a whisker over five seconds and a top speed a whisker shy of 120mph were a lovely set of numbers. The bike was released in 1962, and the lift from 650 to 750 came because the American market, as always, were ardent believers in the saying that “there’s no substitute for cubes”. Truth be told, the 750 pumped out the same 49 horsepower as the 650SS, although testers back in the day said the bigger engine definitely produced a broader spread of power, along with the marvellous handling of the featherbed. (Apparently the American importers, when they lobbied Norton to take the engine out to 750cc, said they wanted a motor capable of running from 20mph out to 100mph in top gear.) This bike of Geoff’s looks like a wonderful example, ready for duties on the road and/or in the man cave.