Norton Atlas vs Atlas GT: differences explained

With the Norton Atlas and Atlas GT now fully revealed ahead of their expected launch later this year, we finally have a clear picture of what the brand's first new motorcycles for our market  will offer. While they share the same 585cc parallel-twin engine and electronics package, the Atlas and Atlas GT have been engineered for very different purposes. Here's a closer look at what sets them apart.

Norton Atlas vs Atlas GT: What stays the same?

The engine, electronics and braking hardware are identical on both bikes

Both the Atlas and Atlas GT are powered by the same 585cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 70hp at 9,300rpm and 57.5Nm at 7,300rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and bidirectional quickshifter as standard. The electronics package is also shared – a Bosch six-axis IMU underpins lean-sensitive ABS, cornering traction control, cornering cruise control, wheelie control, rear lift control and rear slide control, with five riding modes (Urban, Rain, Sport, Tour and Enduro) on both. An 8-inch touchscreen TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and over-the-air update capability are also standard across both models.

Braking hardware is identical too, with dual 310mm front discs paired and a 270mm rear disc. The bikes also share the same 15.4-litre fuel tank. 

Both the Atlas and Atlas GT are also available in a higher-spec Apex variant, which adds electronic combined braking, hill-hold assist, heated grips, TPMS, LED cornering lights, and an easy-adjust windscreen as standard.

Norton Atlas vs Atlas GT: Suspension and wheels

The Atlas gets longer-travel suspension and a 19-inch front wheel; the GT gets 17-inch wheels at both ends

This is the most fundamental difference between the two bikes and the one that most defines their respective characters. The Atlas gets a fully adjustable KYB 43mm USD fork and monoshock combo with 180mm of travel front and rear, a 19-inch front/17-inch rear wheel setup (available in cast alloy or spoked steel), 220mm of ground clearance and an 845mm seat height. The larger front wheel and longer suspension travel should give it a more traditional adventure motorcycle character.

The Atlas GT takes a road-focused approach with 140mm of suspension travel at both ends and 17-inch wheels front and rear, which should translate to sharper steering and a more committed road-riding character. Seat height drops to 815mm, making it the more accessible of the two for shorter riders.