This Café-Inspired Norton Atlas 750 Is Perfect for Morning Coffee Runs
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
This beautiful 1967 Norton Atlas 750 recently listed for sale on eBay, while rebuilt 10 years ago, retains much of its original character—including the original featherbed frame and matching numbers engine—alongside choice performance upgrades. It been given a stylish café racer treatment.
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A Defining Frame Design
If ever there was a motorcycle frame that helped define a company, it’s Norton’s featherbed frame - opens in new window or tab.. It was designed by Cromie and Rex McCandless, talented motorcycle racers from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Dissatisfied with the rigid performance of standard motorcycles, the brothers developed a rear subframe that incorporated a swingarm and spring/damper units from a Citroën car - opens in new window or tab..
They took their design to the track. Word of their racing success attracted the attention of Norton’s managing director Bill Mansell. The plunger frame of Norton’s Manx model was prone to cracking, so the company contracted the McCandless brothers to develop a new option. The result was a dual-cradle, steel tube frame, the twin loops encircling the engine and converging at the heavy-duty cross-over headstock.
The neck was strong and durable, and the frame was light and rigid. Teamed with McCandless’ rear suspension and Norton’s Roadholder fork, it quickly earned a reputation for amazing handling. During testing at the Silverstone race track - opens in new window or tab. in 1950, rider Harold Daniel—the 1949 Senior TT winner—said operating the motorcycle was like riding on a “feather-bed.” The name stuck.
Original Frame with Upgraded Performance
The engine and transmission on the Norton Atlas 750 for sale are stock, but the 745cc parallel twin has been overbored thirty thousandths and outfitted with new pistons. Both the heads and bottom end have been rebuilt. It also has new valves, guides, and seats. The air-cooled engine is fed by a pair of 30mm Amal concentric carbs - opens in new window or tab.. In stock form, it produced 49 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. Thanks to its rebuild, this one puts out even more. And though the gearbox is stock, it too has been rebuilt, courtesy of English Motors. The exhaust was handmade in the UK based on a competition replica exhaust. Its note is full and rich.
The refined gas and oil tanks were custom-made by a company called The Tank Shop out of the UK. The Norton logo and stripes were hand-painted. A set of clubman bars - opens in new window or tab. and a classic café racer hump seat - opens in new window or tab. add to its racy newfound disposition. Beyond that, the Atlas 750 runs competition Grimeca brake shoes - opens in new window or tab. on the front and rear, a smart addition since braking wasn’t one of the original motorcycle’s strong points. It runs a 19-inch stainless steel Akront spoke wheel - opens in new window or tab. up front and an 18-inch Akront on the rear, lending to its timeless charm.
According to the owner, the Norton Atlas 750 had just been rebuilt with only the finest parts when he purchased it 10 years ago. He’s been diligent about firing it up and running it every month or so and says it starts on the first or second kick. It hasn’t been ridden much because it was used as a showpiece in a collection of rare cars, but it’s a runner that’s begging to be opened up. If you’ve ever dreamed of going ton-up on a beautiful British motorcycle - opens in new window or tab., now’s your chance.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.