“1962” Norton Atlas Cafe Racer

In Cafe Racer, Custom, England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: After being relisted, this cafe’d Atlas got bidding up to $11,300 with the reserve not yet met. It was then sold off of eBay to a Bike-urious reader!

When I was in High School, we read lurid accounts of the Mods v the Rockers in England. Gang fights, loose women, motorcycles. Think West Side Story with much more danceable music. The Mods were scooter riding, tie wearing good boys so I was firmly behind the Rockers with their long hair and real motorcycles. They even had their own genre of motorcycle, the Cafe Racer. Yes. I put clip ons and bar end mirrors on my triumph. Jeeze, I’m listening to the Rolling Stones right now. The effects of the cafe racer movement linger on.

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The 1964 Norton Atlas (this bike is titled a ‘62, because of a frame change. Mechanically it is a ‘64) used a 745 CC (45.46 CID) four stroke air cooled vertical twin that produces 58 HP with two Amal carbs. Norton 5 way front forks, the Norton Featherbed frame, fully adjustable rear Girling rear suspension, 12 volt electrics and brakes that stop made an incredibly attractive 407 LBS package.

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This Norton Atlas is in Ojai, California (VIN: 18104903) is listed as a 14,523 mile complete rebuild. The build list is meticulous including overboring, powder coated frame, all new electrical and lots of custom bits. The bike is currently priced at $5,000 with reserve not met