the rebuild begins

With the semester over and summer upon me, it is time to put it all back together. The folks powder coating the barrels are taking their sweet time; but that does not stop me completely.
Engine has been Balanced by Sunset Motors in Wisconsin. This is a good idea for an Atlas, though in all honesty I don't think it was much worse than any other British bike I have ridden.

As is clearly evident, I am not a photographer. Hopefully get the crankcase together in the next week or two.

the polishing

Some before, during and after shots of the timing side crankcase. I water papered them down about 2 years ago when I rebuilt the engine but the 2 years of riding had gotten them pretty scuffed up. Some 320, 600, and 1500 grit water paper fixed that problem along with three new buffing cloths from the hardware store. Other side will be done shortly.

First wave of new parts

The first wave of new parts came and they are friggin beautiful! You wouldn't believe it but thats nearly a grand worth of parts there. Oh well, you wanna play golf, you don't bitch about the price of balls.


The new shocks for the rear are chrome plated and they too are very nice. The old ones had leaked out all their hydraulic fluid a long time ago. These are unshrouded and I think it looks a lot cooler.

The new alloy yokes are mirror polished and weigh almost nothing. They are beautiful. I got the conversion to get rid of the crappy old ball bearing and cup set up and now have the roller bearings like the commando. The new setup is much nicer, less maintenance.

completely disassembled (almost)

here it is almost completely disassembled. Swinging arm and shocks came off quick and easy. steering up front was easy too. Now I am busy looking about for some powder coaters and a sandblaster.

There is muchos grande grease and oil on it. No doubt it is British.

Before photos

As is clearly evident, the bike is in desparate need of some TLC

The Project

I am the proud owner of a 1968 Norton Atlas. I have had it for 11 years this December. Of the 14 motorbikes I have owned (most vintage British) this is undoubtedly my favourite.

On Dec. 10th 2008, after 11 years planning and scheming (and the worst law school final exam known to mankind) I finally started its long overdue rebuild. I am not conceited enough to believe that anyone really cares about any of this, however, I am looking for as much advice, input, feedback and comments as I can get from just about anyone. This blog is created for that purpose. If you are interested or know anything about bikes, and have anything to say, I would like to hear it. If you have advice, PLEASE GOD GIVE IT TO ME! If you are looking to flog some parts, please let me know too.

I will update at various stages along the way with pictures.