NEW WORLD ORDER

Atlas Nomad and Ranger 650s change the game

The all-new Atlas Nomad and Ranger use a 650cc parallel-twin in a steel trellis frame, married to beautifully proportioned styling and a do-it-all go-anywhere attitude. They look great. Designed for everyday riding and casual jaunts down greenlanes, the pair are intended to be robust and resilient, and simple enough that any unwanted interactions with the scenery won’t do too much damage. The engine, conceived as a version of the V4, but without the rear bank of cylinders, is understressed, but powerful. Knocking out a claimed 84bhp is impressive and more than enough for a roadfocused scrambler. Engine, frame, tank, clocks, switchgear and electronics will be the same on both bikes, and while the Nomad has a more heritage vibe, the Ranger is aimed at those looking for a more modern scrambler feel. Both come on centrally laced spoked rims, with the Nomad running Avon Trailriders (110/80 R18 and 180/55 R17), and the Ranger using Avon Trekriders for its slightly more off-road biased 19in front rim (120/70 R19 and 170/60 R17). The tank is a 15-litre moulded composite unit rather than expensive and dentable aluminium or steel. Both bikes run Norton Roadholder branded suspension, but the Ranger sits higher for improved ground clearance (200mm travel), and gets braced bars, a bash plate, and a scrambler style front mudguard. With relatively low seat heights (824mm and 875mm), and narrow seats, even the shorter of leg should have no trouble touching down.

But it’s the price that really make the Atlas duo attractive. A slice of British engineering in a fun everyday package for sub£10k? Join the queue early.

RICHARD NEWLAND DEPUTY EDITOR ‘Amidst a sea of scrambler clones the Atlas stands out as something different, something a bit special’