I have found a 64 Atlas for purchase. I have run the numbers off the motor, and it identifies it as a 64 model. After the numbers, it has a "P" stamped after it. What does this P stand for? I have yet to find the frame numbers; where are they and shouldn't they match? THANKS!

Maybe it's a "P11" engine?

Sorry, that's all I can guess...

I believe that identifies the engine as being built at the Plumstead works, as were all Atlas's.

The frame serial number should be on the left hand side of the frame on a flat plate as it runs down. If I remember mine is at a bit of an angle from vertical and it is quite hard to see the stamped numbers under the paint. I'd do a picture but it is under an alloy adapter plate on my bike.
I think you have a number on top of the tranny also. All these numbers may have matched in 1964. Mine sure don't.

68Norton wrote:I have yet to find the frame numbers; where are they and shouldn't they match?

To add to what Cookie said, the frame number should be stamped in a vertical line on the left hand side frame gusset plate immediately above the swingarm pivot? You should also find "20" stamped horizontally above the frame number?
20 is the factory code number for the Atlas model.

Thanks for the help folks! I am going back to look at the bike today or tomorrow. Hopefully we can agree on a price; as it is missing the rear fender, seat, and cover on the left side of the motor for the primary drive. He has most of the items, but I may wait to get those later depending on the price. Thanks again, and I will hopefully be saying "Merry Christmas to me" and have a new project to start working on soon. If it works out I'll send some pics.

Logged in again; lost my info so I started new.

I got the bike! By my research it is a 1964 model, first edition, UK edition. Motor and frame numbers match too! 20 / 109163 / P. Now I am going to start braking it down, removing parts, cleaning, rebuilding, looking for parts, etc. The fun is about to begin!!! A new project... from triumph to norton...

I am looking for some parts though. Fenders for starters; found 1 front but it's not in too good condition. I have some feelers out by if anyone has a good set at an affordable price please let me know. Also need the primary drive cover/left side of motor.

Thanks for the help! Will try to upload some pics soon...

I need some help settling an argument/discussion. I have the understanding this bike has a slimline featherbed frame. Based uopn the numbers posted, is this correct? I don't know how to upload photos, but have some great frame shots if someone to help me with this. Thanks!

Racing64 wrote: I need some help settling an argument/discussion. I have the understanding this bike has a slimline featherbed frame. Based uopn the numbers posted, is this correct?

Yes, a '64 model should have a slimline frame.

Racing64 wrote:I don't know how to upload photos, but have some great frame shots if someone to help me with this.

Go to Technical Information Section & How To Post Photos technical-information-section-how-post-photos-t2357.html

(Why is it that so many of our members do not appear to notice that info sticky?)

A Slimline frame has the two parallel top tubes that taper in closer together as they run from the steering head back toward the seat. Wideline top tubes caryy the same parallel spacing all the way back.

Thanks for the info folks! Now I can so I told you so... nah won't go there.

I will try to update some photos so since I got some help with that too. I guess I didn't see the sticky because I wasn't lookin for it... the other forums I belong to make it much easier to upload pics... but no big deal.

Again... thanks for the help!

sidreilley wrote:I believe that identifies the engine as being built at the Plumstead works, as were all Atlas's.

Wrong, the first Atlas bikes were sold in 1962 and they were built at the original Norton works on Bracebridge Street in Birmingham.

Racing64. Where did you source your info? Roy Bacon? You do in fact have a '64, though I can't find what would indicate it is a "first edition, UK edition" (?). The Atlas wasn't available to the"home market" until February of '64, though the road model was made avaiable to the home police since, I guess, '62. That's if I'm reading Bacons information correctly. He shows Atlas serial numbers starting in 64 but then in the body of the book you find they came out for export in '62. Hard book to read at times. Anyway, just wondering.......