Atlas Production Racers

I recently borrowed some new old stock exhaust pipes that did not appear to fit anything to try on my 650 SS PR project . Not seen this design of pipe anywhere before . Similar to the very first Manxman pipes shaped to run closer to the frame but much more pronouced and run within a couple of mm of the front featherbed downtubes and have welded on brackets that appear to be for fairing mounts . Norton Exhaust rings that cant be removed. Been puzzling over these for many months. Then I am sent some pictures of one of the very few ( 2 or 3 ) ? Atlas PR bikes that the factory supplied to UK dealers . Bingo !. What are the chances of this happening?. Mind boggling.

Pics?

That's interesting as I didn't know they, & I presume you mean Plumstead, supplied Atlases for PR. Any idea what years they did this?

1968 some of the race dept stock went to Reg Dearden , these came from there .

The PR bikes were built for the 19 67 TT , Tessted but found to have handling issues with a top speed aproaching 140 mph. Withdrawn from the race entry although the dealers and riders were prepared to try to sort out. We know that there was a weight distribution issue because of the alternator and clutch not being counterbalanced . Perhaps they were not prepared to do what the Lawton and Wilson team did !. I have photos ,just cant post them.

There are handling issues when a Featherbed frame is used, when there is not enough weight on the front wheel. A Manx Norton has excellent handling because of the fact that it oversteers slightly when riders accelerate early in corners. If the front feels light, the feedback deters the rider, and with good reason. Losing the front is not a good way to crash. It is always better to lose the back and land gently on the ground. Turn in the direction of the slide to increase it - the natural response is to turn to bring the rear wheel back under you - then you get the high-side. Some handling things are counter-intuitive.

140 MPH is impressive for a Norton in 1967. Probably felt a little like piloting a wet noodle leaned into a 140 MPH sweeper and just good old fashioned tank slapping scary in a straight line. Just guessing though. I've never approached that kind of speed riding a old Norton.

Dunstall achieved similar speeds. the works Nortons had a neat very slim fairing with the pipes a few thou from the frame downtubes. These are the pipes on my PR SS. I also have an AR race fairing .