600 OR Atlas

Mention the word Atlas in the biking world and most people would associate the name with Norton. Laverda also produced an Atlas, the OR 600. The first model (series 1) was shown at Milan in 1985 and production started from 1986.

A production run of around 400 bikes, including the series 2, were made over a period of 4 years, ending in 1990.

The bike was designed and marketed for the them fashionable enduro style on/off roader, being more bias to touring than off road use.

Although received with mixed receptio, the bike looked the part, with good build quality, uprated engine and looking very attractive in it's blue and white livery.

The engine was based on the old Alpino DOHC twin cylinder unit, but much improved. It had been totally revamped. New crankcase design, crankshaft, cylinder head/barrel, twin rotating balancer shaft, uprated oil pump and a much needed oil cooling system.

The frame was a mixture of box section and round tube, painted in white (later series 1 painted blue).

Suspension was by Marzocchi, leading axle forks with 42mm stanchions and (soft ramble) monoshock rear.

SPECIFICATION

Engine - 4 Stroke D.O.H.C. Twin cylinder
Bore - 76mm
Stroke - 63mm
Displacement - 571.6cc
Compression Ratio - 9.1
Lubrication - Wet sump, with gear pump
Transmission - 6 Speed gear primary drive
Clutch - Wet multi-plate
Carburetor - Dell-orto twin choke
Ignition - Bosch electronic
Brakes - Front; 260mm floating single disc, Brembo 4-piston caliper.
Rear; 230mm single disc, 2-piston caliper.
Tyres - Front 90/90x21. Rear 130/80
Fuel tank capacity - 27 liters (6 gallons)
Max Speed - 105mph
Power - 50hp
Dry weight - 180kg (397lb)

The fist series one Atlas produced, came with white painted frame.

A later series 1 Atlas. Note different graphics and blue painted frame.

 

Model Changes (series 2)

Fuel tank / bodywork red and white
Frame red
Twin side mounted radiators
Hydraulic operated clutch
Exhaust pipes exiting to the left side
Motoplat ignition
Different tail section and side panels
Choke operation to 2 position thumb lever.

A late series 2 Atlas, Now with hydraulic operated clutch, Different style bodywork, Exhaust exiting left, and colour changed to Red & White. Frame painted Red.

Owning and Riding an OR 600 Atlas.

I Cannot say enough good things about the Atlas. I own two of these, a late series 1, and a series 2. Both perform pretty much the same in terms of engine and handling. The series 2 runs cooler due to it's twin forward facing radiators.
The series 2 was bought 2 years ago from Holland. It was in very good condition considering it was showing 42000kms. My first visual impressions were that this thing is big - as in very tall. I Stood wondering how I was ever going to get on it, never mind ride it! (Being only 5'6").
Well I had bought it, so into road test mode. With Robert (the seller) insisting I take it for a spin, laughing as I clambered aboard and telling me I would be okay so long as I didn't have to stop and put my feet down!
Off I went and what a surprise I got, the engine is a gem, pulling from as little as 2000rpm, comes on strong at around 5000rpm and topping out at 8000rpm with an indicated 160km showing on the speedo, this bike's not slow! Riding further, taking the bike onto some of my favorite A and B roads, the handling and comfort, once again were more than expected from this style of bike.
Okay, it's no match for a sports bike, but for pure fun and enjoyment it's just as satisfying. The steering has a light, neutral feel and with the well set up long travel rear monoshock soaking up the bumps, amounts to a relaxed and confident ride.
To date, I have covered 18000 trouble free kms. It always starts on the button, but does require warming up well before the choke can be fully backed off. The range is also excellent, giving 180 - 200 miles before going into reserve, which will give 20 - 25 miles. The lights are also very good, with 70 - 80mph cruising on unlit roads being possible. Riding with a pillion aboard is also very good, with 150 mile journeys taken in comfort. The single disc brakes being well up to their job.
Overall this is one of the best bikes that Laverda produced, what a pity they never made more.