1968 Atlas rare find

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I have posted this bike on the Brit bike forum recently and have recently just discovered this forum, although I was already a member.

1968 Atlas rare find


I traded a 1961 Parilla Wildcat 250 Scrambler for this bike that a friend of mine discovered. I really liked the Parilla due to its rarity, but when I saw this bike, I had to have it.

Here's what I know so far. Original owner bought this bike new in 1970, rode it for 455 miles and took a spill on it. He parked it in the back of the garage and never rode it again. I have been trying to disprove the original miles, of course regrettably, but so far it holds true.
I've started to clean it up and remove rust. So far it's been cleaning up nicely. The tires appear original (Avon Speedmaster MK II, date codes 1965 & 1966), clutch appears new, rear brake shoe pads barely scuffed, original key, original title. Now I have found one anomally in that the tank was originally painted metallic green. Someone repainted over it with oxide primer and black enamel. I intend to remove the black and primer to restore the original green. Maybe a replacement tank, maybe he thought he would change his luck and paint it black? An old superstition was that green bikes were bad luck.
I have inspected and drained the oil. Oil tank was empty and 3 qts or more were in the crankcase (wet sumped). Installed a battery and cleaned the points. I have a spark in both cylinders and all lights, switches and horn work. I am currently rebuilding carbs but they were almost spotless. Ordered new O rings and gaskets.

1968 Atlas rare find
 
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Congratulations on a great acquisition and project. It should be a lovely bike to enjoy once you are finished.

Your Parilla brings back some memories. The first bike I owned was a 250 Parilla scrambler that I bought as a project and brought back to life, back in the mid '60s.
1968 Atlas rare find


Ken
 
Nice find!

I have two fantacies in my life .....

1) a twenty something rated 9+ will fawn all over me, and

2) I will find a storage locker with an Atlas and a Commando in it, both low mileage and fully intact like yours, plus bins full of parts.

Either one is a long shot.

Slick
 
Thank you Ken,

The Parilla 250 high cam motor is one of the most beautiful motors ever made. Mine went to a very good home. It is an early first year model with rare suspension (B.E.B).

1968 Atlas rare find
 
Nice find!

I have two fantacies in my life .....

1) a twenty something rated 9+ will fawn all over me, and

2) I will find a storage locker with an Atlas and a Commando in it, both low mileage and fully intact like yours, plus bins full of parts.

Either one is a long shot.

Slick
 
Slick,

It's a dream come true for sure. It's a struggle to decide if I'm going to ride it much.
 
You're correct, Ken, but the Atlas isn't the greatest ride in the world. The vibration level is horrible. My works-provided 650SS was fairly bad, but it paled to insignificance beside the Atlas. The P-11 was the only one that came close.
 
You're correct, Ken, but the Atlas isn't the greatest ride in the world. The vibration level is horrible. My works-provided 650SS was fairly bad, but it paled to insignificance beside the Atlas. The P-11 was the only one that came close.
My 1966 Atlas is very ridable and not bad at all when it comes to vibes. I put newer pistons in and used a spacer with 2 gaskets to drop compression back to stock. Either I'm lucky or did something right. Vibes on Atlas are no worse than on my Commando.
 
On a properly fettled Commando there shouldn't be ANY vibes at over about 1100 rpm, and only minor ones below that speed. On the 650SS I used for my commute, headlamp bulbs failed at about 3000 miles and I hardly ever rode in the dark. The failures were due to the filaments being shaken to bits by the vibration.

I have to explain that all my Cdo experience was on the two prototypes and I haven't ridden the later models with the adjustable ISOs. If your Cdo vibrates as bad as an Atlas, something is seriously amiss.
 
I think the Atlas has been given a bad rap with regard to vibration. Yes, it buzzes, but not any worse than the other big Brit twins of the era.

Cycle World apparently agreed with me ... if you read the article in the following link, you will find they concur with my view.

Broken link removed

Slick
 
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On a properly fettled Commando there shouldn't be ANY vibes at over about 1100 rpm, and only minor ones below that speed. On the 650SS I used for my commute, headlamp bulbs failed at about 3000 miles and I hardly ever rode in the dark. The failures were due to the filaments being shaken to bits by the vibration.

I have to explain that all my Cdo experience was on the two prototypes and I haven't ridden the later models with the adjustable ISOs. If your Cdo vibrates as bad as an Atlas, something is seriously amiss.
Not saying Commando vibrates a lot, but that my Atlas doesn't vibrate very bad. Have ridden Atlas several hundred miles in a day without adverse effects from the vibes.

The only bike I've ever owned that I could say had no vibes, was my 1977 Goldwing.
 
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Is there a paint supplier of the metallic green factory paint? It appears there is a silver base coat under the green metallic on a test patch on the bottom of the tank. In other words, it IS possible to rub through the original green paint. If removing the black and oxide primer does not work out, I would like to repaint with original color.
 
Very nice find, I'm in the process of a rebuild of 68 Atlas. Would love to find a set of bars like that, mine is going to be a mechanical type restoration as the original patina is going along for the ride. Being yours is so original I would love to see more pictures (close ups) if you have time? I also dream of finding something like yours someday, But for now I'm just taking a failed attempt at a Triton back into an Atlas. Thanks for posting, Chuck.
 
Very nice find, I'm in the process of a rebuild of 68 Atlas. Would love to find a set of bars like that, mine is going to be a mechanical type restoration as the original patina is going along for the ride. Being yours is so original I would love to see more pictures (close ups) if you have time? I also dream of finding something like yours someday, But for now I'm just taking a failed attempt at a Triton back into an Atlas. Thanks for posting, Chuck.


I would be happy to provide detailed pics. I also have quite a selection of handlebars over the last few decades. Maybe I can match a set up to these originals? Mine has plenty of patina too. Flaking chrome, oxidation, dull paint on frame and components. The tank is what I want to restore to original but I don't know if its possible.
 
Wow that would be nice, Just let me know what ya want if you do find some. No hurry as I'm still in the gathering stage as it comes to parts. Just can't stop looking at your bike and wondering how cool it would be for you to get back on the road. I like the motto they use on Motorcycle Classics "Ride them don't hide them" But whatever you do it's nice to know their still out there. Chuck.
 
Wow that would be nice, Just let me know what ya want if you do find some. No hurry as I'm still in the gathering stage as it comes to parts. Just can't stop looking at your bike and wondering how cool it would be for you to get back on the road. I like the motto they use on Motorcycle Classics "Ride them don't hide them" But whatever you do it's nice to know their still out there. Chuck.

Absolutely agree with riding them, although some will consider it Cardinal Sin if I put any miles on it. Carb rebuild kits and NOS petcock should be here today or tomorrow so those will be reinstalled. Some new oil and gas is all it should need to fire it up after 48 years of hibernation. I repaired the broken footrest and installed new rubber as 50 years has taken its toll on the original rubber. I feel privileged to be its caretaker.
 
My 66 Atlas with commando pistons was a severe shaker. While riding it from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento I could feel the numbness and pain working it's way up my arms. I balanced it, put on a single Mikuni, and a Boyer and now it is a very nice machine to ride. The commando is still the better bike.
 
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