Wideline or slimeline

The difference is detailed here

http://www.nortonownersclub.org/noc-chat/technical2-heavy-twins-forum/620937098

All Atlas models are slimline. If you check on'Models' on the left hand side of this page, and go to 'heavy twins', it will show you that slimlines took over from widelines in 1960.

Perfectly possible to have a 64 wideline atlas. These things happen over 50 years. If I can find a few more Atlas parts I will have a 60 atlas DL!.

Robert. It would not be an Atlas then, would it? It would be a wideline-framed Atlas-engined bitsa, which is not what the OP described. He said he has an Atlas, hence my reply. I have a 1955 88 with a 1964 650SS motor. A lovely bike, but it would be misleading to describe it as a 650SS. Also, an Atlas engine in a wideline frame would benefit from having an additional front engine mount, as per slimlines. But I digress....

Ian

Ian and Robert - I am tempted to agree with Ian. A more correct title may be a "Wideline Dominator 750 ". Wideline Dominator would define the frame and rest of the bike so that it could not be confused with an International nor an OHV single, whilst 750 would mean that it was probably an Atlas engine. Of course some people are marrying them up with Commando engines - so that title may still be insufficient to declare its heritage. Unlike all the other twins the Atlas was not a Dominator - so 'Wideline Dominator Atlas" may be better ?? Of course if the gearbox/clutch or forks and wheels were from an Atlas where does one draw the line and concede that it's not a Dominator ?? I confess that my musings are a wind-up. I do admit to owning a "Wideline Dominator 88SS". It started life as a 1957 Dommie 88 but is powered by a 1963 88SS engine and gearbox. Nice Bitsa.............Cheers , Howard

I think you have all missed the point. Mikael does not know what he has ,or the difference between them all he knows is what he has been told, The last time i saw my 60 88dl it was advertised as an 88SS and looked the part too and was sold by a dealer for loads of dosh. Glad I did not buy it ,would have been most dissapointed.

Another easy way to determine if it is a slimline is to look at rear subframe and shock absorber mounts. On wideline it's made of straight tubes with two straight sheetmetal pieces with a hole for top shock bolt. Slimlines have the rear subframe made by a curved tube with an ugly shock absorber mount sticking out.

If you google on featherbed frame, check on pictures, you'll see.

But the easiest way to find out is to sit on the bike. If it's fairly comfortable it's a slimline (have one of each type)

Robert. I don't think we have missed that point, but, given a bit of a language issue, it probably doesn't help to talk of a 1964 wideline Atlas, which obviously never existed. Our OP, Mikael Y, is obviously not clear on models, so we need to be. Mikael R is right to point out the differences in the frames, so Mikael Y can decide what he has, if he is in doubt.

Mikael Y. The wideline frame top tubes, after widening out from the headstock, run parallel right through to the rear shock mounts. As Mikael R pointed out, the slimline frame is much narrower at the rear of the tank/front of the seat. It has two front engine mounts, the wideline only having one. The petrol tank shape is also completely different. As previously mentioned, the model identification on this website should provide all the information you need.

Ian

Valid point Robert, though you did mention the 60 Atlas Deluxe.......

Mikael - Herewith is an image of a slimline frame. The slimline title only really refers to the area where the petrol tank and seat meet. If it narrows and then expands again (as in the image) it is a Slimline. If the top tubes remain parallel all the way to the rear units then it's a Wideline. Obviously there are many more differences but that is the most conspicuous feature. Good luck, Howard

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Of course the Atlas is likely to be a slimline ,we have one and its been the most neglected and the most reliable of our classic stable. If John,Ian or Howard said they had a wideline Jubilee I would not dream of contradicting them, they know Nortons. Mikael Y however admits to knowing didley and has a Bike, thats about the sum of it. Hopefully it won't be a re-registered import from America with an Atlas motor in a raked out 77 frame and Suzuki forks. If I was 50 years younger might have gone for that. We are here to help Mikael, ask away, its a great club , If you do find the need for a racoon hat or flaired jeans to compliment the bike ,I can point you in the right direction.

Like Robert's Atlas, my Atlas-engined Slimline 99 is the neglected, scruffy heap in the corner of the shed. It always starts first or second kick and goes like stink. From end to end, you can point out features that Norton could have engineered a lot better but they really don't matter. Great bikes, much greater than the sum of their parts.

Have just noticed - this thread is about Slimeline frames. Have never heard them called that before!

Gordon - I have to confess that when I saw the speeling error I thought Ms Dixon was back under a pseudonym but my fears were unfounded.........I think. Slimeline does sound a little derisory - but we must encourage more of our European members. Cheers, Howard

Previously howard_robinson wrote:

Gordon - I have to confess that when I saw the speeling error I thought Ms Dixon was back under a pseudonym but my fears were unfounded.........I think. Slimeline does sound a little derisory - but we must encourage more of our European members. Cheers, Howard

Hello Well I have both Wideline 1954 model 88 bolt up subframe featherbed and December1960 slimline 650 Manxman the Manxmanwins in handling and comfort every time the 650 motor is better than the 750 atlas or commando it's a smoother running motor very little vibes even at high speed 110 on motorways or 85 in heavyrain storm no worries mate anyway someone need a big spoon !!! yours Anna JAttachments
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Mikael. Post up a picture and we will tell you which it is. Check Anna's pictures. Is it like the bike with the red tank next to her wideline 88? If so it is a slimline, almost certainly a genuine Atlas. The suspense is killing me.....!

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Hello Well I have both Wideline 1954 model 88 bolt up subframe featherbed and December1960 slimline 650 Manxman the Manxmanwins in handling and comfort every time yours Anna J

Try tightening the bolts on the 54 rear subframe, Anna

Previously alan_dawes wrote:

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Hello Well I have both Wideline 1954 model 88 bolt up subframe featherbed and December1960 slimline 650 Manxman the Manxmanwins in handling and comfort every time yours Anna J

Try tightening the bolts on the 54 rear subframe, Anna

Hello What's TighingBolt got to do with anything my ones are Allen bolts high-grade steel and you will not undo them if you triedtoo ! Yours Anna J