Atlas - how feasible is home maintenance please?

Most Atlas owners will admit that, until sorted, their bikes vibrated a lot when ridden, dripped lots of oil and pieces fell off quite regularly.

But they may then add that Atlas is generally easier to maintain than any Commando that does not have vernier Isolastics. The basic engine and gearbox mechanics are similar to any of the pre-electric start Commandos so many of the internal parts will be familiar. The primary drive set-up is very different but converting an Atlas to a belt drive will give you nice easy clutch action and freedom from a leaking primary chaincase.

To make the Atlas a better riding machine I would also suggest adding a Mikuni single carb, electronic ignition, Oil filter and getting the crankshaft balanced.

With the right tyes fitted, the Atlas will handle brilliantly but on long journeys the Commando gives a far more comfortable ride.

The only concern I would have would be kickstarting if you are a lightweight,or have any leg/back weakness.

If you get an Atlas with original low compression pistons you will find it very easy to kick over. It will also run happier on the poor petrol/ethanol mix we are blighted with.

doable I reckon i got my 650ss at 22 25 now pretty much the same bike Im learning as I go along so if I can do it do everything myself on it If you have commando experience jobs a gooden alot of the americans all recomend lightweight rods pistons valves etc for the commando so guessing you could do the same with an atlas think it was js motorsport a few of them use

The Atlas is much easier to maintain than a Commando - no isolastics, simple electrics and pretty solidly built. Ignore the talk about them shaking themselves to bits. In my experience vibration is acceptable and things don't drop off. Not long ago a Commando owner rode mine and reckoned my Atlas was smoother - OK his Commando probably needed some isolastic adjustment. No need to balance the crank unless yours is particularly rough. A decent magneto iswhat you need - the engine will keep going if you have any electrical problem - unlike a Commando. A single Amal carb is a good idea - keep things simple. When push came to shove, it was my 850Mk 3 Interstate that got the heave, not the Atlas.