THE NEW 1949 MATCHLESS G80
1947 was the first year for Matchless G80 civilian production following World War 2. The company’s top-line 500 single, retained the rigid frame of the prewar bikes, but borrowed the Teledraulic telescopic front forks from the wartime G3/L. They were shared across many other makes and models with parent-company AMC’s empire of motorcycle brands. Typical of British bikes of the era, it used pushrods and a small bore/long stroke (undersquare).
MATCHLESS G80 DESIGN
Because of the poor quality of the petrol (gasoline) in the UK at the time, British car and motorcycle manufacturers alike produced engines with relative low compression ratios. The 1947 Matchless G80 had a 5.9:1 compression ratio. It used hairpin valve springs, changed over from the used of conventional coil springs on wartime models. In typical British fashion, the timing gear was on the right side of the engine, and the primary chain and clutch were on the right, driving a 4-speed Burman constant mesh gearbox which was shifted with the right foot.
1947 Matchless G80 ENGINE
1947 Matchless G80 SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine type Dislacement Bore & Stroke Compression Carburetor Engine output Ignition Lubrication Primary drive Clutch Final drive Gearbox Suspension, front Suspension, rear Brake, front Brake, rear Tire, front Tire, rear Frame type Wheelbase Ground clearance Seat height Dry weight Top speed |
Air-cooled OHV single 497cc 82.5mm X 93mm 5.9:1 Amal type 891 1-3/32″ 23 bhp @ 5,400 rpm Lucas Magneto Dry sump Chain Multi-plate, wet Chain Burman 4-speed constant-mesh, right foot shift AMC Teledraulic fork Swing arm w/2 Candlestick shocks 7″ SLS drum 7″ SLS drum 3.25″ X 19″ 3.50″ X 19″ Rigid 55.2″ 5.5″ 31.0″ 390 lbs 80 mph |
Check out these MATCHLESS BOOKS
Matchless: The Complete Story
Matchless, once the largest British motorcycle manufacturer
AJS and Matchless Post-War Singles and Twins: The Complete Story
Motorcycle Apprentice: Matchless – in name & reputation (Classic Reprint)
History of Matchless Motorcycles
Matchless and Ajs Restoration
BOOK OF THE MATCHLESS 350 & 500cc SINGLES 1955-1966
AJS and Matchless: The Post-war Models
AJS and Matchless Gold Portfolio 1945-1966
Illustrated Ajs and Matchless Buyer’s Guide (Illustrated Buyer’s Guide)
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