THE NEW 1950 MATCHLESS G80
1949 was the first year for the Matchless G80, the company’s top-line 500 single. Typical of British bikes of the era, it used pushrods and a small bore/long stroke (undersquare). The new bike also had a new frame with a swing arm rear suspension, and “Teledraulic” (telescopic and hydraulically damped) front forks. The rear suspension was straight off of one of parent-company AMC’s other motorcycle brands. Velocette already had a swing arm suspension setup which used two vertical shock absorbers called “Candlesticks” because they were so thin (they only held 50cc of oil). The design and development work already done by Velocette, it made sense for AMC to use it again on the Matchless G80.
1950 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 1950 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 constant mesh gearbox which was shifted with the right foot.
1950 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 None, rigid 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 |