1957 MATCHLESS G11 BACKGROUND
Matchless entered the vertical twin race in 1949 with the 500cc G9 and its sister-bike, the AJS Model 20. Both shared the same basic engine, which was unique among British vertical twins because it had a center main bearing. This made for a much stronger, smoother engine. In late 1955 they completed work on an enlarged version, now with 593cc (600) resulting from a near-square 72mm X 72.8mm bore and stroke. The resulting motorcycles were the Matchless G11 and the AJS Model 30. They were meant to be a stopgap between the 500cc G9 and the yet-to-be-introduced 650cc G12. Hence the Matchless G11 and AJS Model 30 were only produced from 1955 through 1959, overlapping production of the new 650 G12 which launched in 1958.
1957 Matchless G11 SPECIFICATIONS
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Model designation Engine type Displacement Bore & Stroke Compression ratio Lubrication system Oil capacity Fuel system Ignition system Battery Engine output Primary drive Clutch Gearbox Gearbox ratios Final drive Frame type Suspension, front Suspension, rear Brake, front Brake, rear Tire, front Tire, rear Wheelbase Fuel capacity Weight |
1957 Matchless G11 Air-cooled OHV vertical twin 593cc / 36.2 ci 72.0mm X 72.8mm 7.5:1 Dry sump 5.3 US pints / 2.5L 1- Amal 376 or 378 Lucas K2F magneto Lucas 6-volt, 12 amp-hours 33 hp @ 6800 rpm Chain, on left side Multi-plate, wet 4-speed constant mesh, right-foot shift 1st 2.67 / 2nd 1.77 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.01 Chain, on left side Single top & down tube, double cradle “Teledraulic” forks w/hydraulic damping Swing arm w/2 shocks (dampers) 8-inch SLS drum 7-inch SLS drum 3.25″ X 19″ 3.50″ X 19″ 55.25″ / 1403mm 4.5 US gal / 17L 400 lbs / 181 kg |