1959 MATCHLESS G80 BACKGROUND
As was the case with virtually all Matchless motorcycles, sister-company AJS had a nearly-identical version which they called the Model 18. Matchless had cut its teeth, and built its reputation fielding fast, robust and reliable big singles (ie: 350cc and 500cc). The Matchless G80/AJS Model 18 were pushrod-operated OHV singles with a nearly “square” bore and stroke, unusual in an era dominated by long-stroke (undersquare) designs.
MATCHLESS G80 FROM AMC
Matchless and AJS were part of the (at one time) gigantic AMC empire. AMC, short for Associated Motor Cycles, was formed by the owners of Matchless and AJS in 1938 to hold an expanding stable of British motorcycle brands. These would ultimately include Matchless, AJS, Norton, Sunbeam, James and Francis-Barnett. But by the time this G80 was built, AMC was already in decline. By 1960 they’d dropped everything but Norton and the Matchless/AJS singles, trying to focus their resources. It didn’t help. By 1966 AMC was broke and Matchless went with it. Norton survived a few more years. Pity that.
1959 Matchless G80 SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine type Dislacement Bore & Stroke Compression Carburetor Engine output Ignition Charging 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 86mm X 85.8mm 7.3:1 Amal Monobloc 389 1-1/8″ 28 bhp @ 5,600 rpm 6V battery & coil 6V alternator Dry sump, Norton gear-type oil pump Chain Multi-plate, wet Chain 4-speed constant-mesh, right foot shift Norton Roadholder telescopic fork Swing arm w/2 Girling shocks 8″ full-width Norton SLS drum 7″ SLS drum 3.25″ X 18″ 3.50″ X 18″ Duplex full cradle 55.0″ 6.0″ 30.0″ 394 lbs 84 mph |
Check out these MATCHLESS BOOKS
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
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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