teazer said:
I tried telling that to an old guy who had an SS100 Brough for sale. : - )
potential project here - '59 Matchless g2. anyone famiar with these?
- Thread starter Mr.E
- Start date
I tried telling that to an old guy who had an SS100 Brough for sale. : - )
crazypj
Split personality, I fake being smart
Friend of mine had one, it's 'lightweight' but still ridiculously heavy.
Rotate the gearbox to adjust primary chain, it;s not unit construction even though it looks like it should be.
Not very fast but it was as reliable as a rock (even with Lucas/Wipac electrics)
Not 'better' than his C15's, but more reliable ( I guess that makes it 'better' though? ;D )
Rotate the gearbox to adjust primary chain, it;s not unit construction even though it looks like it should be.
Not very fast but it was as reliable as a rock (even with Lucas/Wipac electrics)
Not 'better' than his C15's, but more reliable ( I guess that makes it 'better' though? ;D )
They weren't designed with any sporting pretentions. They were a get you to work and home economically machine. You have to remember England was still recovering from WW2. Not everyone could afford a car. A cheap economical solo was the answer. The G2 filled that requirement admirably.
If you accept the G2 for what it was designed to do and realise it has limitations it will prove a terrific machine.
If you accept the G2 for what it was designed to do and realise it has limitations it will prove a terrific machine.
Caff the bugger ..........................that's what I did back in 1961 when I bought the AJS version as a joint purchase with my Dad.
He went on holiday for a fortnight, and when he came back, there it was with clip-ons, rear sets, Goldie tank and a Matchless 500 twin megga. He ws so disgusted, he wanted nothing more to do with it and settled for a Tiger Cub which I found for him as a settlement of his half of the investment! A week after we did the deal the Ajay was fitted with a Manx seat to complete the transformation.
It was a very reliable bike which I kept [ and thrashed the arse off it ] for a couple of years - during which time I built my first dozen or so Cafe Racers - and gained a liking for 500 Triumph Grand Prix engines.
It's stone age simple - as a 17 year old with hardly any tools and no handbook, I stripped the engine to replace the big end.
They're not highly regarded currently in the UK [ as with most small capacity bikes ], but will be a whole bunch of fun to restore or Caff.
He went on holiday for a fortnight, and when he came back, there it was with clip-ons, rear sets, Goldie tank and a Matchless 500 twin megga. He ws so disgusted, he wanted nothing more to do with it and settled for a Tiger Cub which I found for him as a settlement of his half of the investment! A week after we did the deal the Ajay was fitted with a Manx seat to complete the transformation.
It was a very reliable bike which I kept [ and thrashed the arse off it ] for a couple of years - during which time I built my first dozen or so Cafe Racers - and gained a liking for 500 Triumph Grand Prix engines.
It's stone age simple - as a 17 year old with hardly any tools and no handbook, I stripped the engine to replace the big end.
They're not highly regarded currently in the UK [ as with most small capacity bikes ], but will be a whole bunch of fun to restore or Caff.
I have to disagree BC. In '61 they were disposable but today its a bit of a rarity. I think it would look better as a resto than a cafe. I have the feeling he would wind up looking like this unfortunate sod (on the right) from the 60s. I know it may not be a fancied model for restoring but its way ahead of restoring an M20! I'll vote for restoration. Theres just too much of it there.
Agree totally Hoof. That bike was never designed to be sporty. It was designed to be a cheap reliable form of everyday transportation. A Cafe racer it will never be, but as a restored bike it would be unusual and fairly rare and a lot of fun. Slow but fun.
And let's not forget foot controls on the correct sides...
And let's not forget foot controls on the correct sides...
Ok, this topic got way more discussion than I thought it would. To all, I know this bike is not much of a speed demon, and may have been a bit of a "mass-production", but not too many people in this area know what it is. Which, I must say, is the best part about it! I have been through the "speed" phase of my life, and right now just want a fun, good looking little bike. Being my first major build, this is the perfect bike for me. The wiring is stupid simple, and the mechanics are just as easy. Parts on the other hand, seem to be a bit hard to find. (anyone know where to get a 3.25x17 tire that isn't a dirt tire). It may not be the first choice for some, (heck it's not even my first choice) but it will be a unique learning experience!
