Matchless G12
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Also called | 'Monarch' |
| Production | 1958 - 1966 |
| Predecessor | Matchless G11 |
| Engine | 646cc air cooled twin |
| Power | 35bhp @ 6,500rpm |
| Transmission | Four speed gearbox to chain final drive |
| Brakes | drum brakes |
| Weight | 396 pounds (180 kg) (dry) |
The Matchless G12 was a British motorcycle made by Associated Motorcycles at the former Matchless works in Plumstead, London. Developed in 1958 specifically to capture the potentially lucrative US market, the last G12 was produced in 1966.[1]
Development
Matchless G12
The Matchless G12 was one of the last motorcycles under the Matchless name and was also produced as the AJS Model 31 by the same company.[2]Designer by Phil Walker, AMC knew that it had to be a 650cc but wanted to use as many cycle parts from the Model 11 as possible. The cylinders could not be bored out further so the stroke was lengthened from 72.8mm to 79.3mm, resulting in a capacity of 646cc. The meant developing a new crankshaft and primary chaincase, which also provided the opportunity to add a Lucas alternator. Volume production began in September 1958.[1]
Matchless G12 De Luxe
In 1959 the G12 was redesigned and modernised as the De Luxe with a new full cradle tubular duplex frame and a new cylinder head. Vibration had always been a problem, so the crankshaft was upgraded to nodular iron.[1] Capable of 100mph performance, the G12 became popular with the American market.[3]
Matchless G12 CS
The Matchless G12 CS (sometimes referred to as the CS X) was an off-road version of the Matchless G12 with improved ground clearance and a slightly upswept exhaust. It was not a trials competition machine but instead aimed the 'desert racer' market in the US.[3]
Matchless G12 CSR
The Matchless G12 CSR designation officially stood for Competition / Sport / Road but it was dubbed the Coffee Shop Racer by its rivals.[4] With its distinctive 2 into 1 'siamese' exhaust system and upgraded camshafts the CSR was a high performance motorcycle but still prone to leaks and vibration. The factory diverted Chief Engineer Jack Williams from AJS 7R development to address the problems and modify the bikes for racing - with the result that Ron Langston and Don Chapman won the prestigious Thruxton 500 long distance endurance race on the AJS version of the G12. Encouraged by this victory in 1963 the G12 CSR gained the name Monarch and twin carburettors (the AJS version was renamed the Hurricane).[5]
Matchless G15/45
In 1964 the CSR gained Norton brakes and forks, and the following year a Norton Atlas 750cc engine replaced the trouble prone AMC unit and AMC produced 200 touring motorcycles which were designated the G15/45 models but they proved even less reliable than the 650cc version when ridden hard, so the original plans to develop a 750cc desert racer version were abandoned. If successful, this could have saved the company as there was a hugh unmet demand in the US for powerful desert racers to compete in endurance events.[6] By this time the company were in financial trouble and production ended in 1966.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Currie, Bob (1988). Classic British Motorcycles of over 500cc. Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-85260-083-7.
- ^ "Matchless G12". Retrieved 2008-12-14.
- ^ a b "Matchless G12". Retrieved 2008-12-14.
- ^ Westworth, Frank. The British Classic Bike Guide. Haynes Publishing. ISBN 1-85960 426 9.
- ^ Falloon, Ian. "Meet the twins" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-12-14.
- ^ "The Atlas Hybrids". Retrieved 2008-12-14.