Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
29th Mar, 2023 12:00
1987 Matchless G80
Estimate
£1, 750 - £2, 750
Registration No: E140 HRW
Frame No: HN223403
Engine No: 223403
CC: 500
MOT: None
Very original low mileage 1987 'Harris' G80 Matchless
Rotax SOHC engine with many Italian chassis parts
Good overall condition and supplied with a current V5C
Matchless was established in the late 1800s and was one of the first producers of motorcycles in the UK, unusually manufactured in London rather than in Birmingham like most others. . A wide range of models was produced under the Matchless name between 1899 and 1966, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. The marque had a long history of racing success with a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier winning the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907. An amalgamation with AJS in 1931 formed Associated Motor Cycles which continued until the group's closure in the mid-60s. In the 1980s the name enjoyed a brief rebirth under the ownership of British spares specialist Les Harris with a new "Matchless G80" single.
Designed by Brian Jones, the new model was powered by an Austrian Rotax 4-stroke, single SOHC 500cc engine with many of the components supplied by respected Italian firms such as Veglia, Paioli, Dellorto, Lafranconi and Brembo all housed in a British made frame incorporating the oil tank. This very original well presented example has only had 2 owners from new and is showing a credible 2453 miles on its speedo. Stood for a while it will need a new battery and a recommissioning service before use and comes supplied with a current V5C.
