Matchless G45 500
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Make Model | Matchless G45 |
Year | 1951 - 58 |
Production | Less than 100 |
Engine | Single cylinder, OHV |
Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cub in. |
Bore x Stroke | 66 x 72.8 mm |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Lubrication | Dry sump |
Oil Capacity | 4.0 L / 8.5 US pints |
Exhaust | Twin, chrome silencer |
Fuel System | Amal 930 concentric carburetors |
Ignition | Lucas competition magneto |
Battery | 6V |
Starting | Kick |
Clutch | Dry, with primary belt drive |
Transmission | 4-Speed, close ratio |
Final Drive | Chain |
Maximum Power | 136.7 kW / 50 hp @ 7000 rpm |
Frame | Tubular cradle, tubular |
Front Suspension | AMC teledraulic, with stabilizer |
Rear Suspension | Dowty Oleomatic |
Front Brakes | Drum |
Rear Brakes | Drum |
Wheels | Steel, laced wire spokes |
Front Tyre | 19 in. |
Rear Tyre | 19 in. |
Dry Weight | 145 kg / 320 lbs |
Top Speed | 210 km/h / 130 mph |
Colours | Black |
Source | Shannons |
Introduced during the 1950s, the Matchless G45 gave the private entrant an opportunity to be involved in motorcycle Grand Prix events. In post-war racing the 350 7R AJS became one of the most popular of mounts for the aspiring TT rider.
For those who wished to graduate to the 500cc category, the option was generally restricted to the Manx Norton or for the more adventurous, perhaps the Grand Prix Triumph. With the release of the G45 Matchless to the private owner in 1953, the racing fraternity saw it as a worthy competitor to the trusty Norton.
Its engine was a derivative of the G9 roadster; suitably modified. With such a pedigree for good-handling and reliability, it seemed to be the basis for a thoroughbred racer.
The G45 first appeared as a prototype at the 1951 Manx Grand Prix, where it was taken to a worthy 4th place behind three Nortons. The bike's first conspicuous victory was the 1952 Senior Manx Grand Prix. Soon the G45 began appearing at the Isle of Man and at mainland events, and by all accounts its performance was on a par with a standard Manx Norton.
At the 1953 Senior TT, eleven G45s went for the start and four reached the finish line, the following year brought a similar scenario, with 10 finishers from 14 starters.
In 1955 Matchless fielded an official works team for the Senior TT; with Derek Ennett registering the best-ever G45 result with his 6th place. Total production only ran to less than 100 examples; and in 1959 it was superseded by the 7R's bigger brother, the Matchless G50.The Matchless G45 is by far one of the most visually attractive race machines ever produced and is certainly a rare commodity in today's classic bike market.