Matchless G9 Twin
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Make Model | Matchless G9 |
Year | 1948 - 58 |
Engine | Parallel twin cylinder |
Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cub in. |
Bore x Stroke | 66 x 72.8 mm |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Compression Ratio | 7.7:1 |
Lubrication | Dry sump |
Engine Oil | Hot: SAE 50 Cold: SAE 30 Extremely Cold: SAE 20 |
Oil Capacity | 2.5 L / 5.3 US pints |
Exhaust | Twin, chrome, megaphone silencers |
Fuel System | Amal 376/6 |
Ignition | Magneto, Lucas K2F |
Starting | Kick |
Battery | Lucas, 6V 12 Ah |
Spark Plug | KLG FE80, 14mm thread |
Maximum Power | 24.3 kW / 33 hp @ 6800 rpm |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Gear Ratios | 1st 2.67 / 2nd 1.77 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.0:1 |
Frame | Single top and down pipe, double cradle |
Wheelbase | 1403 mm / 55.25 in. |
Front Suspension | Teledraulic |
Rear Suspension | Swingarm, twin shocks and coil springs, oil dampers |
Front Brakes | Drum |
Rear Brakes | Drum |
Wheels | Steel, wire spokes |
Front Tyre | 3.25 x 19 in. |
Rear Tyre | 3.50 x 19 in. |
Dry Weight | 181 kg / 400 lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 17 L / 4.5 US gal |
Top Speed | 137 km/h / 85 mph |
Colours | Black, Red |
Source | Wikipedia |
The Matchless G9 and corresponding AJS Model 20 were launched at the post war Earls Court motorcycle show in late 1948. Initially for export to the US, it was not until the late summer of 1949 that the first examples reached the home market. The styling was modern and the dual seat, megaphone silencers and bright chrome finish justified the name of Super Clubman for the matchless and Spring Twin for the AJS. The rest of the cycle parts were standard AMC, with the engine being housed in a pivoted fork frame with telescopic front forks. The basic design changed little over the course of the next few years, the most significant change being made in 1952 when a new Burman gearbox was adopted.
In 1951, the rear suspension was upgraded to the Jampot unit, derided for its shape in the 28 September issue of the Motor Cycle magazine. In the same year minor changes included a new Lucas horn-push on the handlebar and a medallion badge in place of the previously used transfer. Front fork shuttle damping was also replaced with rod and damper-type.
Progressively developed, the G9's twin-cylinder engine underwent a number of capacity increases, finally being discontinued when the 646cc Matchless G12 (and AJS Model 31 replaced it in the autumn of 1958.