Matchless G12 (all models)
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Make Model | Matchless G12 (all models) |
Year | 1958 - 66 |
Engine | Twin cylinder |
Capacity | 646 cc / 39.4 cub in. |
Bore x Stroke | 72 x 79.3 mm |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Compression Ratio | G12/de Luxe: 7.5:1 CS/CSR: 8.5:1 |
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 |
Fuel System | Amal 389, 1-1/8 |
Ignition | Lucas K2F |
Starting | Kick |
Battery | Lucas 6V, 12Ah |
Spark Plug | G12/de Luxe/CS: KLG FE80, 14 mm thread, ? in. reach CSR: KLG FE220, 14 mm thread, ? in. reach |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
Final Drive | Chain, 97 links |
Internal Gear Ratios | 1st 2.56 / 2nd 1.70 / 3rd 1.22 / 4th 1.00:1 |
Maximum Power | 26 kW / 35 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Frame | Double cradle |
Front Suspension | AMC teledraulic fork |
Rear Suspension | Swingarm with twin shocks, Girling |
Front Brakes | Drum, 7in. sls |
Rear Brakes | Drum, 7in. sls |
Wheels | Steel, wire spokes |
Front Tyre | 3.25 x 19 in. |
Rear Tyre | 3.50 x 19 in. |
Dry Weight | 180 kg / 396 lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 17 L / 4.5 US gal |
Average Consumption | 4.3 L/100 km / 23.4 km/l / 55 US mpg |
Top Speed | 153 km/h / 95 mph |
Colours | Black with chrome tank panels |
Source | Wikipedia |
Developed in 1958 specifically to capture the potentially lucrative US market, the last G12 was produced in 1966.
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. Designer by Phil Walker, AMC knew that it had to be a 650 cc (39.7 cu in) but wanted to use as many parts from the Model 11 as possible. The cylinders could not be bored out further so the stroke was lengthened from 72.8 to 79.3 mm (2.87 to 3.12 in), resulting in a capacity of 646 cc (39.4 cu in). This meant developing a new crankshaft and primary chaincase, which also provided the opportunity to add a Lucas alternator. Volume production began in September 1958.
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. Capable of 100 mph (160 km/h) performance, the G12 became popular with the American market.
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 and an 8.5:1 compression ratio. It was not a trials competition machine but instead aimed at the 'desert racer' market in the US. While never as popular as rivals Triumph and BSA 650's in Open Class desert competition, the Matchless was powered by a torquey and reliable motor and was suspended with the superior Teledraulic front fork.
Matchless G12 CSR
The Matchless G12 CSR designation officially stood for "Competition/Sprung/Roadster," the same nomenclature used with the G80 and G50 models. It is mistakenly referenced as Competition/Sport/Road. It was dubbed the Coffee Shop Racer by its rivals. With its distinctive two-into-one 'siamese' exhaust system and upgraded camshafts the CSR was a high performance motorcycle with what was, at the time, a high compression ratio of 8.5:1, distinguishing it and the G12 CS from the other G12 models, having a 7.5:1 compression ratio. The factory diverted Chief Engineer Jack Williams from AJS 7R development to address the problems with leaks and vibration 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 Model 31 counterpart to the G12. Encouraged by this victory in 1963 the G12 CSR gained the name Monarch and twin carburetors (the AJS version was renamed the Hurricane).