1953 Matchless G80S

Gary Coxhead. · Post by **Gary Coxhead.** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 11:00 pm

Hello everyone, I am new to this website and forum, in fact I am new to Classic bikes period. I have been riding since I was 18 (now 50) and mainly had Japanese imports (with a few czech ones now and again)
I thought it was time to get back to some roots and get myself a decent british classic bike.
What I would like to know is, I have been offered a 1953 Matchless G80S in full working order, not clear yet how restored/condition it is in (haven't managed to get to see it yet) but the asking price is £2,000. I have read 'Classic Bike', 'Classic Bike Guide' and 'The Classic Motorcycle' and this price does seem to be about right. Have you any advice for me when I go to see it? I have read the Haynes book by Frank Westworth The British Classic Bike Guide and there are lots of useful things to check when buying.
However, any perticular tips, or pitfalls to avoid etc., would be most welcome.

Many thanks to all.

Gary Coxhead

Gary Coxhead. · Post by **Gary Coxhead.** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 11:03 pm

P.s.
Further to my message. I have been told the registration number is ECH916, if that's any help.

Eamonn · Post by **Eamonn** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:29 pm

Price is in the right area as far as I know !

I've never had a single (so far!) so can't really comment on what their good/bad points are. Pleanty of spares are available, so it should be easy to maintain and keep running.

Perhaps one of our 'singles' specialists will kindly respond......

Ramon518 · Post by **Ramon518** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 12:01 am

I have a G80/S - 1955 vintage, in beautifull condition.

I have never ridden a Matchless or AJS Twin and do not wish to.

There is nothing ( for me ) that compares with the raw power ( 92 MPH laying down on the tank OR sitting Bolt upright - Two up ) of a 500 single.
At the age of 21 ( now 69 ) Living in Bristol at the time, I toured Scotland with my girl on a 1953 G80/S probably the best event in my life - but I am still trying!!

Talk about sore asses - no better not.

The only difference is that the 1953 model had manual Ignition controls on the handlebar and my current bike is automatic - probably not so much fun and certainly harder to set the timing!!

The brakes are the same even though the Hub has become full width.
At £2000, in good order, it should be a gift - Ride it for a few miles and you will buy it but be prepared to be a bit scared at first.

Ray Brinkman

Gary Coxhead. · Post by **Gary Coxhead.** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:46 pm

Ray, Eamonn,

Many thanks for your responses. It is interesting to see the 'different' perspectives on singles & twins and it's too early for me to be drawn into THAT discussion!
The daft thing is in all the time I was riding, I never got to ride a classic British bike, although the closest I got was to go pillion on a Vincent 1000 once.
Your responses have me on tenterhooks waititng for the call as am waiting for the phonecall to say it is ready for me to see (apparantly one of the mudguards is away being painted?) I will make sure I wear my chain mail underpants when I have a test ride!

I will be speaking to the seller shortly, and I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

Gary

m knight. · Post by **m knight.** » Sun Aug 15, 2004 2:49 am

my G80 is used for daily transport, the only weak spot I have come accross is the big end, some have a bad habbit of snapping! This happened to me and now my bike has a B.S.A big end fitted, this mod cost just over £200. Brakes are poor compaired to moddern bikes but I just ride more carefully.I am 32 years old and have owned many modern bikes but my Matchless is much more fun!

m knight. · Post by **m knight.** » Sun Aug 15, 2004 2:52 am

Ps for £2000 the bike should be in good tidy condition with no real faults.