WD Matchless

Galea · Post by **Galea** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:52 pm

I am currently restoring a WD Matchless, frame number 5078. It has a G3 frame with a lug for sidecar attachment and Burman CP gearbox, but it is fitted with teledraulic forks and a G3L engine (no number). I do not know if this was a post-war modification or if it is a transitional model such as the G3WO as described in British Forces Motorcycles.

Thanks and Regards,

Joseph

Edited by - Galea on 21 Oct 2008 07:35:58 AM

itma · Post by **itma** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:00 pm

This occurs so often as to almost be normal.
Army practice, especially on an outpost like Malta with its WW2 history. would be to keep the vehicle going with what is at hand, so bits would be mixed up.
There is, in my opinion, no such thing as an "original "ex WD bike.
My advice would be, if this bike has been in Malta all its life, to restore it as it is, and preserve its history.
Also take your email down as soon as possible or the spammers will get it.

Galea · Post by **Galea** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:36 am

Thanks, email removed

Galea · Post by **Galea** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:41 am

As far as I know the bike has been here since WW2 and I don't plan to change the front forks. Firstly, the girder forks are quite hard to get hold of, and when they do come up, they are often expensive. Secondly, I intend to ride the bike and its my impression that the teledraulic forks offer a more comfortable ride.

Thanks for your views.

Regards,

Joseph

mick williams · Post by **mick williams** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 7:01 pm

quote:
teledraulic forks offer a more comfortable ride.

I have not had the chance to compare with girders, but the teledraulic forks are a good bit of kit and are better than some modern teles in my opinion.

As for the saddle, get a good pair of springs and fit a little foam under the cover, I used some thin stuff from an old camping bed roll, it works much better than that old horsehair stuff or what ever it is!

Dougie · Post by **Dougie** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:47 pm

My view is the same as Ken's; there is no such thing as an original ex-WD bike.

These bikes have the greatest amount of mechanical "history" or "provenance" due to the amount of serious maintenance they were subjected to. It really was a case of keep them going at any cost.