Matchless Mock ups!

This post is long overdue.

Back when I acquired the Matchless parts lot (Feb of 2016)  I had a steep learning curve to figure out just what I had and what could be done with it.   Part of a G12, part of a G9/Model 20 and lots of miscellanea that I am still sorting through.

Since then I have picked up a plethora of new and used parts to fill in the gaps.

Did I also mention the seized 1949 AJS model 18 bottom end that I picked up at Christmas?

I saw the sad little 500cc single motor under a table at the Paris Rally last summer.  Unfortunately I had to leave and didn't get to talk to Mike Partridge about it.  I never forgot the engine and always wondered what happened to it.  Turns out it has been collecting dust since and he was more than happy to part with it.  I also acquired a lovely sleeved barrel and an iron head.  I had no idea what I was going to do with it of course, but I always admired and wanted a British single.  Even if it was just part of one.   Sometimes I just get that feeling when I see something I like.

I am getting a little ahead of myself.


Here is a sneak peek of the Matchless G9, that will be wrapped in the '55 AJS frame.  The motor, which is in very good shape is on the bench being rebuilt.  New sludge trap screws, Conrod and main bearings have been used in the bottom end.  The top end has been treated to a full rebuild.  New valves, vale guides and springs.   It was my first top end rebuild and I found it to be very rewarding!

My top tip is to have an extendable magnetic wand at hand to help place the collets when the springs are under load.  This also helps you retrieve a collet if you drop one.

The seat frame is homebuilt, based on the plans from Christian's Archive.  I used my spare tank for most of the mock ups (in case it fell).   I really like the look with these bars ($5.00 swap meet find) and this tail light (I have a post coming with the genesis of that home made special).  I will be using the 18" QD rear wheel seen on the truing stand.  That wheel came with the parts lot,  but the rim was badly bent.  I sourced a NOS Hap Jones WM2 18 on Ebay for $20.00 and laced it up.  The chrome mudguard is intended for a Royal Enfield Bullet and fits in perfectly.

With the G9 more or less sorted, I wanted to figure out what to do with the rest.   I brought the G12 stuff from the rafters and assembled it loosely.  I looked over the components and realized that re-building the 650cc engine up would be quite expensive.

The solution?

I decided to pair the '49 motor with the 1960 frame and fittings.  I have to say, it looks very correct, very right.

I foresee something like this, but in AJS trim and colours;  Making it a 'Southerner' apparently.

That is a project that will have to wait a while, but I do love it when a plan comes together.

Until next Time!

Free Bike! 1970 Yankee Boss 50

This was gifted to me by a dear friend and lovely co-worker from my old job.  She wanted this one owner bike to go to a good home, so I was happy to oblige.  All original and it takes up very little space!

This was made by a small company in Italy named B&M Bologna and sold in the US as a Yankee.

My plans are just to clean it up and ride around the neighborhood.

Life is full of surprises....

Mini Bike Magazine - Sept. 1970








Until Next Time.....