Description
8th Dec, 2024 10:00
The December 2024 Auction
1961 Matchless G12
British war time motorcycle
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: 585 HUO
Frame: A76994
Odometer: 33, 674
MOT: Exempt
650cc air cool parallel twin
V5
Original registration booklet
Same owner since 1983
Part of a private collection
Lovely example
This bike was being ridden prior to being stored
The Matchless G12 was one of the last motorcycles designed under the Matchless name. It was also produced as the AJS Model 31 by the same company. Designed 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.
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.
