Matchless G50
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name = Matchless G50
|image = Matchless G50 500 cc Racer 1958.jpg
|image_size = 250px
|aka =
|manufacturer = Associated Motorcycles Plumstead, London
|parent_company =
|production = 1958-1963
|predecessor =
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|class =
|engine = 496,6 cc SOHC air cooled single
| bore_stroke = {{cvt|86|×|85.5|mm}}
|top_speed =
|power = 51bhp @ 7,200rpm {{Citation needed|date=June 2011}}
|torque =
|transmission = Four speed gearbox to chain final drive
|suspension =
|brakes = drum brakes
|tires =
|rake_trail =
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|length =
|width =
|height =
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|dry_weight = {{convert|320|lb|kg}}
|wet_weight =
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}}
The Matchless G50 is an historic racing British motorcycle made by Associated Motorcycles (AMC) at the former Matchless works in Plumstead, London. Developed in 1958 from the 350 cc AJS 7R, but with the engine capacity increased to 500 cc, 180 G50s were built in the next four years. Although less powerful than its main competitor the Norton Manx the G50 proved highly competitive at three hundred pounds and was faster round bends.{{cite book|last=Brown|first=Roland|title=The History of British Bikes|publisher=Paragon|year=1999|isbn=978-0-7525-3153-3}} If success is measured by longevity then this is the most successful Matchless motorcycle, and high specification replicas are still being produced to this day, although financial problems at AMC ended production in 1963.
The G50 CSR
In 1963, the AMA decided that the G50 should not be allowed to race in the US as it was not based on a production street bike. Matchless solved the problem by creating a limited-production, street-legal G50 CSR, by fitting the G50 engine into the G80CS Scrambler frame.
The designation "CSR" "In AMC parlance stood for Competition Sprung Roadster"[Bacon Roy, AJS and Matchless postwar twins 1948–1969, page 39, Niton publishing, {{ISBN|978-0-9514204-7-8}}], Competition always referring to Scrambles in AMC speak. "This suffix[CSR] was first used in 1958. Earlier, competition[scrambles] models with no rear suspension were simply stamped "C". Later models with rear suspension were given the identification "CS". This was short for "competition sprung". When road versions were introduced, in 1958, the R was added. Hence, CSR means "competition sprung roadster". but they quickly got called the Coffee Shop racer.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}. It later became known as the Golden Eagle after the name was used in advertising (due to the gold finish of the engine casings).{{cite web|url=http://www.ajsmoc.com/usvariants.html|title=AJS-Matchless Variants in the United States|last=McEnally|first=Richard W.|accessdate=2008-11-12}}{{failed verification|date=September 2016}}{{failed verification|date=September 2016}}{{better source needed|date=September 2016|reason=owners' club newsletter is not a reliable source}}
There were just two colour options - bright blue with a tan seat or bright red and black with a black seat.{{cite web|url=http://www.hagerty.com/NewsManager/templates/template_values.aspx?articleid=1271&zoneid=60 |title=1962 Matchless G50 CSR "Golden Eagle" |last=Duchene |first=Paul Duchene |accessdate=2008-11-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009052431/http://www.hagerty.com/NewsManager/templates/template_values.aspx?articleid=1271&zoneid=60 |archivedate=2007-10-09 }}
Seeley Condor G50
Financial problems at AMC ended production in 1963 and all the tooling and spares were sold to sidecar Grand Prix racer Colin Seeley in 1966. Seeley went on to develop the engine and made his own custom frames to produce a number of G50 'specials' some of which were known as the called the Seeley Condor. These exclusive motorcycles continue to be hand built to this day to individual customer specifications by TGA Ltd, now based in northern France. As well as building motorcycles from new parts, TGA also convert secondhand racing motorcycles for road use.{{cite web|url=http://www.tga.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=213|title=Matchless G50 Based Machines|accessdate=2008-11-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526082413/http://www.tga.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=213|archivedate=26 May 2007|df=dmy-all}}
Seeley G50Mk2
George Beale G50 replicas
Former Isle of Man TT winner George Beale set up George Beale Motorcycles in Coleorton, Leicestershire to make a range of replica motorcycles, including Matchless G50 racing motorcycles to a high specification which includes a special lightweight frame and swing arm, Ceriani forks and a magnesium six speed gear box with lightweight clutch.{{cite web|url=http://www.georgebeale.co.uk/Matchless_G50/matchless_g50.htm|title=Matchless G50|accessdate=2008-11-11}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20081013115340/http://www.motos-anglaises.com/matchless/g50csr.htm G50 CSR restoration] (French)