1912 Matchless
Model 7 Two Speed 8hp
There were no advertising standard watchdogs
or consumer protection organisations when this
machine was marketed in 1912. Customers were
credited with common sense. Nor was any motorcycle
enthusiast likely to dispute the claim in catalogues
by makes H Collier & Sons of Plumstead, London
that Matchless machines were the Worlds Best,
for had not the Son, C R Collier, won the very
first Isle of Man TT in 1907 and again in 1910
and his brother H A had won in 1909, second
in 1910, 4th in 1911 and 3rd in 1912. Between
them they had won many races and broken records
at Brooklands . The firm had backed words with
deeds. When sidecars took over from passenger
transport after tricars, trailers and forecars,
the Colliers soon developed a motorcycle for
the role.
First requisite, good pulling power was provided
by the well developed 85mm x 85mm JAP V-twin.
Two speed transmission was provided by a hub
gear with an epicyclic gear for the low ratio
the friction band which engaged it acting as
a clutch. Unlike other users of this type of
transmission who used pedals the Matchless gear
is operated by a long hand lever at the side
of the tank. A ratchet section permits a slipping
clutch effect for slow running. Weak link, in
those days of belt drive was belts could not
transmit the power of big twins without occassional
slip or breakage.
Matchless solved the problem by running two
belts side by side. Break one and you could
still get homw on the other, albeit with care.
Starting was by bicycle type pedals which must
have been hard work but thought preferable to
the alternative used by other makers of cranking
the engine with a handle applied to the rear
wheel spindle. At least on the Matchless when
the engine started you were in the saddle and
ready to go. The rest of the machine was conventional
even to the little lever on the end of the silencer
which cut out the silencer and allowed smole
and sparks to spit out sideways. Very effective
for discouraging pursuit by dogs, one fo the
many hazards for a pioneer motorcyclist.
Above all the finish was Matchless. The delicate
page grey with forest green panelled tank lined
in gold made the Matchless stand out among the
black enamelled majority.
|
