Matchless G80 Gallery

The Matchless G80 dispensed with the famous AMC Jampot rear suspension units adopting Girling units in their place for the 1957 season and in 1958 the magneto and dynamo were replaced by an AC generator and coil ignition system. These two modifications significantly altered the models appearance establishing the style with which it would see out the decade.

Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.

By the mid sixties the Matchless G80CS scrambler was coming to the end of its illustrious career as a scrambler, lightweight (comparatively) unit construction machines from BSA, Rickman Metisse scramblers, often powered by Matchless engines and AMC's own G85CS were all far easier machines to handle. However, it retained a loyal following in the United States where the stability afforded by the comparatively heavy frame at high speed was perceived as offering an advantage to desert racers.

In its US guise, the model was offered with a full lighting kit and battery, a dual seat and high level, silenced exhaust system, all of which added to the weight which was only partially offset by the all alloy, virtually square 86 x 85.5mm engine, alloy mudguards and fuel tank. The result was and remains, arguably one of the most handsome motorcycles ever produced.