Matchless G50 (1958-63)

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The Matchless G50 is a motorcycle produced from 1958 to 1963, with only 180 units made. It has a single cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC engine that has a capacity of 496 cc and is air-cooled. The lubrication system uses a gear type oil pump, and the exhaust is equipped with a single, chrome megaphone silencer. It has a magneto ignition and a 6V battery, and requires a kick to start. The clutch is wet and multi-plate, and it has a 4-speed transmission with a final drive chain. Its maximum power rating is 37.5 kW or 51 hp at 7200 rpm.

The Matchless G50 has front and rear drum brakes and steel, laced wire spoke wheels. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with hydraulic damping, and the rear suspension is a pivoting fork controlled by Girling hydraulically damped units. The front and rear tires are 3.25 x 19 in. and 3.50 x 19 in., respectively. Its wet weight is 150 kg or 320 lbs, and it can hold 13.6 L or 3.6 US gal of fuel. Its top speed is 217 km/h or 135 mph. It comes in two colors, red with black trimmings or blue with tan trimmings.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless G50

Year: 1958 – 63


Production: 180 units
Engine: Single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC
Capacity: 496 cc / 30.3 cub in.
Cooling System: Air cooled
Lubrication: Gear type oil pump
Exhaust: Single, chrome megaphone silencer
Ignition: Magneto, Lucas dynamo
Battery: 6V
Starting: Kick
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Maximum Power: 37.5 kW / 51 hp @ 7200 rpm
Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive: Chain

Front Suspension: Telescopic fork with hydraulic damping
Rear Suspension: Pivoting fork controlled by Girling hydraulically damped units
Front Brakes: Drum
Rear Brakes: Drum
Wheels: Steel, laced wire spokes
Front Tyre: 3.25 x 19 in.
Rear Tyre: 3.50 x 19 in.
Wet Weight: 150 kg / 320 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 13.6 L / 3.6 US gal
Top Speed: 217 km/h / 135 mph
Colours: Red with black trimmings, Blue with tan trimmings

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