Matchless G3 LS (1954and1958)

The Matchless G3 LS motorcycle was produced in 1954 and 1958. It had a single cylinder, four stroke, OHV engine with a capacity of 348cc/21.2 cub in. The compression ratio was 6.5:1 in 1954 and 7.5:1 in 1958, with a dry sump lubrication system and a fuel system including Amal 76 and Amal Monobloc. The bike had a top speed of 121 km/h or 75 mph. The frame was a tubular cradle design with a single down tube for stability, and the suspension included telescopic fork with hydraulic damping in the front and swinging arm with AMC and Girling units in the rear. The bike had drum brakes, steel laced wire spokes, and varying tire sizes depending on the year, with a ground clearance ranging from 165 mm to 178 mm. The seat height was 800 mm, and the wet weight was 179 kg with a fuel capacity of 17 L. The bike was painted black and was reviewed positively in Classic Bike magazine in May 1991.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless G3 LS

Year: 1954 and 1958
Engine: Single cylinder, four stroke, OHV
Capacity: 348 cc / 21.2 cub in.
Bore x Stroke: 69 x 93 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 1954: 6.5:1 1958: 7.5:1
Lubrication: Dry sump
Oil Capacity: 1954: 2.3 L / 4.9 US pints 1958: 2.8 L / 5.9 US pints
Exhaust: Single, chrome silencer
Fuel System: 1954: Amal 76, 1-1/16 in. 1958: Amal Monobloc, 1-1/16 in.
Ignition: 1954: Magneto, Lucas dynamo 1958: Coil ignition, Lucas alternator
Battery: 6V
Starting: Kick
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Maximum Power: 1954: 11.8 kW / 16 hp @ 5600 rpm 1958: 13.0 kW / 19 hp @ 5750 rpm
Frame: Tubular cradle, single down tube
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork with hydraulic damping
Rear Suspension: 1954: Swinging arm, AMC units 1958: Swinging arm, Girling units
Front Brakes: 178 mm / 7 in. drum, sls
Rear Brakes: 178 mm / 7 in. drum, sls
Wheels: Steel, laced wire spokes
Front Tyre: 1954: 3.25 x 19 in. 1958: 3.60 x 19 in.
Rear Tyre: 1954: 3.50 x 19 in. 1958: 3.25 x 19 in.
Wheelbase: 1436 mm / 56.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 1954: 165 mm / 6.5 in. 1958: 178 mm / 7.0 in.
Seat Height: 800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wet Weight: 179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 17 L / 4.5 US gal
Average Consumption: 3.3 L/100 km / 30 km/l / 71 US mpg
Top Speed: 121 km/h / 75 mph
Colours: Black
Review: Classic Bike, May 1991