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.

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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