Matchless G3LCT (1956-58)

The Matchless G3LCT was a motorcycle produced from 1956 to 1958 with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, OHV engine that had a capacity of 347 cc. The compression ratio was 6.5:1 (increased to 7.5:1 from 1956). The fuel system was an Amal 76 carburetor (changed to an Amal Monobloc from 1956), and the bike had magneto ignition and a Lucas dynamo, as well as a 6V battery (later changed to a coil ignition, Lucas alternator, and 6V battery). The bike had a 4-speed transmission and chain drive, along with a single down tube frame, a telescopic fork front suspension, and swingarm, AMC units, rear suspension (swapping later to swingarm, Girling units). The bike had drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, and steel laced wire-spoked wheels. The wet weight was 179 kg or 395 lbs, while the fuel capacity was 17 L or 4.5 US gal. The average fuel consumption was 3.3 L/100km, 30 km/l, or 71 US mpg. The top speed of the bike was 212 km/h or 75 mph.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless G3LCT

Year: 1956 – 58

Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, ohv

Capacity: 347 cc / 21.2 cub in.

Bore x Stroke: 69 x 93 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 6.5:1 (from 1956: 7.5:1)

Lubrication: Dry sump

Exhaust: Single, chrome silencer

Fuel System: Amal 76 carburetor 1-1/16 (from 1956: Amal Monobloc, 1-1/16)

Electrical System: Magneto ignition, Lucas dynamo, 6V battery (from 1956:Coil ignition, Lucas alternator, 6V battery)

Starting: Kick

Maximum Power: 11.9 kW / 16 hp @ 5600 rpm (from 1956: 14.1 kW / 19 hp @ 5750 rpm)

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

Transmission: 4-Speed Burman (from 1956: 4-speed AMC)

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Single down tube

Front Suspension: Telescopic fork

Rear Suspension: Swingarm, AMC units (from 1956: Swingarm, Girling units)

Front Brakes: Drum

Rear Brakes: Drum

Front Tyres: 3.25 x 19″ Dunlop K70 (from 1956: 3.60 x 19″ Dunlop K70)

Rear Tyres: 3.50 x 19″, dunlop K70 (from 1956: 3.25 x 19″, Avon SM)

Wheels: Steel, laced wire spokes

Wheelbase: 1436 mm / 56.5″

Seat Height: 800 mm / 31.5″

Ground Clearance: 165 mm / 6.5″ (from 1956: 178 mm / 7.0″

Wet Weight: 179 kg / 395 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 17 L / 4.5 US gal

Oil Capacity: 2.3 L / 2.4 US qts

Average Fuel Consumption: 3.3 L/100km / 30 km/l / 71 US mpg

Top Speed: 212 km/h / 75 mph