Matchless Silver Arrow (1929-33)

The Matchless Silver Arrow was a motorcycle model produced from 1929 to 1933. The 1930 model had a V-twin cylinder engine with a capacity of 397 cc and a compression ratio of 5.6:1. The gearbox was a 3-speed Sturmey Archer, which was upgraded to 4-speed in 1932. The bike had a maximum power of 11.8 kW and a top speed of 105 km/h. The frame was made of brazed lug tubular construction with cantilever rear suspension. The front suspension was Matchless centre spring girders with finger adjustment, and the rear suspension was cantilever with two springs and friction dampers under the saddle. The bike had front and rear brakes with drums that were interconnected. The wheels were made of steel with wire spokes and had 3.25 x 19 inch tires on both the front and back. The bike had a length of 2134 mm and a weight of 140 kg. The fuel capacity was 11.4 L and had an average consumption of 2.8 L/100 km. The bike had a black finish with a chrome tank.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless Silver Arrow

Year: 1929 – 33 (specifications for 1930 model, slight changes over time)

Engine: V-twin cylinder

Capacity: 397 cc / 24 cub in.

Bore x Stroke: 54 x 86 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 5.6:1

Lubrication: Dry sump with fabric oil filter

Oil Capacity: 2.3 L / 4.9 US pints

Exhaust: Single, chrome

Fuel System: Amal 4/14

Ignition: Lucas magneto, KLV-0

Starting: Kick

Transmission: 3-Speed, Sturmey Archer gearbox (from 1932: 4-speed)

Final Drive: Chain

Gear Ratios: 1st 16.8 / 2nd 9.4 / 3rd 6.1:1

Maximum Power: 11.8 kW / 16 hp @ 5000 rpm

Frame: Brazed lug tubular construction incorporating cantilever rear suspension

Front Suspension: Matchless centre spring girders, finger adjustment

Rear Suspension: Cantilever with two springs and friction dampers under saddle

Front Brakes: 203 mm / 8 in. drum, interconnected

Rear Brakes: 203 mm / 8 in. drum, interconnected

Wheels: Steel, wire spokes

Front Tyre: 3.25 x 19 in.

Rear Tyre: 3.25 x 19 in.

Dimensions: Length: 2134 mm / 84 in.

Wheelbase: 1422 mm / 56 in.

Ground Clearance: 152 mm / 6 in.

Saddle Height: 699 mm / 27.5 in.

Wet Weight: 140 kg / 308 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 11.4 L / 3.0 US gal

Average Consumption: 2.8 L/100 km / 35 km/l / 84 US mpg

Top Speed: 105 km/h / 65 mph

Colours: Black with chrome tank