Matchless G2 (1958-62)

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The Matchless G2 motorcycle was manufactured from 1958-62 and came in three versions: G2, G2S, and G2CS. Its engine was a single cylinder, 4 stroke with a capacity of 248.5 cc/15.2 cub in. The G2/G2S had a compression ratio of 7.8:1, while the G2CS had a higher ratio of 10.5:1. The fuel system for the G2/G2S was an Amal monobloc 376/5 carburetor, while the G2CS used an Amal monobloc 376/276 carburetor. The bike used a dry sump with an external tank for lubrication, and the oil capacity was 1.4 L/3 US pints. The transmission was a 4-speed with a chain final drive, and the internal gear ratios were 1st 2.42/2nd 1.85/3rd 1.30/4th 1.0:1. The bike had a tubular steel frame that was closed at the bottom by a pressed-steel channel, with a telescopic fork front suspension and a swinging-arm rear suspension with shocks and coil springs. The front and rear brakes were both drums, with steel wire-spoked wheels and 3.25 x 17-inch tires. The bike had a wheelbase of 1345 mm/53 in, a ground clearance of 140 mm/5.5 in, and a seat height of 760 mm/30 in. The dry weight was 148 kg/325 lbs, and the fuel capacity was 12.5 L/3.3 US gal. The Matchless G2 came in two colors: red and black.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless G2 / G2S / G2CS

Year: 1958 – 62


Engine: Single cylinder, 4 stroke
Capacity: 248.5 cc / 15.2 cub in.
Bore x Stroke: 69.85 x 64.84 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: G2 / G2S: 7.8:1 G2CS: 10.5:1
Fuel System: G2 / G2S: Amal monobloc 376/5 carburetor G2CS: Amal monobloc 376/276 carburetor
Lubrication: Dry sump, external tank
Engine Oil: Hot: SAE 50 Cold: SAE 30 Extreme cold: SAE 20
Oil Capacity: 1.4 L / 3 US pints
Exhaust: Single
Starting: Kick
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Chain Links: G2 / G2S: 123 links G2CS: 131 links

Internal Gear Ratios: 1st 2.42 / 2nd 1.85 / 3rd 1.30 / 4th 1.0:1
Frame: Open, tubular steel frame, closed at the bottom by a pressed-steel channel
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension: Swinging-arm, with shocks and coil springs
Front Brakes: Drum
Rear Brakes: Drum
Wheels: Steel, wire spokes
Front Tyre: 3.25 x 17 in.
Rear Tyre: 3.25 x 17 in.
Wheelbase: 1345 mm / 53 in.
Ground Clearance: 140 mm / 5.5 in.
Seat Height: 760 mm / 30 in.
Dry Weight: 148 kg / 325 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 12.5 L / 3.3 US gal
Colours: Red, Black

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