Matchless G9 Twin (1948-58)

Posted on by

The Matchless G9 was a motorcycle produced from 1948 to 1958. It had a parallel twin engine with a capacity of 498cc and a compression ratio of 7.7:1. The lubrication system was dry sump and the oil capacity was 2.5 liters. The fuel system used Amal 376/6 and it had a magneto ignition with a kick starter. The maximum power output was 24.3 kW / 33 hp at 6800 rpm. The transmission was 4-speed with a final drive chain. The frame was a single top and down pipe, double cradle and the wheelbase was 1403 mm. The front suspension was Teledraulic and the rear suspension was swingarm with twin shocks and oil dampers. Front and rear brakes were drum with steel wire spoke wheels and tire sizes of 3.25 x 19 in. (front) and 3.50 x 19 in. (rear). Its dry weight was 181 kg and fuel capacity was 17 liters. Colors offered were black and red. The top speed is reported as 137 km/h or 85 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Matchless G9

Year: 1948 – 58


Engine: Parallel twin cylinder
Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cub in.
Bore x Stroke: 66 x 72.8 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 7.7:1
Lubrication: Dry sump
Engine Oil: Hot: SAE 50 Cold: SAE 30 Extremely Cold: SAE 20
Oil Capacity: 2.5 L / 5.3 US pints
Exhaust: Twin, chrome, megaphone silencers
Fuel System: Amal 376/6
Ignition: Magneto, Lucas K2F
Starting: Kick
Battery: Lucas, 6V 12 Ah
Spark Plug: KLG FE80, 14mm thread
Maximum Power: 24.3 kW / 33 hp @ 6800 rpm

Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.67 / 2nd 1.77 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.0:1
Frame: Single top and down pipe, double cradle
Wheelbase: 1403 mm / 55.25 in.
Front Suspension: Teledraulic
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, twin shocks and coil springs, oil dampers
Front Brakes: Drum
Rear Brakes: Drum
Wheels: Steel, wire spokes
Front Tyre: 3.25 x 19 in.
Rear Tyre: 3.50 x 19 in.
Dry Weight: 181 kg / 400 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 17 L / 4.5 US gal
Top Speed: 137 km/h / 85 mph
Colours: Black, Red
Source: Wikipedia

Related models: