Matchless G3
Matchless G3
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The 348cc G3 launched for 1962 represented amajor shake-up of the roadster single. Its engine dimensions are74 x 81mm like the earliest version of the OHC 7R racer. Thecast-iron crankshaft flywheels used since G3L days were kept,however. Outwardly, the engine changed in having its pushrodsenclosed in tunnels cast into the iron barrel. The short-stroke350s were sold in G3S and G80S sports versions, thoughalterations from touring specification seem to have been purelycosmetic. Buyers seeking the plonk of a traditional long-strokeengine will prefer the earlier units, but the rare interim 350offers snappier acceleration.Large cast-alloy 'knee-knocker' tank badges used from 1962 arefrowned on by purists, but they have a nice period style. Widershoes improved the front brake from 1963, although all alloy-backplatefront drums need to be checked for cracks. Norton front forksand wheel hubs mark out machines from '64 on. And while they maynot appeal tomarque die-hards, handling is fine, and Norton's8in front drum is a useful brake. Shorter riders may welcome thechange from 19in to 18in for both wheel rims thatyear. Roadster engine design benefited from amalgamation withscrambler dimensions for 1964. The CS's 85.5mm stroke, a featureof motocross engines since 1956, became common across the wholeheavyweight single range, which also acquired steel flywheelsand a roller bearing on the crank's timing-side main-shaft. Abeefier big-end. All engines from '64 have integral pushrodtunnels in their cylinder barrels, although the latter are ofiron, and not alloy as used on competition machines from 1950.A limited quantity of export-style road-legal G80CS models wassold on the British market in 1967. This is a highly desirablestreet scrambler, so you can expect to pay over £3000 if youfind one. Re-imported G80CS models from the US are also quitepopular and should come a little cheaper.