Matchless was founded by the Collier family at Plumbstead, London in 1899. The two brothers, Charlie and Harry were racers and made a name for their company by winning in the first ever Isle of Man TT in 1907. They remained a company always at the top of racing and in 1931 having taken over AJS they moved to the midlands. Having won many more notable victories and being taken over by AMC they ceased production in 1966. Colin Seeley built his own frame and fitted a G50 racing engine, and in the late 1980's the marque was revived with a Rotax engine.

Click the photo to see a full size version, see reviews at bottom

1963 G2 
250cc

1957 G3
350cc

1966 G4
350cc

1956 G9
500cc

1960 G80
500cc

1958 G11 CSR
600cc

1962 G50 CSR 
650cc

1965 G12 CSR
650cc
 

Matchless Model Reviews

G2 1958-66 248cc ohv single, 330lbs, 66mpg, 70mph
 At a time when most other manufacturers were going to unit-construction AJS produced this single which retained a separate gearbox. Employing butterfly valve springs and an oil tank in the engine case casting it was a brave attempt which never succeeded. Heavy for a light-weight the handling improved with the AMC front forks on later models. The 14CSR was the sports model with improved styling and suspension.

G3 1945-66 348cc ohv single, 400lb, 80mpg, 75mph 
 A good British single which was not particularly spectacular for it's time. The rigid versions had bad handling characteristics.

G5 1960-62 348cc ohv single, 350lb, 70mpg, 80mph
This is the bigger version of the Model 14 & G2, which has increased performance. 

G9 1948-61 498cc ohv twin, 410lb, 60mpg, 90mph 
 Introduced when twins were vogue. Late ones have alternator electrics and  better frames. The early models have odd handling characteristics & poor brakes.

G11 1956-58 593cc ohv twin, 410lb, 60mpg, 90mph
This 600 twin is difficult to come by and is slightly better than the 500. There is also a sports CS version.

G12 1959-66 646cc ohv twin, 430ib, 55mpg, 100mph
Enlarged 600 engine which improved in build after 1960 with new cylinder head and lubrication system. They acquired Norton forks & wheels in 1963 along with 12v electrics. The sports CS & CSR versions are more sought after but also a more fragile engine.

G15/45 1963 749cc ohv twin, 430ibs, 50mpg, 105mph
 US-only development with a enlarged 650 engine.  You may find some in the UK. The engine reliability problems similar to the G12. 

G15 1964-69, 749cc ohv twin, 420lb, 45mpg, 110mph
 AMC put the Norton Atlas engine into the Matchless cycle parts. Very powerful, but vibrate a lot and the engine is fragile.

G50 1962 Prototype 500cc ohv single, export
 Responding to American pressure AMC popped a G50 road-racing engine into a CSR competition frame to produce this successful model that sold particularly well in California.

G80 1945-66 498cc ohv single, 400lb, 55mpg, 80mph 
 500cc version of the model 16 & G3. Slightly better handling and more pleasant to ride.

G80 1987-90, 499cc, ohc single, 390lb, 55mpg, 95mph
Early starting problems have been overcome on the later bikes and the G80 makes a pleasant practical classic bike for everyday use. Handles well in seventies style and cheap to run. The better models have electric start and twin front disks. Later sold with Rotax’s mild single which makes a nice alternative.