A sporting big twin for solo riders, the new Matchless model with a rigid frame.
Rigid Frame 8 h.p. Matchless, for Fast Solo Enthusiasts, to Sell at £130.
IT is gratifying to note that manufacturers are taking serious notice of the fact that there are very few British big twin machines on the market suitable for solo riding. One of the latest manufacturers to recognise the demand for a powerful, sporting solo machine is the firm of Messrs. H. Collier and Sons, Ltd., 44, Plumstead Road, London, S.E.18, who, in the Model J Matchless, have produced a comfortable and powerful mount, fit for serious touring not only in this country, but overseas, where high power is often necessary through the heaviness of the roads.
The engine used is either a 7 h.p. M.A.G. (82 mm. x94 mm. =996 c.c.) or an 8 h.p. J.A.P. (85.5 mm. x85 mm.=976 c.c). The frame is a modification of that supplied to the sidecar mode), the rear portion being rigid. The transmission is by chain, the front chain being totally enclosed, while the rear chain is protected by means of a guard. So far as the gear box is concerned, this is identical with the sidecar model, and the arrangement of the kick-starter, which raises the exhaust valve, is retained, there being no exhaust valve lifter on the handle-bars. The gear ratios are 4.1, 7 ½, and 10 ½ to 1.
A front rim brake is fitted to the front wheel, but a contracting band brake may be fitted to order if desired, while the rear brake is of the internal expanding pattern, actuated by a pair of pedals so that it may be applied by either foot. The usual type of Matchless clutch is fitted, and this may be actuated either by the heel and toe pedal, which has long been a feature of Matchless motor cycles, or by a lever on the handle-bar. Foot-rests instead of footboards are supplied, while 28x3 in. tyres are a standard.
The Model J is intended not only to be a sports model, but also a double-purpose model, and lugs are provided for the fitting of a sidecar. Considerable improvement has been made in the handle-bars, but the exact pattern of these has not yet been finally decided. It is hoped to place this model on the market for £130, and deliveries will begin in November.
We tried the machine, and found it to be particularly well balanced and extremely comfortable, while owing to the fitting of a very large expansion chamber and a long exit pipe the engine is beautifully quiet. Needless to say, it has wonderful acceleration powers, steers remarkably well, and is capable of a high turn of speed. Tried on the steep hills in the Woolwich district, it made light of these on top gear, could be slowed down to a walking pace, and rapidly accelerated on a gradient of 1 in 12 or worse. As a competitor to the Americans, the new Matchless must be seriously considered.
The Motor Cycle, October 6th, 1921
