The Motor Cycle — Page 1

THE latest product of the Plumstead factory, the sports 498 cc. o.h.v. Matchless, is a motor cycle of which its designer can be justly proud. In appearance, with its black and chromium finish, it looks most businesslike. In performance it is even more businesslike.
For this model a genuine high-speed performance is claimed, while, to obtain liveliness and the ability quickly to attain high speeds, the power weight ratio has obviously been closely studied with advantage. In full touring trim, with electric lights, horn, speedometer, and fuel, it scales just 301 lb. It was delightfully easy to handle, not only while riding, but also when manoeuvring with a "dead" engine.
Almost the only criticism which could be levelled at the Matchless concerned the carburation at low engine-speeds. This resulted in a rather uncertain tick-over, and made starting difficult, in spite of the decompressor. The trouble was somewhat accentuated by unsuitable gearing of the kick-starter pedal in relation to the engine.
This drawback is immediately forgotten when the performance of the machine is examined. The riding position is most comfortable, and the controls are ready to hand. Particular mention should be made of the "clean" handlebars and of the foot gear change pedal, the latter requiring but a flick of the ankle to select a gear.
When in motion it is possible to appreciate at once the extraordinarily light steering, which is completely positive, yet free from roll or wobble. Some idea of the steering and road-holding may be gleaned from the fact that the Matchless was taken up to speeds of just over 80 m.p.h. with neither the steering damper nor shock-absorbers in action.
The weight distribution, with a rider weighing just over twelve stone, appeared to be just right, for the machine held the road like a T.T. thoroughbred. Over rough surfaces the steering appeared to be excellent, though, on account of tyre treads unsuitable for this type of work, the rear wheel spun a lot at times.
At first the engine gives no indication at all of its speed abilities. Rather is the reverse the case, for at slow speeds in top gear the engine feels and sounds like a low-compression side-valve. But this is only illusion, due partly to the efficient silencers and partly to the absence of mechanical clatter from the engine.