MATCHLESS MODEL 34/D80 · THE ARCHIVE
Motor Cycling — Page 3
Motor Cycling — Page 3
excellent figure in the case of a four-wheel-braked car tested in similar circumstances.
The Lucas Magdyno lighting set fitted was up to the usual standard of this marque. When running at 35 m.p.h. on top gear, the switch being in the " charge " position, 2 amps. were shown on the " plus " side of the ammeter. With the pilot-bulb in operation, the flow of current to the battery was slightly less than 6 amps., and with the headlamp full on between 1 and 2 amps. in excess of consumption were registered. The dipping filament in the headlamp is brought into operation by merely twisting a knurled ring on the left handlebar and the Lucas Altette horn, mounted down in front of the crankcase, is controlled by a button neatly inset in the right handlebar.
A welcome feature of the Matchless is a modified rear number plate which completely ignores vibration and gives the rear lamp bulb a much increased life. It is significant that, in spite of the rough going which the Matchless was called upon to negotiate during the test, the rear-lamp bulb was as good as new when the machine was returned.
So far as maintenance is concerned, the Matchless is simplicity itself. The primary chain, which runs happily in an oil-bath, can be inspected via a neat little cork- sealed trap and is adjusted by means of a pivoted gear-box the bolts of which are instantly accessible. The rear brake pedal cross-shaft is carried in two bearings, both of which are provided with grease nipples and a similar fitting appears in the centre of the kick-starter spindle. Tappet adjustment is effected by merely raising the tubes which enclose the push rods, and owing to the horizontal disposition of the carburetter mixing chamber the slides can be slid out for inspection with the minimum of trouble. In this connection it should be mentioned that a neat rubber cap is sprung over the top of the mixing chamber to exclude water and also to retain firmly the knurled ring.
The now familiar fabric oil filter is fitted in the separate oil tank and can be removed in a few seconds for renewal or cleansing, although neither of these operations was necessary during our temporary possession of the machine. The character of the Matchless is aptly summed up in the first words of this report, and it remains but to add that, at the price of £54 with full equipment (less speedometer), the "Sports Five Hundred " is a machine worthy of a place in the stable of any keen rider.
The Lucas Magdyno lighting set fitted was up to the usual standard of this marque. When running at 35 m.p.h. on top gear, the switch being in the " charge " position, 2 amps. were shown on the " plus " side of the ammeter. With the pilot-bulb in operation, the flow of current to the battery was slightly less than 6 amps., and with the headlamp full on between 1 and 2 amps. in excess of consumption were registered. The dipping filament in the headlamp is brought into operation by merely twisting a knurled ring on the left handlebar and the Lucas Altette horn, mounted down in front of the crankcase, is controlled by a button neatly inset in the right handlebar.
A welcome feature of the Matchless is a modified rear number plate which completely ignores vibration and gives the rear lamp bulb a much increased life. It is significant that, in spite of the rough going which the Matchless was called upon to negotiate during the test, the rear-lamp bulb was as good as new when the machine was returned.
Economy
That the model D/80 is an economical motor is proved by the fuel consumption, which was found to be 73 m.p.g. during the mixed town and country riding, including some long stretches of fairly full throttle work. The oil consumption works out at approximately 1,000 m.p.g. and the engine runs quite satisfactorily on any good brand of mineral oil of the correct grade.So far as maintenance is concerned, the Matchless is simplicity itself. The primary chain, which runs happily in an oil-bath, can be inspected via a neat little cork- sealed trap and is adjusted by means of a pivoted gear-box the bolts of which are instantly accessible. The rear brake pedal cross-shaft is carried in two bearings, both of which are provided with grease nipples and a similar fitting appears in the centre of the kick-starter spindle. Tappet adjustment is effected by merely raising the tubes which enclose the push rods, and owing to the horizontal disposition of the carburetter mixing chamber the slides can be slid out for inspection with the minimum of trouble. In this connection it should be mentioned that a neat rubber cap is sprung over the top of the mixing chamber to exclude water and also to retain firmly the knurled ring.
Primary Chain Case
The removal of a single screw enables the rim which retains the halves of the primary oil-bath to be slipped off and, presto, the front part of the case falls away revealing the engine shaft shock absorber (which, incidentally, allows the model to plug along at 17 m.p.h. on top), the chain, and the clutch. A rubber seal prevents oil leaking from the case when the rim has been firmly screwed down. Inspection of the chain tension, and checking of the oil level is arranged for by means of the little trap door set in the lower part of the case, just in front of the brake pedal.The now familiar fabric oil filter is fitted in the separate oil tank and can be removed in a few seconds for renewal or cleansing, although neither of these operations was necessary during our temporary possession of the machine. The character of the Matchless is aptly summed up in the first words of this report, and it remains but to add that, at the price of £54 with full equipment (less speedometer), the "Sports Five Hundred " is a machine worthy of a place in the stable of any keen rider.
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