MATCHLESS Motorcycle PDF Manuals

Above on the page there are several PDF Manuals for MATCHLESS Motorcycles.

The idea to create a motorcycle with a four-cylinder V-engine came from the managers of Matchless in the mid-1920-ies.

During this period, the company was already producing very successful, and well-received by the market, motorcycles with single-cylinder and two-cylinder V-engines.

At that time, motorcycles with four-cylinder engines were not uncommon, but these engines were purely in-line, greatly lengthening the wheelbase of the motorcycle.

The new Matchless was supposed to be a motorcycle with a pronounced sporty character.

The in-line four was not suitable for these purposes.

The idea to make a motorcycle with a V-shaped four was very tempting.

Power like an inline-four, but much more compact.

The disadvantages were large vibrations and the complexity of the design with a large number of parts.

However, the temptations to get a more powerful bike and move up the price segment drowned out reason.

By 1930, the first commercial Matchless Silver Hawk motorcycles were ready.

The main highlight of the motorcycle was of course the engine. V-shaped, four-cylinder, with a very small camber, only 18 degrees.

An uninitiated person at first glance could not always understand that in front of him was a motorcycle with a four-cylinder engine.

But the revolutionary novelties did not end there.

The power unit was a monoblock design.

The engine had a displacement of 592 cc, power - 26 hp OHC gas distribution scheme.

All four cylinders were powered by a single Amal carburetor.

Gearbox four-speed, firm Sturmey Archer.

But besides the engine, there was another feature. The motorcycle had a rear suspension of a special design.

And this is at a time when most motorcycles did without a rear suspension at all.

Actually revolutionary design and ruined the Matchless Silver Hawk.

The production of this motorcycle was started in 1931, but due to the complexity of the engine design, it was not possible to reach serious volumes.

The motorcycle was made by the piece, under the order.

After four years of soaking, in 1935 the production of Matchless Silver Hawk was curtailed.