classic motorcycle forum
Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: matchless on August 05, 2007, 06:18:27 PM
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Im located in australia and im hoping some one can help me out with a little query. I went to look at a Matchless bike today which is depicted in the attached pictures. I know its a 500 twin clubman but other than that i dont know much about it. would this make it a G9 model? It needs a little work but could any one give me any idea what it would be worth? thanks in advance
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pic1
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Yes most probably is is a G9 Super Clubman model like this one:
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Matchless%20Bikes/pages/Matchless%20G9%20Super%20Clubmans%201951.htm
I think your photo shows it to be a slightly later model (1953 perhaps?)
Did you check the engine number?
As it should give the model year and model type information as a prefix to the engine number.
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I believe it is a 1953, any suggestions on what would be a resonable offer for this in its condition?
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As this bike is located in Australia I've no idea of its value there -sorry.
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Fair enough, what would its value be in the UK?
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Fair enough, what would its value be in the UK?
You must understand that all I have to go on is one photograph, but it does seem to be in fairly standard condition although rather badly corroded, and would take quite a lot of money to restore, probably more than it would actually be worth.
The G9, although not a particularly sought after model would be a reasonably desirable classic bike.
I guess a dealer would be looking to sell it for £1000 GBP, and maybe £600-£800GBP for a private sale in that condition in the UK.
Here is a 1955 G9 in what is described as: "Tidy for improvement" condition offered for sale by Andy Tiernan, the asking price is £2000GBP http://www.andybuysbikes.com/3885.htm
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If you are looking to buy it as an investment then forget it. If you want it to retore and ride it then go for it.
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Hi,
It's very simple, the engine number gives both the year and model. For example, 53/G9/*** would be a 1953 model G9 with engine number ***.
The big issue with any old Matchless like this is whether it is all original. Parts from other years just bolted on and when these bikes got old it was common practice to just mix'n'match. When these bikes were old but before they were "collectable" it was cheaper just to buy another not so worn part from a later model and fit that. There was no concern about originality. An all original bike in the condition shown in the photo has a small value,(substitute an Aussie $ sign for the British Pound sign) if not original it is even less.
This bike needs a LOT of work. It needs someone who knows what parts are correct for what year. In addition the Matchless twin engine responds well to a knowledgeable mechanic but doesn't cope well with enthusiastic amateurs.
Unless you know what you are doing and have good workshop facilitiies it is a money pit. If well sorted it is a very pleasant touring bike but still not worth much.
Cheers, Bob
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hi! i just sent a reply with attachment but it was rejected for being oversize, then noticed the limit is 1ookbs how do i compress my pictures to be accepted on this site? douglas
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If you want to email me the picture, I'll sort it out for you?
Nigel
www.vintagebike.co.uk
You can email me by clicking on "contact" on the meny at the top of the screen.
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the Matchless twin engine responds well to a knowledgeable mechanic but doesn't cope well with enthusiastic amateurs.
hahahahahahaa, thats one way to put it...
Im in australia and ive been noticing prices of these bikes sky-rocketing over the past year or two - as for this situation, it would be an excellent buy for less than $1000
as a restoration its desirable because it does appear to have all the necessary bits, whether original or otherwise. it has a speedo, which, if an original Smiths, is worth big $$$ in itself; it appears to have a magneto, a bonus; tank and tinware are all present and repairable
think of it this way - if you want to spend a lot of money restoring it, its a good start for roughly >$1,000, but youll be a few thousand under by the end of the job. especially because those matchless twins are renowned for terrible oil circulation problems. ergo, youll want to consider roller-bearing conversions and the like - more $$$.
to me - not a big AMC twin fan - its not worth the headache. but if you have deeeeep full pockets and a love for matchys, itd be a fun project
still, only my opinion
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why restore it!! just do the mechanicals if needed. douglas