Classic Bike (UK)

BUYING AND SELLING

AMC twins from AJS and Matchless are unsung bargains of the classic bike world. Maybe now’s the time to get into them...

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AMC twins assessed and more purchase-based wisdom

While AMC’S heavyweigh­t singles enjoy a faithful following among classic bike fans, AJS and Matchless twins often get a little overlooked. And that’s a shame, because they’re actually fine bikes. But, there’s no cloud without a silver lining and, because the AMC twins tend to live in the shadow of the competitio­n from Triumph, BSA and Norton, they’ve remained relatively affordable. Maybe now’s the time to take advantage of that before the rest of the classic world realises what they’ve been missing.

AMC twins – almost identical models were offered in both AJS and Matchless form – generally come in four sizes: 498cc, 550cc, 593cc and 646cc (the Amc-built 750 twins are as rare as hen’s teeth). Later, there would also be Matchless and Ajsbadged hybrids, using the Norton Atlas engine, but these are not true AMC models in the strict sense.

The first models to appear were the 498cc AJS Model 20/Matchless

G9, launched at the 1948 Earls Court Show although not generally available through UK dealers until later the following year. A threebeari­ng, one-piece cast iron crank was at the heart of the engine and there was eccentric adjustment for valve clearances and a swingarm frame. Smooth and generally reliable, they remained in production (with various updates) until 1971.

The 500s were joined (briefly) by the 545cc Model 20B and G9B for 1954 and 1955. Essentiall­y boredout 500s, the 550s – while rare – are no more sought-after or desirable and it wasn’t until the arrival of the 593cc Model 30/G11 for 1956 that a genuinely new model joined the range.

With a new frame, redesigned

engine, an AMC gearbox and a useful power increase over the 500, that may just have made the 600 the best of the bunch. Almost as smooth as the sweet-running 500s, they’ll nudge the ton, too. They lasted until 1958, when they were replaced by the 646cc AJS Model 31 and Matchless G12.

Aside from a handful of 750s, they were the last of the genuine AMC twins. Early (pre-1960) machines suffered from crank failures as the increased power exposed the limitation­s of the original cast iron cranks. Nodular iron cranks were phased in from 1960, so it’s probably best to go for a 1960-on bike if you fancy a 650. But if you fancy a smooth and easy-to-live-with 500, this 1957 Matchless G9 has got to be worth a look. Up for £4995 at Eddy’s Motorcycle­s in Tadcaster and in excellent condition, it runs and rides like a gem according to Eddy Wright himself. The excellent AJS and Matchless Owners Club (jampot.com) will welcome any future owner with open arms and spares back up is very good.

Fancy a different Brit twin? Take a close look at an AMC offering. eddys-moto.co.uk

‘THIS SMOOTH AND EASY-TO-LIVEWITH 500 HAS TO BE WORTH A LOOK’

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 ??  ?? ABOVE: Matchless G9 was the first AMC twin, launched alongside the almost identical AJS Model 20
ABOVE: Matchless G9 was the first AMC twin, launched alongside the almost identical AJS Model 20
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 ??  ?? Nacelle-mounted dials and switch are a nice period touch
Nacelle-mounted dials and switch are a nice period touch
 ??  ?? Sweet-running 500cc twin is a real smoothie
Sweet-running 500cc twin is a real smoothie

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