1957 Matchless G11 Super Clubman 600cc Twin SOLD

1957 Matchless G11 Super clubman 600cc
I bought this brilliant Matchless a couple of years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed two seasons of trouble free riding.
The G11 got a bit of an unfair press for being an old mans bike when the larger 650cc G12 came out. However the superb 600cc engine is smoother, stronger and longer lived that it’s slightly bigger brother. Besides, if you want to go fast, go buy an old R1. I have found my G11 will run all day at 55-65mph. It’s super tourqey and pulls well up hills in top gear and gives a super comfortable largely vibration free ride. It handles great and stops just fine and is a confidence inspiring ride. We never leave home and come back in less than a hundred miles simply because once we are out there I don’t want to come home.

The bike previously belonged to an older gent’ who seems to have owned it for many years and loved it. There are loads of custom made stainless steel parts that the old fella had made including nicely crafted nuts, bolts, washers, spacers and a whole host of other beautifully made parts. He was obviously not a spirited rider as the tyres were worn flat and square. When I got it the bike was a one or two kick starter and still is. No matter if it has stood for the winter or a day, hot or cold it has never taken me more than two gentle kicks to fire into life. Always idles perfectly, never stalls and runs super smooth. Sure I never pushed it, I believe old bikes need treating with a little respect otherwise life can be miserable and expensive.

In my ownership I have replaced the steering head bearings. Re-built the carb with brand new parts from Hitchcocks. Fitted a new Reynolds chain and recently (not pictured) two new Avon tyres (and tubes) 3. 5” front and 4” rear (£190). This has raised the gearing a little which makes A road riding much more enjoyable and it’s improved the cornering a great deal. Last year I fitted brand new Hagon shocks (£203) which again really helped out the cornering and they give a superb ride. I also fitted two brand new Armours silencers because one was acid damaged (£174). The G11 might not be the fastest old bike out there but with the speeds it can carry through the corners it certainly can hold it’s own.

From the receipts I got with the bike it looks to have enjoyed a steady stream of improvements and repairs. Looks like it had a cylinder head overhaul around 2014/ 15 with new valves and guides. Some electrical work in 2016. I also have a long hand written list of works carried out including a mag rebuild, brake overhaul, wheel bearings, sprockets, clutch case and plates, new speedo, all new cables, reground crank with new pistons, new oil filter system, improved oil pumps, new crank bearing, overhauled dynamo, easy lift centre stand, recovered seat. Sadly this list is not dated and I have no supporting invoices. Has polished stainless steel spokes.

Today there are a few oil weeps after a long summer run but not anywhere near enough to worry about. Recently the primary cover started leaking a little oil, I have not had chance to sort that out. Over last winter it was stood and did not sump in 4 months sitting idle. It does not burn oil, plugs are a good colour, there are no fuel leaks and the fuel tank is very good inside and out. If you are looking for a concours winner this is not it but, if you are all about the riding rather than the spannering this is, in my experience, an utterly brilliant bike. Wherever it goes it draws attention. With those chrome tank sides and maroon red paint it’s got an absolutely timeless classic look and the quality of build associated with the Matchless brand still shows through. Last year I had a ’56 Triumph T110 alongside this and I rode it twice before I sold it but the G11 has taken me 2000 miles without a hiccup.

I have a whole collection of bikes and every year I have to let a couple go so I can buy something else and sadly this one has come to the top of the pile. So far this Matchless is the best and most useable old Brit I have owned and will miss it but exciting new opportunities await so it’s time to part company.

I have the V5 in my name. It shows 9 previous owners and first registration 27, 06, 1957. Vin number A57032 and engine number 56/ 30/ 0311. Registration number is non-transferable. MOT and tax exempt historic vehicle.

I absolutely don’t NEED to sell this and will not be considering silly offers. There is a lot of knackered cheap crap out there but this is not, it’s reliable and ready to go and ride today. Please, do not insult my intelligence with low-ball offers. The bike stands me in over £7k.

Ride away today, once you pay for it. I can be contacted by phone between 9-5. I work from home and we do not answer calls out of hours, sorry. Call Graham

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