1968 Matchless G80CS

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: C11163
Engine No: G80CS5295
cc: 500

By the mid sixties the Matchless G80CS scrambler was coming to the end of its illustrious career as a scrambler, lightweight (comparatively) unit construction machines from BSA, Rickman Metisse scramblers, often powered by Matchless engines and AMC's own G85CS were all far easier machines to handle. However, it retained a loyal following in the United States where the stability afforded by the comparatively heavy frame at high speed was perceived as offering an advantage to desert racers.
In its US guise, the model was offered with a full lighting kit and battery, a dual seat and high level, silenced exhaust system, all of which added to the weight which was only partially offset by the all alloy, virtually square 86 x 85.5mm engine, alloy mudguards and fuel tank. The result was and remains, arguably one of the most handsome motorcycles ever produced.
This example was the subject of a full professional restoration carried out during 2005, at which time a number of polished stainless steel parts were fitted. The vendor describes the engine as being in excellent condition coupled to a "good" transmission housed in an "immaculate" set of cycle parts. The electrical system is described as good whilst the black paintwork applied to the cycle parts and the candy red finish applied to the tank are described as immaculate. A Californian bike, it is offered with a title form that state and a C&E 386 confirming that it is VAT and duty paid in the United Kingdom.