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Matchless G45 500

Make Model	Matchless G45
Year	1951 - 58
Production	Less than 100
Engine	Single cylinder, four stroke, OHV
Capacity	498 cc / 30.4 cub in.
Bore x Stroke	66 x 72.8 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Lubrication	Dry sump
Oil Capacity	4.0 L / 8.5 US pints
Exhaust	Twin, chrome silencer
Fuel System	Amal 930 concentric carburetors
Ignition	Lucas competition magneto
Battery	6V
Starting	Kick
Clutch	Dry, with primary belt drive
Transmission	4-Speed, close ratio
Final Drive	Chain
Maximum Power	136.7 kW / 50 hp @ 7000 rpm
Frame	Tubular cradle, tubular
Front Suspension	AMC teledraulic, with stabilizer
Rear Suspension	Dowty Oleomatic
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Wheels	Steel, laced wire spokes
Front Tyre	19 in
Rear Tyre	19 in.
Dry Weight	145 kg / 320 lbs
Top Speed	210 km/h / 130 mph

Introduced during the 1950s, the Matchless G45 gave the private entrant an opportunity to be involved in motorcycle Grand Prix events. In post-war racing the 350 7R AJS became one of the most popular of mounts for the aspiring TT rider.
For those who wished to graduate to the 500cc category, the option was generally restricted to the Manx Norton or for the more adventurous, perhaps the Grand Prix Triumph. With the release of the G45 Matchless to the private owner in 1953, the racing fraternity saw it as a worthy competitor to the trusty Norton.
Its engine was a derivative of the G9 roadster; suitably modified. With such a pedigree for good-handling and reliability, it seemed to be the basis for a thoroughbred racer.
The G45 first appeared as a prototype at the 1951 Manx Grand Prix, where it was taken to a worthy 4th place behind three Nortons. The bike's first conspicuous victory was the 1952 Senior Manx Grand Prix. Soon the G45 began appearing at the Isle of Man and at mainland events, and by all accounts its performance was on a par with a standard Manx Norton.
At the 1953 Senior TT, eleven G45s went for the start and four reached the finish line, the following year brought a similar scenario, with 10 finishers from 14 starters.
In 1955 Matchless fielded an official works team for the Senior TT; with Derek Ennett registering the best-ever G45 result with his 6th place. Total production only ran to less than 100 examples; and in 1959 it was superseded by the 7R's bigger brother, the Matchless G50.The Matchless G45 is by far one of the most visually attractive race machines ever produced and is certainly a rare commodity in today's classic bike market.