1966 Matchless G12
1966 MATCHLESS G12 BACKGROND
In the 1950s,
Matchless and AJS were the diamonds in
AMC's (Associated Motor Cycles) crown, but by the 1960s, their fortunes had turned for the worst. Matchless had launched the
G12 and AJS Model 31 650 twins in 1958, with high hopes for big sales in the US market. Unfortunately, they never materialized, at least not in the volumes it would have taken to save the company. 1966 would be the last year for the Matchless and AJS twins. Matchless would soldier on with the G80 for a couple more years, as owner AMC collapsed in 1967. All that would ultimately remain out of the once-might AMC stable of brands was
Norton, at least for a few more years. The 1966 Matchless G12 was actually a pretty nice bike, and a solid, able performer. But it was hopelessly mired in ancient technology. 6-volt electrics, magneto ignition, and non-unit construction looked positively antique when compared to the modern bikes pouring in from
Japan.
1966 Matchless G12CSR
THE MATCHLESS G12CSR
The CSR was the high-end street version within the G12 lineup. This one has aftermarket saddle bags. It was on display in the recent
2017 Clubman Show in San Jose CA.
MATCHLESS G12 ENGINE
AMC's 650 twin was its premium engine and when it was designed in the mid-1950s, it incorporated the best of traditional British motorcycle engine design at the time. That mean pushrods actuating 2 valves-per-cylinder, with a semi-hemispherical combustion chamber, grossly undersquare bore and stroke, and non-unit construction. It was designed from the outset to be stout and reliable, and just a little bit better than the competition. And it probably was when it was launched in 1958. But hopelessly undercapitalized AMC didn't have the money to further develop it, let alone convert it to unit construction when
Triumph and
BSA did it in the early 1960s. To go past the 1966 model year, they would have had to convert it over to left-foot shifting, as mandated by US law, which was probably not financially possible for the beleaguered AMC.
1966 Matchless G12 SPECIFICATIONS
Model designations
Years in production
Engine type
Displacement
Bore & Stroke
Compression, G12
Compression, CS & CSR
Fuel system
Ignition system
Battery
Lubrication system
Oil capacity
Engine output
Primary drive
Clutch
Gearbox
Final drive
Frame type
Suspension, front
Suspension, rear
Brake, front
Brake, rear
Tire, front
Tire, rear
Fuel capacity
Dry weight
Top speed
|
1966 Matchless G12, Deluxe, G12CS, G12CSR
1958 through 1966
Air-cooled, OHV vertical twin
646cc / 39.4ci
72mm X 79.3mm
7.5:1
8.5:1
1- Amal 389, 1-1/8"
Lucas K2F magneto
Lucas 6-volt, 12Ah
Dry sump
2.5L / 5.3 US qts
35hp @ 6500
Chain
Multi-plate, wet
4-speed constant mesh, right-foot shift
Chain, 97 links
Steel tube, double cradle
AMC Teledraulic fork
Swing arm w/2 Girling dampers
8-inch TLS drum
7-inch SLS drum
3.25" X 19" Dunlop
3.50" X 19" Dunlop
17L / 4.5 US gal
396 lbs / 180 kg
95mph / 153 km/h
|
Check out these MATCHLESS BOOKS


Matchless: The Complete Story


Matchless, once the largest British motorcycle manufacturer


AJS and Matchless Post-War Singles and Twins: The Complete Story


Motorcycle Apprentice: Matchless - in name & reputation (Classic Reprint)


History of Matchless Motorcycles


Matchless and Ajs Restoration


BOOK OF THE MATCHLESS 350 & 500cc SINGLES 1955-1966


AJS and Matchless: The Post-war Models


AJS and Matchless Gold Portfolio 1945-1966


Illustrated Ajs and Matchless Buyer's Guide (Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
For more like this, please visit our
MATCHLESS MOTORCYCLE BOOKSTORE
Please visit our
MOTORCYCLE BOOK STORE
Take a tour of our site...
HOME PAGE
Triumph Motorcycles
.....Bonneville
.....Tiger
.....Trophy
.....TR6
.....TR7
.....Trident
.....X-75 Hurricane
.....6T Thunderbird
.....5T Speed Twin
.....Daytona
.....Twenty-One
.....3T 350 Twins
BSA Motorcycles
.....A65
.....A10
.....A7
.....Gold Star
.....Bantam
.....Rocket 3
.....B50
Norton Motorcycles
.....Commando
.....Atlas
.....Dominator
.....Model 7
.....Manx
.....Navigator
AMC-Associated Motor Cycles
Matchless-AJS Motorcycles
.....G3
.....G9
.....G12
.....G80
Royal Enfield Motorcycles
.....Interceptor
.....Bullet
Ariel Motorcycles
.....Square Four
.....Red Hunter
.....Cyclone
Vincent Motorcycles
.....Black Shadow
.....Rapide
.....Comet
.....Egli-Vincent
Velocette Motorcycles
.....KSS
.....KTT
.....LE
.....MAC
.....Thruxton
.....Venom
.....LE
Rickman Motorcycles
Japanese Motorcycles
.....Honda
.....Kawasaki
.....Suzuki
.....Yamaha
Cafe Racers
....Triumph Cafe Racers
.....Norton Cafe Racers
.....Other Cafe Racers
Choppers & Bobbers
.....Choppers
.....Triumph Choppers
.....BSA Choppers
.....Rat Bikes
Classic Racing Motorcycles
Classic Motorcycle Events
.....Auctions
.....Shows
.....Rides
Classic Motorcycle Restoration
Classic Motorcycle Shops
Classic Motorcycle Clubs
Send us Pictures of YOUR BIKE
YOUR BIKE Pictures
HOME PAGE
.....About Us
.....Site Map
.....CONTACT US
.....Please visit our BLOG
.....Subscribe to our FREE e-zine BRIT IRON
.....BRIT IRON E-zine Back Issues
Visit our STORES
.....Motorcycle Books
.....Motorcycle Magazines
.....Motorcycle Calendars
.....Motorcycle Accessories
..........Motorcycle Helmets
..........Motorcycle Rain Suits
..........Motorcycle Locks & Security
..........Motorcycle T-Shirts
..........Motorcycle Diecast Models
..........GoPro Cameras
.....Motorcycle Parts
..........Motorcycle Tires
..........Motorcycle Chains
..........Motorcycle Batteries
..........Motorcycle Handlebars
.....Motorcycle Tools
..........Whitworth Tools
..........Tire Tools
..........Chain Tools
Crazy about cars, too? Check out our sister site:
www.American-Muscle-Cars.net
Back to top - 1966 Matchless G12Last updated 12/12/17
Learn how to BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE, like I did.