rusty ken

Dont want to hijack the thread, but i'd be really interested to hear what you did to shorten you Matchless wheelbase. I've had a couple of outings on a road based G3LS. It's been great fun, but I'm having problems keeping up with the twin shock class and any suggested mods would be most welcome.

I'd seen Steve's frames advertised a while ago, along with a list of other goodies for AMCs that could make a severe dent in my motorbike fund. Has anyone tried one of the springer frames and can provide any feedback? I'm running a road based '54 G3LS Matchless, and had considered changing to one of these but even when I contacted Steve I wasn't able to get any real info on the spec, weight, or performance. It's a lot of money if it isn't an improvement over the road frame.

Hi Dave, thanks for the info. Im in Ireland, so its a bit to far to meet up for a Sunday morning chat. I've had a couple of emails to get some basic info, but would like to get an independent opinion, preferably from someone that has used one of the springer frames in anger. Otherwise the next option is to get the welder out!

Hi Andy, thats the frame I was referring to, thanks for putting in the link. I was hoping that someone might be able to share first hand experience of them before I spend the budget. from the photo it looks ok, but its a bit light on technical spec, and no matter how it looks on paper i'd prefer to hear how it actually rides. Price looks ok for a replica frame, but it's a bit of a risk without knowing if it works.

I've been building a 350 Matchless springer from roadster parts that i've gathered up over the years, but have been looking at swapping out the frame for one made by Progressive Classic Products. Have any of you tried these or know of any that are in use? it looks to meet the current Scottish rules, but would need to work for the rest of the year as well!

Hi Folks, Contary to the tone of other threads on this forum, I've started to put together a heavy weight Matchless 350, and am considering where the sparks should come from. It's currently running a total loss system using points and a coil, which is fine for running around a field but not much use for a trial. I intend to re-fit a magneto and having looked on line have seen the new BTH electornic mags. Does anyone have experiecce of these? Are they worth fitting? Is there a better alternative, or better value for money option? And if this is the best option, should I go for the fixed ignition or digital advance version? I'd apreciate your thoughts and experience. Thanks Ken

Hi Will, Thanks for the reply. I've tried calling but the number isn't recognised. Can you check, or let me know if I'm getting it wrong. alternatively drop me an e-mail at phaedrus-63b@live.co.uk. Thanks Ken

Hi Robert & Jon, don't want to interupt, but I'm looking for exactly the same thing. Is there a supplier anywhere? Burman boxes were quite common, are these the same for Aerial and Nortons? Any info woiuld be apreciated. Thanks Ken

Ment to mention, if you are still thinking of this I also have a Grumph project hidden away. Its a triumph 350 twin (5Ta bottom cases with 3Ta top end) built into a Greeves MX3 (i think) motocrosser frame with banana forks. I keep looking at it thinking it is a better bet than building the Matchless, and would be less work and money to finish off, but the matchless is what interests me at the minute so a deal might be possible...

Hi Marty, About 30 years ago I used to ride a road based rigid G3L in local trials, but the sections become more focused on Cubs, C15s, and the like, and the Matchless was too heavy and didn't have the clearance to keep up. On its last outing there was only one section that it could clear if both wheels were kept on the ground! I was interested in your ad, as I've recently been looking at a very rough G3LS that is lying at the back of the shed, and wondering if it could be the start of a new pre 65 trials bike. I've started to pick up a few bits, and have been doing my research. I haven't mentioned to my wife that I'm thinking of a new frame, but there is plenty of time for that later... While there looks to be plenty of pre 65 events on the mainland, I am a bit unsure of the number of suitable local events. I live just up the road from you, over the hill towards holwyood, and I don't want to spend time amd money putting together a bike that I wont get to ride unless I take a ferry! Otherwise I could save money and pick up a twin shock, or even a modern, and have an event every weekend. Before I get too carried away, I'd be interested to hear if you got anywhere with your original thought of a heavyweight, and if you have any feel for the number of local events and the type of bikes that are turning out for them. Cheers Ken