ukmatador

I have a M26 mk3 Matador with the same exhaust but additional triangular back box. Does it have any effect on engine performance, that additional box, as the M27 obviously runs fine with out it? why is it there?

Thanks guys,I just love Forums, the wealth of knowledge is outstanding. This is the full story:- I think I am right in saying that MK3 Matador's are thin on the ground in the Uk and never imported in any number. Mine is a US import from California and has been fitted, badly with a 19 inch front wheel instead of the usual 21 inch. apparently better in sand? The front wheel is from an OSSA so the brake is now on the left not the right as it would be with the correct front wheel. I assume it still uses the Bultaco spindle but had to make up a spacer to centre the wheel in the forks. This all now works fine and is good on the road. Trying to find the specs of both the Matador and El montadero has proved difficult but spent a fair bit of time on Google last night and think I have finally answered my own question. I think I am correct in saying that the Matador has a 160mm diameter brake and the El Montadero is 140mm diameter, so whilst it looks like the right type of hub it would still be incorrect so might as well stick with the OSSA wheel. Is the above ramble correct? John

My 1969 Matador has the wrong front wheel. There is an opportunity to buy a complete front wheel from the afore mentioned El Montadero. It looks very similar to the correct Matador wheel when Googling images but require conformation before purchase. If it is different will stick with my existing wheel. John

A question for those that may have the parts lists:- Are the front wheels the same for a 1971 El Montadero and a 1969 MK3 Matador? ie the same part number.

Thanks for the response guys. I see Inmotion do the thin one so thats the way I will go. Just trying to tidy up a scruffy original bike so the question is slightly academic but thought might as well use the right ones if available. Next job is to sort the wiring out for the direct lighting. I see there is no side/parking light facility just dip and full beam. Will it pass a UK MOT like that?

1969 MK3 Matador. What are the correct tank badges for this model and year? I have seen thin transfer type and thick 'squashy' ones. John

Found it. Thanks John

Thanks. Will have a look this week. John

Hi Do you mean above the gear box sprocket? John

1969 MK3 Matador M26 engine. Does the gearbox have a breather, if so where is it? John

Yes Larry, ATF did the trick. John

You were dead right basil. A thin film of varnish on slide and body. Carb cleaner cured it. I'm guessing its the residue from the tank which was dry. Bike was last used in 1974! Next problem is to cure the sticking clutch plates when stood for a couple of days. Brilliant forum by the way. John

Good point basil, never thought of that and yes it is flange mounted. As I say the throttle works fine with the engine stationary but on start up for 5 mins. or so it sticks at mid point. I'm sure I have read somewhere that induction suction can cause problems with a tight slide. Am going to the VMCC day at Stanford Hall today so will see if a stronger spring is available, the throttle is very light. John

The bike, 1969 MK3 Matador with the above carb. Light throttle works fine with engine stationary. once started and for about 5 minutes the slide sticks part way open which is fun. Its a 32mm choke. Would the engine induction suction cause the slide to stick until the body expands slightly due to warming up? I'm wondering if a stronger spring, if available, would eliminate the problem.

Nice. I see you have the SD exhaust on yours, mine has the trials type so wont breath as easily. Have fitted a 14 tooth sprocket but waiting for DVLA to send me a registration number so can try it on the road.

Thanks for the help guys. There cheap enough to change so will try a 14 tooth. Not looking for a massive change but at the moment 40 mph and its revving too much for road use. John

Well,red face at the moment. Came to fit the 13 tooth sprocket today and found it already had one! thought it was a 12. So with a 13 front and a 46 rear, which it has. 3.53:1, (8.4:1 overall) it is just too low geared for general road use. If a 15 tooth sprocket will clear the kick start shaft, 3.1:1 is available. 7.3:1 overall with the primary reduction. Will I notice much of a difference? John

I have an original 1969 MK3 Matador running with a 428 size rear chain. Have ordered a 13 tooth gearbox sprocket, the biggest apparently that will fit with the kick start shaft in place. Is there a smaller rear sprocket available? Am trying to get some where in between stock low gearing and pure road gearing. John