Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Information relating to Matchless and AJS Models built prior to 1939
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Eamonn
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Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by Eamonn »

Can anyone help in determining the Model of this Matchless?
I think "JF" is a Leicester registration (not that it helps in model recognition!)
I've left the picture oversized as it may help to see the details...

JF4954.jpg
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dave16mct
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by dave16mct »

Looks like a Matchless D80 from about 1935. He really looks the part!
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by Rob Harknett »

Yes JF is Leicestershire reg. no. Eamonn. number 4954 falls within those issued in 1933.
CS and D80 were very simular. The rocker box is not clearly seen so no clues there.
I then noticed the CS has the rear brake on the left, the D80 on the right. My research leaves me to believe the bike is a 1933 Matchless D80
( Close Dave, without having the number info. Don't be put off making replies Dave, you may see clues I may not have spotted )
Ashampoo_Snap_09 March 2021_12h19m47s_002_.jpg
Looks like D80 was introduced circa April 1933 on instruction book
Ashampoo_Snap_09 March 2021_12h22m12s_004_.jpg
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dave16mct
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by dave16mct »

I remember meeting Dick Powell at a Jampot Rally years ago and he was riding a D80 like this one. I remember asking him about the screwed-on chrome trims around the mudguards.
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clive
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by clive »

Well I am seeing two exhaust pipes and apparently open rockers and no M which I assume is on the rocker cover. Does a twin port with open rockers change the model?
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by Rob Harknett »

I down loaded the picture and tried to improve it with photo shop. The rocker cover is still not clear.
I think you can just about see two pipes, left just about seen behind the oil tank Clive.
Ashampoo_Snap_09 March 2021_14h09m23s_005_.jpg
The only other similar 1933 500 was the CS. which has the rear brake drum on the left, D80 is on the right.
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by Rob Harknett »

JF4954.jpg
The photo of the bike I have tried to improve upon with my cheap photo shop software.
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Eamonn
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Re: Identification please - Matchless JF 4954

Post by Eamonn »

Thank you to all the contributors, I've been in contact with the original requestor and he's very happy that we've come up with the date, registration location and model.
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