New to the Forum - Matchless G2 -(1960)
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:57 pm
Thought I would introduce myself as I have just joined the owners club after purchasing a 1960 Matchless G2.
I have spent years yearning to own a Matchless or AJS and have finally been in the position to realise that ambition. I thought I should start with something relatively simple as well as something that fits my budget as I have little or no mechanical background and thought I should cut my teeth on a G2 before earning the right to own and properly care for something a little more exotic in the Matchless range.
The machine I have bought is taxed and MOT'd but needs what more experienced classic bikers would probably call some basic adjustments and fettling. I wondered if some of you more experienced classic bikers might spare a few minutes to respond to some embarrassingly simple questsions........
1. In my excitement when collecting the bike I forgot to ask the previous owner whether the bike should run on leaded or unleaded petrol. Could someone advice me as to which is most appropriate. I'm assuming unleaded is going to be ok.
2. On reading the Workshop manual and the G2 Instruction manual it suggests SAE50, SAE30 or SAE20 engine oil depending on climate etc. I dont recognise these designations as I am used to buying 10w/50 or whatever from Halfords for the car. Can anyone recommend what engine oil I should use.
3. I assume I need to drain the oil via both of the drain plugs on the underside of the engine. I assume I then refill with 2.5 pints via the inspection cap at the top front of the engine.
4. One of the Fork legs is leaking oil via the drain plug at the bottom. Can someone recommend the oil I should be using please as again I am unsure of the recommended SAE30 designation.
5. The clutch requires adjusting but unfortunately I dont understand all of the instructions in the Workshop manual. (durrrrr) Would someone mind clarifying the following ........." Complete the adjustment by unscrewing the clutch cable adjuster until 3/16" movement between the outer casing and the adjuster, tighten the lock nut."
I dont have a cable adjuster at the handlbar end of the clutch cable but there is what looks like a cable adjuster where it disappears into the engine casing. Am I looking to see 3/16"of the inner cable.???
I know the above is all a bit simple but from my point of few its only simple if you've done it before........
Cant wait to get the oil changed, the clutch adjusted and the forks sorted and get out on the road.
Any other advice greatfully received to speed up my learning curve.
Regards and thanks in advance
Martyn
I have spent years yearning to own a Matchless or AJS and have finally been in the position to realise that ambition. I thought I should start with something relatively simple as well as something that fits my budget as I have little or no mechanical background and thought I should cut my teeth on a G2 before earning the right to own and properly care for something a little more exotic in the Matchless range.
The machine I have bought is taxed and MOT'd but needs what more experienced classic bikers would probably call some basic adjustments and fettling. I wondered if some of you more experienced classic bikers might spare a few minutes to respond to some embarrassingly simple questsions........
1. In my excitement when collecting the bike I forgot to ask the previous owner whether the bike should run on leaded or unleaded petrol. Could someone advice me as to which is most appropriate. I'm assuming unleaded is going to be ok.
2. On reading the Workshop manual and the G2 Instruction manual it suggests SAE50, SAE30 or SAE20 engine oil depending on climate etc. I dont recognise these designations as I am used to buying 10w/50 or whatever from Halfords for the car. Can anyone recommend what engine oil I should use.
3. I assume I need to drain the oil via both of the drain plugs on the underside of the engine. I assume I then refill with 2.5 pints via the inspection cap at the top front of the engine.
4. One of the Fork legs is leaking oil via the drain plug at the bottom. Can someone recommend the oil I should be using please as again I am unsure of the recommended SAE30 designation.
5. The clutch requires adjusting but unfortunately I dont understand all of the instructions in the Workshop manual. (durrrrr) Would someone mind clarifying the following ........." Complete the adjustment by unscrewing the clutch cable adjuster until 3/16" movement between the outer casing and the adjuster, tighten the lock nut."
I dont have a cable adjuster at the handlbar end of the clutch cable but there is what looks like a cable adjuster where it disappears into the engine casing. Am I looking to see 3/16"of the inner cable.???
I know the above is all a bit simple but from my point of few its only simple if you've done it before........
Cant wait to get the oil changed, the clutch adjusted and the forks sorted and get out on the road.
Any other advice greatfully received to speed up my learning curve.
Regards and thanks in advance
Martyn