Buzz
The 1961 Matchless G-12 struggled in sales compared to its British competitors, BSA and Triumph. Explore more motorcycle images.By the mid-20th Century, Matchless had become a respected name in the world of motorcycles, but the underperforming 1961 Matchless G-12 would turn out to be one of the last models to proudly carry the Matchless emblem.
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Matchless’ history dates back to the Collier brothers, who started producing motorcycles in 1899, making them one of the oldest British motorcycle manufacturers still remembered today.
In its early days, Matchless motorcycles were built with engines from various manufacturers such as De Dion, J.A.P., Mag, and MMC. Later, the company introduced engines of its own design.
To demonstrate the prowess of their machines, the Collier brothers raced their creations and claimed victory in the inaugural Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) race in 1907.
In the beginning, all fuel tanks were coated in khaki enamel, meaning color options were unavailable — but an impressive variety of engine choices was offered.
With both side- and overhead-valve engines ranging from 246 cc to 990 cc, Matchless provided ample customization, allowing buyers to select a bike tailored to their preferences.
During the economic uncertainty of the early 1930s, Matchless acquired AJS and established Associated Motor Cycles (AMC). While models continued under both the Matchless and AJS brands, many were nearly identical in design and features.
In the early 1940s, Matchless made a rare leap forward by introducing Teledraulic forks, the first telescopic design featuring oil damping. These forks would soon become the standard across the motorcycle industry.
During World War II, Matchless supplied thousands of 350-cc single-cylinder motorcycles to the British military. In 1952, AMC went on to acquire the Norton motorcycle company.
The 1961 G-12, featured in this article, is a 650-cc vertical twin that went head-to-head with similar Triumph and BSA models of the era, but in terms of sales, it was not victorious.
A larger 750-cc version followed, powered by a Norton vertical-twin engine, but it didn’t perform much better. After AMC's restructuring in 1966, only the Norton name remained in the market, leaving Matchless a forgotten chapter in motorcycle history.
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For additional fascinating motorcycle articles and images, explore:
- Classic Motorcycles
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1961 Matchless G-12 Photo Gallery
The Matchless G-12 was among the final models to carry the prestigious Matchless name.The 1961 Matchless G-12 closely resembled the AJS Model 31, and there's a clear reason for this: Matchless and AJS were actually the same company.
The headlamp casing housed the speedometer, ammeter, light switch, and ignition switch.
The 'winged M' symbol was the hallmark of the Matchless brand. On the AJS versions of this bike, known as the Model 31, the 'AJS' emblem replaced the 'M.'
This is the G-12's 650-cc vertical twin engine. Later variants were equipped with a 750-cc vertical twin engine.For more fascinating motorcycle articles and images, take a look at:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Operate
- Other Vintage Motorcycles
