Motorcycle specifications MatchlessG80 1988

At the end of the 80s, Etablissements Corbeau (Paris XVIII°) imported a veritable time machine to France: the Matchless G80. This legendary model was handcrafted by Lee Harris, a man who loved the brand and was determined to revive the Matchless models that had disappeared some twenty years earlier.

at a time when supersports were already in vogue, with high-powered engines, ultra-standard brakes and integrated fairings, the Matchless was the perfect choice.at a time when the fashion was already for supersports, high-powered engines, high-standard brakes and full fairings, the Matchless offered a real return to basics, emphasizing its simplicity and stripped-down design.

this bike was aimed at nostalgic British motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted to rediscover the "real" values of two-wheeled motorcycles, but also at those looking for something different and original.

the G80, though modest in features, has a real personality. The basic model is equipped with a Rotax 500cc kick-start engine (a deluxe version features an electric starter and a second front brake disc). This Matchless makes do with the bare essentials: an engine, a frame, a pair of wheels, ready to take you to the ends of the earth, or almost.

the bike is light and agile. At 163 kg fully loaded, with a relatively low seat height (787 mm) and large handlebars, this British bike is easy to ride. The upright riding position is conducive to quiet, torquey riding. In any case, the engine, though of modern design (super-square dimensions, 4-valve cylinder head, electronic ignition...), is rather timid, although capable of reaching 160 km/h when well launched.

in any case, performance takes a back seat to the pleasure the G80 gives its rider. Here, it's all about sensations, vibrations and touches of chrome. The beast lives and you can feel it. And even if it had some weaknesses in terms of finish and equipment, it revived the British motorcycle while awaiting Triumph's return at the end of '92.

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