Matchless Motorcycles Model 7 1912
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| Manufacturer | Matchless Plumstead London |
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| Also called | Two Speed 8hp |
| Production | 1912 |
| Engine | 770cc JAP V-twin side valve four stroke |
| Transmission | direct belt drive with three speed hub gear |
The Matchless Model 7 is a British 'touring' motorcycle designed and made by Harry and Charlie Collier.
Based on the proven 85mm x 85mm JAP V-twin engine, the Model 7 had a two-speed transmission with a hub gear and an epicyclic gear for the low ratio, with a friction band clutch operated by a hand lever at the side of the fuel tank. Problems with unreliable belt drive were addressed by having two belts side by side, so when the first broke, the second would still work. The 770cc engine was started like a moped with pedals, and a small lever on the end of the silencer could be used to eject smoke and sparks. The paintwork was all done by hand in page grey with a forest-green panelled tank lined in gold pinstriping.
Matchless also produced a three-speed model that had a variable pulley and a moveable rear wheel, similar to the Zenith Gradua. Production was limited however, and after 1912 they concentrated on making their own engines until the First World War stopped production.
The first Matchless motorcycle was made by the Collier brothers in 1899. Manx TT results were very good between 1907 and 1912 for Charlie and Harry Collier and this gave a boost to the popularity of the make.
In the 1912 line-up four machines were fitted with JAP single cylinder power sources, but the 1913 catalogue announced only V-twins: “we are convinced that the twin-cylinder engine is far superior to the single-cylinder engine of the same power, and are discontinuing the manufacture of machines fitted with the latter” it was stated.
The lightest model for 1913 was a 3 ½ HP meant for solo work, the 7 HP and 8 HP machines were designed to be used with a sidecar alongside. For the real sportsman there was the coveted ” TT Twin Cylinder” that had an OHV engine.
As to transmission and gearing the company offered several choices: direct belt drive ( fixed or with Matchless Gradua Gear, a Zenith licence) , 2 speed VS lookalike rear hub with free engine or countershaft gears with chain drive to the rear wheel.
This last construction was used on the new Model 8 and entailed two driving chains to the rear wheel: on the left side the high speed drive chain, on the right side the drive for when the low gear is required.
Our 1913 model 7 bristles with interesting features; note the enclosed-spring front suspension and the robust Matchless-JAP V-twin with dual belt drive to the rear wheel, a unique design feature to prevent belt breakage due to the torque of the big twin ( or so stated the company).
The huge lever on the nearside of the tank controls the two-speed hub gear in the rear wheel. Inside the hub is an internal expanding brake with bronze brake shoes. This Matchless is an outstanding example of veteran motorcycle technology; the machine is a concourse restoration.
Accessories include Lucas front and rear lights, Miller acetylene generator, Desmo bulb horn and Jones speedometer. Regarding the machine’s history it’s worth mentioning that from the 1950s till the late 1990s this Mighty Matchless belonged to British watchmaker George Daniels (19 August 1926 – 21 October 2011). Daniels was a British horologist who was considered to be the best in the world during his lifetime. He was one of the few modern watchmakers who built complete watches by hand (including the case and dial). But it was his creation of the coaxial escapement for which he will be most remembered. The movement, which removed the need to add a lubricant, has been used by Omega in their highest-grade watches since 1999.