AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Hello. I'm new here and would appreciate any insight into the bike pictured below. It's advertised as a 1960 G85CS and is for sale here in Canada, but I'm not really sure what it actually is and have yet to obtain any identification numbers (the bike is quite far away).

I though G85CS's started in 1964 and had footrests on brackets attached to the lower frame loops.

[img]http://kloc.smugmug.com/photos/476563346_yAiax-L.jpg[/img]

The G85CS oil tank is missing and the carb seems different than
what I've seen on the Interweb:

[img]http://kloc.smugmug.com/photos/476563375_xjXaS-L.jpg[/img]

The tank appears to of a different profile than the pics I've seen as well:

[img]http://kloc.smugmug.com/photos/476563356_oxWTr-L.jpg[/img]

Extra wheels, pipe, and a "2".

[img]http://kloc.smugmug.com/photos/476563367_bKHM3-L.jpg[/img]

Thanks,
Iain

The G85CS was first built in 1965 (maybe late 64) and the first were works bikes. Not a great number were made, and I believe all are accounted for, though I couldn't find a register on the web. By the way, at C$7,000 I would be on my way to collect it. I guess if one came on the market in original condition it would be nearer £10,000.

this is the guy who'll know
http://members.ziggo.nl/fxkuyl/

small things I noticed, the G85CS had a GP carb; I'm sure it had an alloy version of the tin chaincase; definately had a 7R rear hub. and as already said it was not about in 1960, nor was this frame, it looks like a frame I once saw out the back of Plumstead; possibly an early P11 set up.
G85cs also had a plain timing case cover.
Nice bike, but a mongrel I think.Edited by - itma on 19 Feb 2009 2:45:59 PM

PS and of course the glaringly obvious, this one has the AMC oil pump not the Norton one of the G85.
Do some more homework, take it all to the seller, inform him he has a fake bike and offer him half priceEdited by - itma on 19 Feb 2009 2:48:34 PM

In the photos section on page 5 of competition bikes, there is one of a G85CS that looks correct. Cheers, Don.

Thank you gentlemen. I've quite a bit of learning to do about these bikes.

Certainly looks like a P11 (same AMC P11 hubs, steel P11 oil tank) but with G80CS motor installed.
Tim Roberts

quote:
Certainly looks like a P11 (same AMC P11 hubs, steel P11 oil tank) but with G80CS motor installed.
Tim Roberts


P11 chassis.

Judging by the chaincase, a 1957(ish) G80CS motor.

Still good fun if you can get it for a decent price. The advantage of a P11 frame is that it was once road legal and can be registered easily in most jurisdictions.

Cheers,

Rob

That chaincase looks like it is from a 1958-up dyno type twin. I can't see good detail of the head, but up through 1959 the head fins near the spark plug were sectioned with a gap from front to rear. 1960-up had uninteruppted fins in that area.

It's a bitsa bike but desirable if the price is right. Cheers, Don.

I'll have to hitch up the trailer and drive the 1600km to take a look at the bike. The owner is looking for 3900 GPB (5600 USD). Dunno if that's fair or not.

I went to the local library and asked about books on the "older British motorcycles." The older lady librarian responded with a Scottish accent and immediately lit up telling me about her riding in Scotland in the 50's and 60's with her husband.

I told her my mum rode on the back of my fathers C11 in Scotland. Turns out they knew each other and had no idea they now both lived in the same city.

quote:
I'll have to hitch up the trailer and drive the 1600km to take a look at the bike. The owner is looking for 3900 GPB (5600 USD). Dunno if that's fair or not.

I went to the local library and asked about books on the "older British motorcycles." The older lady librarian responded with a Scottish accent and immediately lit up telling me about her riding in Scotland in the 50's and 60's with her husband.

I told her my mum rode on the back of my fathers C11 in Scotland. Turns out they knew each other and had no idea they now both lived in the same city.


The mystical powers of Matchless, getting results where Friends Reunited fail! Hope you get the bike and what a great story, so far....
Regards KK