1965 Norton Norton-Matchless

Description

Matchless G80CS engine in a Norton “slimline” featherbed frame, a classic British “big single” 500 cc
roadster for spirited touring on two lane roads. Professionally built by Frame Crafters of Union Illinois.
Engine is late production short stroke with Norton oil pump and big port head, a fresh Ad Coppens
rebuild. Features 34 mm Amal MK II concentric carburetor and electronic B-TH CDI auto advance
magneto, type “KD-1 TT.” Freshly serviced by Ed Zender of Morrie’s Place to correct faulty exhaust valve
guide and fully check out operation. The original Lucas NC-1 manual advance magneto goes with the
bike but is weak and in need of full service before it can be used.
Alloy fork yokes from NYC Norton and “Roadholder” forks comprised of featherbed stanchions and
Commando sliders to accommodate disc brake. Cossentino Showa cartridge damper internals with
adjustable rebound and compression damping. Hagon rear suspension units. Bronze bushing upgrade to
swing arm eliminates aged “metalastic” bushings which are troublesome to service.
Gearbox is standard ratio AMC Matchless, fully rebuilt by Morrie’s Place. Engine plates are drilled for
both Matchless gearbox housing as well as Norton gearbox housing should it ever be desired to fit a
Norton box as only the cases differ between the two.
Primary is Norton Atlas so as to put the crankshaft centerline where Norton fitted their singles into
slimline frames. Foot rests are standard Norton Atlas parts allowing for more upright seating.
Wheel rims fore and aft are Takasago “Excel” and fitted with OUTEX tubeless conversions. 19” Avon
Roadrider in front, and 18” Roadrider rear. KTM cush drive rear hub, Honda XR400R hub front, Brembo
disc brakes fore and aft. 40 tooth rear sprocket to keep down revs on the highway. “O” ring chain.
12V Lucas alternator, small AGM battery, pattern Lucas tail lamp, Lucas MCH 61 headlamp with
electronic Smiths “revelator” speedo fitted. Provision for turn signals, however, never got fitted.
Alloy petrol and oil tanks from Norton Race Parts, UK. Alloy mudguards, handle bars, headlamp brackets,
engine plates, control levers, disc brake brackets, rear brake lever. Fiberglass saddle. New gaskets come with bike.
Exhaust is from G80S model and “massaged” to fit the Norton frame. Springs have been added at the
cylinder head to ensure leak free fit which does not rely solely on a single bolt along the pipe. Pattern
short Burgess silencer.
Notarized bill of sale for the engine on business letter head. Notarized bill of sale for frame from private
owner. Invoices for parts and for the build from Frame Crafters.
Some resources for viewing the bike:
Face Book
https://www.facebook.com/framecraftersmotorcycles/videos/matchless-featherbed-g80-project-up-
and-running/1796640860383535/
https://www.facebook.com/framecraftersmotorcycles/videos/matchless-atlas/1679688498745439/
NRP UK
http://www.nortonraceparts.com/news--gallery.html
The Matchless is about 10 th on the list, so some scrolling to get to it.
Why sell? To fund another project of course.