G3L

[Merlin]

as a new member to jampot(ex boy B.S.A.man)
G3lL G3LS what is the differance???

[33d6]

Hi Stuart,
it's simple enough when you know Matchless history. First there was the G3 which was a pre-war 350 ohv model. The army didn't like it too much saying amongst other things that it was too heavy. (This from people who found the BSA M20 acceptable). Matchless responded in 1941 by producing the G3L (L for LIGHT) which had tele forks and was some 60lb lighter than the previous G3. This was the superbike of the British forces, a little sweetie. After the the war in 1949 Matchless produced their first swing arm rear suspension model and added an S for SPRUNG to the model number hence G3LS. The factory retained the S for Sprung and no S for unsprung (rigid) as an identifier in their engine numbers for many years if not to the end of production but as rigid frames were eventually phased out in the 1950's it became a bit redundant and could be interpreted a S for Sport in many cases. Hope this helps, BOB

[Merlin]

many thanks Bob

[Asim Khan.]

I have G3L, Engine # A-57958 and frame # 64627 is there anyway of being sure it is 1941 model