My first Matchless - where do I start?

[MalcW]

Johnny B's reference to 'on the road' tools is a useful point:

Get a tool bag with a selection of tools.
When doing work on the bike, use what's in the bag.
If you need something extra, add it to the bag.
Buy a bigger bag...

Malc

[dave16mct]

Nice bike Alan. Yes it's a late 51 with Burman B52 gearbox.
Dave

[g80csp11]

There are other members in Dorset , they just need encouragement to say hello
Best thing is perhaps a letter to the editor with a picture of your bike , introduce yourself and suggest a location for a get together . a Pub/coffee shop etc.. near you !
Slowly but surely you will find where the locals are

[56G80S]

"If you need something extra, add it to the bag.
Buy a bigger bag..."

This approach led to me setting off for the IJR with enough tools to do almost every dismantling/re-assembly job on the Matchless except replace the crank axles and crankpin. I realised that some jobs, such as the internal gearbox fix I needed to do, can't be done at the roadside without the spare parts, so plan to cut down considerably for the run down to the Kent, Aylesford, Jampot later in the year.

Johnny B

[Colonel Blink]

As others have said, that's a 52 model, presumably registered in 51 (like mine). Looks like you've got a nice standard bike there, in 'very reasonable' cosmetic condition. If you leave it with that patina, I would suggest that costs could be kept to a minimum.
Re the dynamo, look up how to remagnetise ('flashing') it; it woke mine up perfectly having not produced current for more than 40 years!
Having just rebuilt my G80S (with no regard to cosmetics) I can second the advice for the Silverline WW spanner set... they are far better quality than the cost would make you think.

[56G80S]

For some reason I have always fancied a saddle rather than the dual seat but have never done anything about it. I never have a pillion passenger. Your G80S looks good to me, smarter than mine! Those earlier tank badges always look good.

Johnny B

[SPRIDDLER]

Welcome Alan.
All you'll need to know about checking and 'flashing' (repolarising) the dynamo (if it needs it) is here:

https://www.matchlessclueless.com/elect ... as-dynamo/