The British brand Matchless is back in business and released a couple of sketches of the new model to be unveiled at the EICMA Milan show, November 6 to 9. Matchless is one of the oldest brands of British motorcycles, manufactured near London between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success. A Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.
The Matchless Model X will feature an oil in frame, is equipped with dual foot controls (forward and rear sets) for two completely different riding positions, cruising and sport riding. Seat can be set at different heights, from 29.1 to 31.5” and bars tilt can be adjusted to fit the rider size and riding position. Front brake is a 12-piston single-disc system, rear a 6-piston unit.
Italian businessman Franco Malenotti and his son Michele have bought the rights to the Matchless name, and after reviving the Belstaff apparel, decided to start fabricating the new Matchless Model X Reloaded with a design directly inspired by the legendary “Model X” originally produced over 80 years ago. Malenotti is a renowned designer in the motorcycle industry, having previously collaborated with manufacturers such as Honda, Morini, Ducati, Bimota, KTM, Aprilia, drawing historical models such as the 1000 Laverda Jota, the 1000 Laverda RGS, Morini 500 turbo amongst many others. He is also the designer of accessories and clothing for Shoei, Oakley, JT Racing, Millet, Lewis Leather, Dainese and finally Belstaff where he was creative director from the early 90s until 2011.
Pictures, complete tech sheet and price to be released on November 6.
If they made it any uglier they’d have to rename it the ” South End of a North Bound Mule ” Model X
That almost makes the new Indian Scout look good. Almost…
goofy as hell looking but at least its different and no beak. Engine is interesting at first glance…
I’m sorta with Sheridan on this one.
I’d rather have a real Matchless antique bike
Nope…
A modern British V-twin? God save the Queen! 😉
Just what the market needs, another re-do. I’m going to wait for the new and improved Sears Allstate..
Hopefully Ford wont sue them because of the name Model X. Since Tesla wanted to name their next car Model X
Unfortunately, for design, British are not Italian.
It’s hard to tell someone their new baby is butt ugly, but for their own good you gotta. Just because something is retro does’nt always mean that it’s cool or looks good. Some design themes of the past need to stay dead in the past.
Damn, I’ve always loved the style and sound of the late 60’s Matchless/Norton bikes. It’s too bad the designer’s didn’t keep the theme going much like Triumph did with their Bonneville/Thruxton bikes. It looks like someone got stoned before they designed these bikes.
Tom Ryan , I think they got stoned after they saw what they designed. I agree with you about the old Matchless/Nortons but this aint them.
I rode a Norton Commando for years back in the day and loved it (when it didn’t break about once a year). But as I look at the design of Brit bikes these days, including Triumphs, I have to say that Brit bike design is much like British food, I’ll pass!
A while ago I was browsing the web for all things MotorCycles ( No porn) ( honest )
Whilst doing so I staggered across the http://www.matchlesslondon.com/ which manufacturers Chic MotorCycle kit for the rub’s and street Wannabee’s
This may well be the first true Clothing company with MotorCycles as accessories ??? .
Matchless did have V twins ways aback but they were more well known for Singles and Vertical Twins latter on. This is another S&S Wedge powered MotorCycle so it will go well and be reliable.
It almost looks like an old Matchy if you ingest enough mind altering chemicals, it also reminds me a little of the Hamelin Brothers Excelsior…………….bad trip…
B.D. Howard, check out the latest Norton MotorCycles. For me personally they are one of the most beautiful MC’s ever made period.
All personal taste mind you…………………………
this looks more american than british. you only have one chance at re-launching an old brand, so you better get it right the first time. i think the new owners missed a once in a lifetime chance to use the brand’s rich heritage to inspire something new.
to me this looks like a cross between confederate and occ. and is about as un-british as you can get.
to me, matchless is about cafe racers and ton-up culture, not american choppers.
too bad.
Oh dear, as an English guy I should like it… but its ugly and its the same price as the all NEW Ariel thats being made just up the road from me in Crewkerne
Its trying to look like a Brough and its too long, perhaps if they had used a Sportster gearbox to go with the S&S engine it would be a bit shorter??
I’ll take the 1946 off road Matchless I saw on Tuesdays Poole Quay Bike Night instead……
I guess I’m in the minority. I like it. Twelve piston front brake. In frame oil tank. Adjustable seat height. Yep. All sounds pretty good and I bet the bike does too.
It could use a second set of foot pegs around mid-frame but other than that; very nice design IMHO.
I’m with you Sheridan.
It looks actually quite good, but the whole thing, with the reintroduction of an old brand, reminds me strongly of Horex who have recently declared bankrupt…
That looks like dog s–t!
I can see the line of clothing now with, “Matchless since 1899.” in big letters.
They weren’t going for the post-war parallel twin, but the 1920s V-Twin with a bit of the old Silver Arrow thrown in. I rather like it.
Well done…I like it
It has that British look. Good for them.
This is one good looking bike
Not my style & out of my pocket range
but give credit where credit is due …
Nice Job !!!!
X-Wedge engine with two front heads?
Don’t know who in the UK would come up with a design that looks like everything American, why don’t you design a bike for the British market instead of the American market.