New Matchless months away
Design drawings reveal model expected in November
HISTORIC British marque Matchless will return to motorcycle production with the unveiling of a new model this autumn, a source at the firm said today.
EU-registered design drawings show a retro cruiser incorporating futuristic elements, including leading-link front suspension using upside-down forks.
The front brake disc is covered and appears to use multiple calipers. Rearset pegs combine with forward-mounted footboards to give a choice between sporty and more traditional cruiser riding positions.
The V-twin engine is thought to be from US firm S&S Cycles, suggesting it will be 1917cc and make around 100hp and 116lbft.
The design is by Italian Franco Malenotti, who revived Belstaff as a fashion label before buying rights to the Matchless name in 2012.
His son, Michele Malenotti, has said the revived Matchless marque will make bikes in the UK.
So far all we've seen from the reborn Matchless brand is an expensive range of fashion clothes fronted by Kate Moss.
But the first new motorcycle is nearing completion and will debut at the Milan motorcycle show in November. 'The model will be presented at EICMA,' said the source at the company.
Visordown revealed in 2012 that the brand, one of the oldest in British motorcycling, planned to build machines inspired by Matchless classics like the G80, Silver Hawk and Silver Arrow.
