Matchless The Story : Model X Reloaded | Dandy Fellow

Official Stockist of Matchless Leather Jackets : Read the Story at Dandy Fellow Henry Collier was a designer, entrepreneur and winning rider. Together with his sons, Charlie and Harry, in 1899 he founded Matchless Motorcycles, which went on to become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in England. In 1907 Charlie Collier rode a Matchless to victory in the first ever Tourist Trophy, the legendary motorcycle race that still takes place on the Isle of Man, his brother Harry then went on to lift the trophy again in 1909 and once more in 1910. With the rise of motorcycling, bolstered by great commercial success, Matchless acquired other major brands such as: AJS, Sunbeam, Indian and Norton, to form the 1938 brand AMC (Associated Motorcycles Company), which then went on to become the leader in the global motorcycle market. In the late 20’s Matchless was at the forefront of post-war technology, in particular in relation to the famous "Model X", launched in 1929 with a pioneering V-twin 990 cc engine. Consequentially, Matchless developed a V-engine with overhead valves, which was considered the most innovative engine of that period and was the engine of choice in prestigious models by both Brough Superior and Morgan. During the Second World War, the Matchless G3L was adopted by the Allied Forces which lead to over 80,000 units being produced. After World War II Matchless became the undisputed leader in single-cylinder engines. The G3 and various versions of the G80 reached huge commercial success, while the ‘G50 Racing’ became the more competitive bike for private racers and brought many successes with legendary riders such as Mike Hailwood, Jack Findlay, Peter Williams, Phil Read, Sammy Miller and many others. The parallel twin cylinders, used in both Matchless and Norton models, is another innovative piece of craftsmanship which was developed and produced in the famous factory located in Plumstead Road, London. The Collier brothers were visionary entrepreneurs. In fact, Matchless was the first manufacturer to take care of rider’s safety, creating a department to design protective clothing for motorcyclists, which was then tested by the best riders of that era. From the ‘20s to ‘40s Matchless developed great expertise in leather, especially for top riders to wear in races. Even in the postwar period, the company developed off-road clothing brought in and tested by the great Malcolm Smith, a true icon in endurance and motocross. There are various Matchless advertising pages from the 40s, which ahead of their time, emphasised the combination of motorcycling and elegance. Famous pilots of all specialties, as well as every day motorcycle enthusiasts in fact, chose Matchless for the innovative combination of design, performance, safety and elegance.

The Collier brothers were farsighted and were the first to create a lifestyle around the idea of motorcycle.

In 2012, Matchless was purchased by the Malenotti family and is currently in the wake of a great revival, intended to bring the legend of Matchless back to the forefront and reveal it to the new generation. Today, after only two years, Matchless is a brand not only for enthusiasts of the myths of the past but also for future generations. The clothing line “Matchless London”, managed by Michele Malenotti, is currently stocked in a number of globally prestigious stores and represents the epitome of “luxury-urban lifestyle", faithfully continuing the work begun by the Collier brothers in the 30s. Worn in the past by iconic figures such as Marlon Brando and James Dean, today Matchless dresses stars such as Bradley Cooper, Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, David Gandy, Antonio Banderas and Scarlett Johansson. Matchless recently became the jackets of choice for great Hollywood productions including "24 - Live Another Day", "Mortdecai" and upcoming epics “Life", "Avengers 2", "Terminator5"," The Expendables III” and "Batman vs Superman“. At the much anticipated 100th annual 2014 EICMA Cycle and Motorcycle exhibition in Milan, Matchless will simultaneously celebrate its 115th anniversary by presenting the "Model X Reloaded," a design inspired by the legendary "Model X" originally produced over 80 years ago. The bike was designed by Franco Malenotti in conjunction with the Matchless design team, a process closely overlooked by the Collier family to maintain and respect the spirit and tradition of Matchless. Entrepreneur and designer, Franco Malenotti has a renowned reputation in the motorcycle industry, having previously collaborated with manufacturers such as Honda, Morini, Ducati, Bimota, KTM, Aprilia, working with historical models such as the 1000 Laverda Jota, the 1000 Laverda RGS and the Morini 500. He has also designed various accessories and clothing, collaborating with Shoei, Oakley, JT Racing, Millet, Lewis Leather, Dainese and finally Belstaff where he was creative director from the early 90s until 2011. He personally built a collection of over 100 motorcycles, representing the most important events in bike history. The collection was sold entirely to the museum Aprilia. Today, he is in charge of the Matchless style. Mr. Nick Kelleher, great grandson of Harry Collier, said, "Mr. Malenotti together with the new Matchless team have been able to capture the true essence of Matchless in the production of the new bike through their mix of tradition, technology and elegance that was fundamental to the success of the "Model X" back in 1929. My family is proud to see that the legend of Matchless is now being relived and shared with new generations."

MODEL X RELOADED

For the design of the "Model X Reloaded” a careful study of the characteristics and stylistic features which defined the production of historical Matchless motorcycles was carried out. Design, technology, materials processing, position of the logo on the bike, special color of chromium elements: each one of them has been analyzed with special attention. “Model X Reloaded” represents the actual faithful interpretation of the Matchless lifestyle. Great attention has been paid to technology and innovation. The work carried out has generated 12 patents. The “Castle” type front suspension is completely new yet up to date and adjustable, inspired by the 1930’s models. The spoiler, in addition to increasing the torsional characteristics of the fork, has a remarkable aerodynamic effect in keeping the front wheel adherent to the ground. This effect is automatically cancelled at the time of braking. The frame is characterized by a “lamellar” construction, to obtain strength and flexibility, as indicated by the most recent dictates adopted by the actual best performing racing bikes. An extraordinary control system in the driving position allows raising of the handlebars over 25cm, whilst lowering of the saddle up to 6 cm and adjusting the footrests and commands. With these characteristics the "Model X” adapts and can be carried out both in athletic and in tourism stance. The braking system is similarly innovative and exclusive, based on a front caliper operating by 12 pistons with forced air-cooling and a rear caliper by 6 pistons. Two rear shock absorbers and working in traction reduce torsional stresses on the frame. The engine uses an exclusive Matchless design, which has been established and tested. It is a 56.25° V twin 1916 cc fuel injection, with separate gearbox. To improve the engine cooling and the driver comfort, both exhaust pipes are front oriented, and a fan has been installed beside the rear cylinder, automatic operating when the temperature become too high. The front headlights are adjustable to facilitate the visual in the toughest conditions. Careful study has been placed on aerodynamics, especially on the handlebar controls, rear-view mirrors and the lights direction, whilst great care has been dedicated to horsepower allocation, vibrations “quality” and final noise to obtain the maximum driving pleasure. The fishtail mufflers emit a distinctive sound, which has not been heard for a long time. Handlebar vibrations make the rider feel that there is a big beating heart. The throttle response is smooth and immediate, maximum torque and power are made at low speed and therefore, immediately usable . The bike is “human sized” and the 16” wheels ensure easy and secure handling in all situations: an ideal riding condition, permitted by the strength and flexibility of the frame and an ideal suspension “system”. The "Model X Reloaded" fits perfectly within both the Matchless project and vision - combining technical innovation, elegance and design with century-old English tradition and history. "Matchless Model X": will it become a reality?

“Human Scale”

MODEL X RELOADED The five concepts that inspired the design

As a global exclusive, the Model X Reloaded features a “total” system for adjusting the driving position. The handlebar can be easily raised by approximately 25cm and its inclination varied forwards and backwards, upwards and downwards. The seat can slide down to 6cm and the foot rests are able to rotate approximately 40 °. In addition, the combined operation of the foot controls allow you to choose between sporty driving and tour guide depending on the needs of the pilot. “Please do not power” Great attention was reserved for the pleasure of driving sensations related to the transmitting means: the choice of a larger displacement engine with V-shaped arrangement is purpose built to ensure, low-frequency vibrations, a prompt and immediate response with a maximum power at low spin and that it sounds very pleasant. The wheels 16, combined with the double damper, with the fork-type “Castle”, with the frame of the “lamellar” type, and with the brakes, multiple pistons, a handding allow easy, smooth and absolutely safe.” Pleasure” and “power” means, enjoy the sensations of driving without a search maddening performance. “Simple innovation” The 12 innovations of the Model X are simple to understand and easy to use. No unnecessary use of technology, but innovative ideas that meet real needs. “Perfect craftsmanship” The bike has been built and processed in accordance with the principles and methods of traditional British craftsmanship. The processing of metals, finishes and colours have been the subject of careful study to meet the standards and style of the brand and of the historical tradition of the House. “Out of time” The design of the Model X does not follow trends but instead principles that inspired the great designers of motorcycle history. The tradition of design and manufacturing combined with many innovations contribute to making the Model X a precious, charming and timeless.

MODEL X RELOADED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SINCE 1899 - LONDON, ENGLAND

MATCHLESS LONDON

1930 1937

1931 1939

1932

The Matchless Model X was a motorcycle manufactured between 1929 and 1940. Developed for V-twin enthusiasts with a specially reinforced rear frame for heavy-duty sidecar work. There were yearly modifications and in 1937 the Model X was completely redesigned as a fast touring motorcycle, having been upgraded and rebranded as the ‘Sports Tourist’, with a shorter wheelbase frame which improved road holding and steering. The newspaper The Motor Cycle road tested the Model X in May 1937 and noted that the steering was light, but even when cruising at over 60 mph it did "not become so light as to necessitate-use of the damper." Performance of the 60 cubic inch (990 cc) engine was described as "delightful" and although not a sportster, it was capable of 80 mph (130 km/h) and could reach 70 mph (110 km/h) from a standing start in a quarter of a mile, a feat which at the time was outstanding. The Model X was considered the motorcycle with the best balance between performance, comfort and driving pleasure. Production of the Model X ended with the outbreak of World War II. From the late’30s, Matchless started to produce an engine with overhead valves: the most performing twin- cylinder of that period, mounted in series not only by Matchless, but also by other renowned companies, such as Brough Superior and Morgan. The Model X is still considered an icon today and the few pieces still available on the market are sold for very high sums.