Matchless WD G3L

[bigduke6]

This is what I,d been looking for before I bought the other, only when I was looking for some spares I seen a classified on ebay so the rest is History, had to sell some things from the toy cupboard but worthwhile, sad to see one of the items go as they are rare but its gone to a good home.....

Information

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[Flying10uk]

Do you know the age, big duke, I'm guessing late war?

[bigduke6]

September 1943, but there is a discrepancy I need to sort on the dating certificate from the Matchless owners club as 2 digits of the frame number are the wrong way round so there is a difference of 4000 bikes, although still part of contract 4555 which was a total of 8000 bikes and this was late 43.

There is a plate on the tool box that has a Chassis Contract number and catalogue No, in some cases these come from different bikes or are original to the box but have been fitted to another bike, in this case everything checks out thanks to Roy on the HMVF (Historic Military Vehicle Forum) who has some very nice vehicles and been a great help.

With the info he provided, I now have the Census number as seen on all or most WD bikes with a C prefix.

Did a temp repair on the oil supply pipe yesterday just to get some oil around the system and to check the pump, I wanted to kick it over to see if the magneto was doing its job as it looked a bit neglected, with a good kick produced a nice spark so a quick clean of the carb and a temp fuel tank rigged up should get a start.

[Buccaneer]

Nice one Geoff, just be careful of the family jewels if you sit on the seat in that condition.....

[bigduke6]

Nice one Geoff, just be careful of the family jewels if you sit on the seat in that condition.....

Thanks Paul, the jewels have had there moment in time...... strange thing regarding the seat/saddle, I asked on the HMVF regarding canvas ones I've seen, seems to have sparked some interest as the Canvas ones were previous thought to be from the Gun layers seat on Heavy Artillery.... but its been said they were covered in rexine too. So I'll hold out regarding the seat, the rear one is an addition I think, it may of replaced an original but its from an earlier bike as it has the central rib to fit over the central rib mudguard. there is a few other bits too but I'm very happy ..... (strange the wife doesn't feel the same) but her phone box is coming along nicely so all is well.

[mrclark303]

Hi Geoff, very cool looking bike mate, I haven't ridden in years, but that just gives me the urge to get some flies in my teeth again!

Well done, how has the addition to the fleet gone down with the boss?

[Doco overboard]

Could you describe the controls on the left handlebar? I'm guessing that they may be the clutch, or throttle lock and choke or spark advance? Is it positive ground? Sorry for the stupid questions but you don't get to see many really cool bikes like that one around my parts anymore just the usual overpriced garish user friendly wanna bee's with sawed off pipes. Between this post and the one with the Red Matchless makes me want to build/ride some more.

[bigduke6]

Hi Geoff, very cool looking bike mate, I haven't ridden in years, but that just gives me the urge to get some flies in my teeth again!

Well done, how has the addition to the fleet gone down with the boss?

Not too bad, her phone box is coming along between the weather and the Garden nearly done, plus it was items in the " toy box what paid for it, (like most here, its a build up from years of buying selling etc) to be honest if the Guy took credit card I would have an Ariel and a lovely looking Indian .......

Could you describe the controls on the left handlebar? I'm guessing that they may be the clutch, or throttle lock and choke or spark advance? Is it positive ground? Sorry for the stupid questions but you don't get to see many really cool bikes like that one around my parts anymore just the usual overpriced garish user friendly wanna bee's with sawed off pipes. Between this post and the one with the Red Matchless makes me want to build/ride some more.

The main lever is the Clutch, the one that sits on top (brass one with what looks like a nut) is the magneto advance and retard lever, the one its own which i guess was someones preference of how they wanted it is the decompression lever, on the right side (which is missing) you would have the same brass type lever which controls the air in take on the carb, bit like a choke.

[Low & Slow]

Nice bike!

[bigduke6]

After cleaning the tank out and then removing the rust with a soak of vinegar a few leaks appeared, brazed them up but one part was like painting the fourth bridge....... so had to revert to a tank sealer, this has held and will do till I can find a replacement.
ordered a few basic bits which arrived and with some tinkering and a bit of jury rigging, resetting the timing, a bit of paper wedged in the throttle to keep it secure on the handle bar, a flush of oil, stop the carb from flooding etc etc....... I got a start and runs like a swiss watch, needs a bit more on the advance and plenty of other things but grin factor was ear to ear...... main concern was the oil return which it eventually started........ probably only seconds but feels like minutes......

A busy winter ahead for shore but just wanted to hear it run....... few tweaks tomorrow, need to sort carb and attach new cable to air valve.

Ordered the paint today so be with me on Monday...... synthetic matt "Service Brown" (BS 499)