Matchless G15 1965

[Swanage2026]

Hi can anybody help I am going to Restore a matchless G15 for a friend not sure of what model it is it in poor condition I s been standing 40 years I will post engine and frame number to help identify the bike then try and get a logbook for it as it has been lost over the years frame number 112606 and engine 85692 - 122R thanks paul

 

[franko]

MATCHLESS G15/45
Mike’s award winning
book which he wrote to
set the record straight
regarding the history and
development of this
unfairly maligned 750cc
limited production twin.
Can be dedicated if
requested.
89-4509
$9.50 (Reg $12.

On page 15 of this flyer: https://www.walridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Walridge-Annual-Sale-Flyer-2025.pdf

I have it ordered along with parts for my 66 G15.

 

[Northern Norton Nut]

G15, N15 same bike diferent tank badges. Go to the NOC website, click on HISTORY, scroll down to HYBRIDS. Mark

 

[mdt-son]

MATCHLESS G15/45

OP's bike doesn't appear to be a G15/45. Frame number 112606 falls into the category "G15CS" or "N15CS", built in October 1965. First bike in this batch was S/N 111926 . However, the engine doesn't match the usual numbering scheme. Looks like someone stamped a previous frame number (85692) and their code (122R) into the casing. Yes, the engine could be a G15/45. A G15/45 engine (which is essentially a G12 engine) doesn't fit straight into a G15 frame. OP needs to post a picture of the engine and the stamping.

- Knut

 

[APRRSV]

OP's bike doesn't appear to be a G15/45. Frame number 112606 falls into the category "G15CS" or "N15CS", built in October 1965. First bike in this batch was S/N 111926 . However, the engine doesn't match the usual numbering scheme. Looks like someone stamped a previous frame number (85692) and their code (122R) into the casing. Yes, the engine could be a G15/45. A G15/45 engine (which is essentially a G12 engine) doesn't fit straight into a G15 frame. OP needs to post a picture of the engine and the stamping.

- Knut

Hi Knut,
Do you know of any major differences, other than cosmetics-tank style, side covers, fenders etc, between the G15/45 and the G15CS and CSR?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[mdt-son]

Hi Knut,
Do you know of any major differences, other than cosmetics-tank style, side covers, fenders etc, between the G15/45 and the G15CS and CSR?

Hi Ed, apart from the engine, you mean? G15/45 is an enlarged G12 engine, while the later G15's are all based on the Atlas engine, as you will know.
Primary drive and chain case differs. Gearbox ratios may differ.

In the cycle department, the frame diamond differs, as the G15/45 used a G12 frame. Front lugs are positioned differently to the later G15. G15/45 used Teledraulic forks, so the headstock is different (set up for cup and cone bearings). Rake is probably different too.
Later G15's used taylored Roadholder forks.
Front wheel is different ((initially, AMC fitted the 1960 type 7" hub , then on the last batch they fitted the uprated 1963 intermediate hub, still 7" but wider brake shoes).
Rear wheel and swinging arm is different (initially, AMC fitted the 1960 type QD wheel, then on the last batch they fitted the 1963 intermediate QD hub).
The later G15 had a slightly revised Norton hub.
Subframe differs between early and late batches of G15/45. For 1963 the G15/45 received a subframe giving slanted shocks. None of the subframes equal those fitted to the later G15 models, as far as I know.

Most other cycle parts differed (apart from 1963 model fuel and oil tanks). in 1964, AMC introduced 12V electrics for all heavy twins and I believe they were the first factory to do so.

- Knut