This series of articles and guides focuses on the ignition system of classic motorbikes, and in particular to perhaps the most important ignition component of all, the humble spark plug. As in other sections of this website, these articles were written primarily with respect to Matchless motorcycles (especially my own 1951 G3LS model), but much …
Introduction to KLG spark plugs A KLG spark plug was once the standard fitment to many classic motorcycles, including both of my two Matchless G3’s. However it is not a make you really hear too much of these days with NGK and Champion dominating the market. KLG plugs are still available from some specialist sources …
Spark plug frequently asked questions The humble spark plug: not exactly one of the most complicated parts of an engine is it? So why then is there so much confusion and misunderstandings about this simple component? I guess it’s probably because one spark plug looks pretty much like another and being hidden inside the engine, …
Back when I was living in India, it proved impossible to source the proper spark plugs (e.g. a simple NGK B7ES) for my Matchless. The spark plug the mechanic recommended and had installed in my G3Ls was a Bosch type designed for Royal Enfield Bullets. The bike seemed to run ok on this, albeit a …
Introduction to spark plugs The heat range (or temperature) is one of the most commonly misunderstood things about spark plugs. It is however fairly straightforward once you have forgotten a few common myths and are aware of the contradictory numbering system used by various manufacturers. So let me try and explain… Firstly, lets get rid …
Introduction to spark plugs for classic motorbikes The humble spark plug is obviously quite an essential part of any Matchless engine and is the one component that usually even the most non-mechanically minded will happily fiddle with. Spark plugs have changed somewhat in the decades since these old bikes were built and the brands and …
A couple of updates on the Matchless Clueless website for you this month! The first of these is a guide to the modern equivalents for the original range of KLG spark plugs that were fitted to many classic motorcycles. The ‘Which spark plug?’ article has long since been one of the most popular pages on …
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A selection of mechanical ‘how to’ guides Welcome to my mechanical ‘how to’ guide section of this website. I’ve put these guides together following various jobs that I’ve needed to do on my own 1951 Matchless G3LS over the past couple of years. These articles are based upon what I’ve been able to pick up …
Quite a few people have contacted me now asking where I purchased parts for my old Matchless motorbike when I was living back in India. This is certainly not easy, especially for a foreigner like myself with a limited knowledge of the local language! But there are so many old bike still on the roads …