News – Matchless and SWM, two motorcycle brands returning to EICMA – Secondhand SWM

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Matchless and SWM, two motorcycle brands returning to EICMA

News - Matchless and SWM, two motorcycle brands returning to EICMA - Secondhand SWM

MNC attended in Milan the official return of two famous brands in the motorcycle world: Matchless and SWM Motorcycles. Two revivals at the peak of a 2014 edition of EICMA placed under the sign of technology and sportiness, with in particular the Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha Superbikes of 200 hp and the proto…

MNC attended in Milan the official return of two famous brands in the motorcycle world: Matchless and SWM Motorcycles. Two revivals in the climax of one placed under the sign of technology and sportiness, with in particular the Superbike,,, and 200 hp and the  !

Matchless Model X Reloaded

Founded in 1899 by Henri Collier, a former pilot and inspired entrepreneur, the Matchless brand claims the status of "the oldest British motorcycle manufacturer" and celebrates its return to Milan with the Matrix Model X Reloaded, designed as a tribute to the original Model X produced between 1929 and 1940.

Very impressive with its enormous S&S air-cooled V-twin of 1916 cc (!) Under which two shock absorbers take place, its Castle fork with partly visible springs and especially its front brake disc clamped by a 12 piston caliper (!!) , the Model X Reloaded would be "entirely assembled by hand", assures the manufacturer.

In addition to its incredible braking system developed in collaboration with Discacciati (the rear is not to be outdone, with a 6 piston caliper), this exclusive motorcycle with classic lines introduces an interesting notion of modularity: its suspended saddle is adjustable from 740 to 800 mm and the position of the handlebars and footrests can be adjusted in height and length.

Noble materials are in the spotlight with full grain leather, aluminum cut in the mass, Borani rims and long chrome silencers with "old-fashioned" tailpipes, in the form of fins. Also note the double optics convertible into a single headlight and the magnificent intake vents, the one on the left facing forward and the one on the right facing the rear, located below the rear cylinder of the engine, the performance of which is not communicated.

In view of the usual performance of S&S twins, MNC expects around a hundred horses and between 130 and 150 Nm reached fairly early.

Announced for the course of the year 2015, this motorcycle attracts many visitors to the stand, in particular bikers sensitive to the rich historical heritage of the brand. Like for example the victory of Charles Collier, brother of the founder of the brand, during the very first edition of the Tourist Trophy in 1907 on a Matchless ! 

Piloted among others by stars like James Dean or Marlon Brando, the Matchless enjoyed a solid notoriety thanks to their performances and their reliability, which earned them in particular to be ridden by the armed forces during the Second World War. A profitable association for the manufacturer, since no less than "80,000" G3 and G3L "special Army" would have been produced during the "Wartime" !

Sleeping since the end of the 60s, Matchless had started its comeback in 2013 with a rather darling, of which the model Kate Moss is the ambassador.

SWM Motorcycles 

Famous for its off-road motorcycles in the 70s / 80s (world trial title with Gilles Burgat in 1981), Speedy Working Motors (SWM) is reborn from its ashes – cold since 1984 – under the leadership of Ampelio Macchi, former engineer at Aprilia, Cagiva and Husqvarna, in particular. 

Thanks to the funds injected by the partner (a major Chinese manufacturer with a range from 50 to 400 cc), the Lombard brand is attempting a return to business through several models, including the splendid Gran Milano 440 opposite.

This well-designed cafe racer is powered by an injected and air-cooled single cylinder whose base comes from a 400 cc Husqvarna, reworked and bored to 440 cc by SWM.

At home, the brand announced a range comprising no less than seven models, including off-road motorcycles, a supermoto and several classic versions inspired by the Gran Milano 440.. 

Each of these novelties will receive the same single cylinder, but the displacement will vary between 300 to 650 cc. SWM has let it be known that a 125cc engine is in the pipeline, as well as motocross and enduro bikes. 

Vertemati takes on the road bike…

At the bend of the aisles of the Milan motorcycle show, MNC was also able to discover new road bikes signed Vertemati, a small Italian manufacturer until now specializing in off-roading which exhibits three "hand-sewn" models at EICMA roadster, sports and supermoto type. 

These NVRs, RVRs and MVRs stand out for their minimalist lines and luxurious peripherals (carbon rims, fully adjustable Marzocchi and Bitubo suspensions, hand-made swingarm and reservoir, Brembo "Gold" series brakes), so many features that allow them announce a dry weight of 145 kg !

The engine is a water-cooled 90 ° V-twin, using extensively Ergal 7075 (a strong, lightweight aluminum alloy), especially in the heads and cylinders. The displacement of this injected engine equipped with a 6-speed cassette box can vary from 1000 to 1200 cc, according to the wishes … and the means, since the price of these exceptional motorcycles is expected to be extremely high. !

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