[notNicky888]

I just picked up an '88 G80 Harris Matchless (500cc Rotax single). Anybody here have any info on them? I get next to nothing online. The bike belonged to a friend who rode it to Mexico and back in 1994. Its been passed around amongst a bunch of my street riding buddies and now its mine. It was listed on Craigslist and he got 75 calls but I was second. The first guy didn't show up-probably sobered up.
Larry

 

[magnetoczar]

Well, obviously they were a repop on the fine Matchless name, but actually a decent one. Rotax engines are quite robust and still used extensively in dirt track. However, the bike never caught on and they were sold at a substantial discount. If you didn't overpay for it, you probably did well in buying a reliable attractive machine that may begin to appreciate at this point. Feel good.

Dgy

 

[texmawby]

and post pictures please!

texy

 

[blownR6]

I rebuilt one of those back in 2001. It had been sitting for quite a while and the sleeve was extremely pitted. I got a sleeve from L.A. sleeve, and a new piston from Ron Woods http://www.rotax.net/ along with valve seals, gaskets, etc.

That was a way cool bike. I bet most parts would be easy to get since it used a lot of aftermarket parts, such as the front end and the brakes. I also rebuilt the calipers on that bike, they were Brembo so the seals were common.

cool bike!

 

[notNicky888]

quote:
and post pictures please!

texy

Pics coming monday.
Larry

 

[Helmetbolt]

Here's a pic.

More info here.

http://217.157.196.176:8181/ajs/harrisg80/

Road test here.

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/match03092400.html

 

[magnetoczar]

Ummm, you're making me want one.

Dgy

 

[jbranson]

Talk about a bike that's crying out to be Cafe....that would be beautiful. Already beautiful of course.
JohnnyB

 

[magnetoczar]

Yeah, I'd stick a G50 RR seat on it, Coy's got em', and smaller bars. Those Rotax engines can REALYY be modified to haul ass, that's the same basic engine the AMA riders used for years on the flat track circuit except they were 600's. Hmmm....

Dgy

 

[notNicky888]

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s243/notNicky888/MatchlessG80_1.jpg
Thats a link to an image of my actual bike. As we get into it I find the switchgear has been replaced with Yamaha stuff, I don't think the rear fender is original, needs tires, wiring looks messed with, etc. etc. Its at the Motorcycle shop in Freeport now just ordered a new carb today and LouieQ is tending to its mechanicals. Should be on the road soon and then we think about making it pretty

Larry

 

[Ned]

I am doing renovations on a Harris Matchless G80. I am looking for wheel spokes, Bosch starter solenoid and green button starter set. Can anyone help?

 

[aaron]

Hey Larry, Was that Wilhelms?

 

[champ]

any thing with a rotax engine is awesome!!!