One thing,the Interceptor is not liquid cooled. It’s air and oil cooled . I’m lucky as I actually own a 1954 G9 and a 2020 interceptor. The matchless is far more comfy and sounds better and despite some comments does not vibrate badly unless revved hard unlike the G12 650. As for reliability I have only had the Enfield a year no probs so far. The matchless was owned from new by a family friend and has been in the family since 1968 and had never been rebuilt and run perfectly . Yes it drips oil but at 67 years old and an engine that’s never been apart no complaints. I love both bikes but could never sell the Matchless but I plan to keep the Enfield a long time
A possible cure for the vibration on the Matchless G12 would be due to the backplate of the Lucas magneto being out of balance/eccentric which after a good engineer had a look at it for us it solved the issue on my father 1960 G12 delux.
I'm in my mid 40s and never had the privilege of riding a classic bike until 2 years ago. I'm totally hooked now. Yes I already own an interceptor and a 500 tribute. However nothing rides like my BSA and my Matchless. Total smile factor. Even more so if/ when they brake down I'm as proud as punch when I fix it myself. All part of the experience
Ive got an Interceptor and it's a good take on a classic theme but it can't compare with the design of the Matchless. Just look at that beautiful rear mudguard and how the COMFORTABLE seat fits around it.
The very best video I have watched on this channel. (Well, I should say the video I have enjoyed and appreciated the most on this channel.) Fantastic history bit, can you please make some more videos on motorcycle manufacturers of the late 1800's and early 1900's!!!
Great video boys! The great dilemma old classic or modern classic. Depends on what I feel like… I’d take the old classic but miss the modern. Excellent thanks!
Funny, The chap had not ridden the Matchless, seems to know only what he has heard from others, Maybe a ride on the Matchless would change his mind or at least temper his bias toward the Classics! I own two older classics (66 and 69 Triumphs) and three modern bikes. I can't decide which one I would keep if I had to give up all but one, hard choice. I think we can all agree that life would be very dull if we did not ride motorcycles, no matter the make model or year.
After watching your out-takes video I can't help but smirk and giggle a little more when watching any Motors for the Masses. Brilliant stuff. Don't ever stop!
Any bike that you love will put a smile on your face! My daily rider is a carbureted 38 y.o. bike and I must admit, I miss my Honda CBF1000 at times. There’s something to be said about having power, ABS breakers and fuel injection. Plus you can tinker with any bike you fancy. It might not be much but you can at least change your fluids and filters, still gives you a satisfying feeling that you’re involved with it and looking after it.
The simple truth here is that anyone who learned to ride from the 70s on has only known the left hand gear change, so for over 40 years the majority of the riders see right gear as odd 🤷🏻♂️
Both are lovely but for me the matchless sounds nicer, deeper and more sonorous. What I don't get is why more modern bikes still have nasty, oily, messy chain drive when clean belt or shaft drive means even less mess and maintenance. It is the only thing thatched off a lot of bikes.
The round thingy is not for the suspention, but a frictiondamper for the fork, making it harder to turn the handlebars. But what a couple of nice bikes it is..
Will we see and feel the nostalgia for the Enfield in 60 years ? I won’t be around to find out. But let’s be honest the Matchless is British biking history as is the Enfield name too, some of us like the Sunday morning fettling yet some of us would prefer to be out riding. Dave is a lucky fellow.
Great video guys. I agree that modern bikes are clearly technically superior and more reliable. However fun and smiles are definitely available on newer machines if you know where to look. Since getting my Honda Monkey 125, I find I have to force myself ride my other bigger bikes...retro fun and smiles for miles 😀
A completely rebuilt Matchless can be had for about £3500 to £4500. I know, I bought a G12 last year. As for the supposed vibration, I have traced the cause of it on both my Matchlesses to poor quality tyres( Indian Dunlop) Cured with lots of balance weights. If you want the bike to handle better (I do, I’m a 68 year old nutter) fit modern tyres. I took great delight in wearing the Contis on my BM to an inch from the edge. The G12 has a magneto, so flat battery is not a problem. Starts first or second kick. Seems to be unstallable as it has such good low down torque. Alternator as standard so runs 55w headlight. Interestingly it only has 37 hp but is a 100 mph bike. Where has that extra 10hp gone from the Enfield? But I get the point, some people like a bike they only need to polish(and certainly need to do that a lot on that poor quality Enfield alloy) P.S. only bought my Matchless because I love the sound!
I have a 1952 BSA M21 600cc side valve that took the previous owner and his wife from London to Australia in 1964. No breakdowns except for a puncture. Its up and running but with dodgy hips and knees I take my modern bike when I want to go somewhere. I suspect the BSA is the more valuable bike though.
I had a 350 AJS in 1964 (second hand) single cylinder but a similar vibe to the 500 matchless twin here. Now I have an RE 650 twin (the GT not the Interceptor here but again similar). I found this video very interesting and I generally find myself in complete agreement. The one glaring problem for me with the RE is the weight, if I drop it I'm not sure I could pick it up. I'm currently looking for an aluminium fuel tank as (the last) part of my weight reduction plan.
I had a similar conversation with myself lol Thats how I ended up with my Royal Enfield Classic 500 Tribute Black....I wanted the practicality and reliability to be able to pull it out and ride as as when. Although I would say...a proper classic will still be added to the collection at some stage but for more of a quiet Sunday run and shows purpose!
Just quietly guys, the Interceptor is not water cooled, it’s air/oil cooled so the radiator between the downtubes holds oil only. Otherwise keep up the good work!
Yes, when I said liquid cooled, should have said oil and air. Mentioned it earlier. Thank you for noticing, nice that people listen and notice...even the slip ups lol
rather than the 500 Matchless you really needed a 650 or an original Interceptor for that discussion, or a new retro 500 twin? if there is one? if you compared the Matchless with a Honda CB500 twin or a Suzuki GS500 twin or a Kawasaki Z400 or a Yamaha XS400, if you can find one, then the Matchless starts to look like the much better bike, the only real difference between the two you discussed is the new bike will look after the rider and the rider has to look after the old one.
The matchless will last far longer than the Royal Enfield because it is a bike that is made to be rebuildable forever the Royal Enfield follows the Japanese practice of running everything in Bear aluminum and when it wears out you have to buy a whole new piece I don't think there will be Royal Enfield spares for these bikes in 60 years where is I know you can get a forever for anyting British all of the British manufacturers use the same carburetors Electric Wheels and so you can get many parts for them quite readily available and quite inexpensive compared to the prices of parts for new bikes you can clean an old carburetor at it will work as good as new you can't fix fuel injection today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on two wheels
@@user-ej7fw6pu5h The old British motorcycles had bushing bearings on all running surfaces. Now all the new ones have everything running in bare aluminum. It's cheaper to build them this way but it also makes them non- rebuidlable in the long run. This makes them disposable like an appliance. All of my Honda's met that fate. My Sportster has outlasted all of my Hondas put together. I have ridden my motorcycles for decades. British motorcycles today are British in name only for marketing purposes only. Today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on 2 wheels.
I would prefer the riding position of the Matchless anyday. The old bikes certainly have a charm about them. Easy to ride and easy to fix on the side of the road. Additionally, the adulation you receive on old bike can't ever be compared. Anyone can buy and maintain a new Interceptor but only a select few can proudly own a Matchless. There's truly no match.
Every bike will eventually be a classic if cared for. You by a new bike to ride, You bike a classic for the pleasure of owning and maintaining. I have both and love my classics for the fun factor.
the Matchless is a better bike for pilot comfort. The issue with old bikes is a lot also depends on the skill or lack of skill of the service engineer. Eventually this is bit that ruins the bikes. I would take the old bike in preference all the time. Why because the bikes were made to fixed by a an average mechanically minded person. The new bikes are not their designed with the trow away culture. So when you broke down in the middle of no where with a new bike you are probably going be walking home. With an old bike a couple spanners and patience you probably on the road again.
A good running British twin has a much more enjoyable feel to ride than a modern twin. The 350/500 single RE Bullets also had that 'feel', along with oil leaks, that their new bikes lack. Both old and new have their place.
The speedometer needle ticks around the dial as it is chronometric and works like the old hand wound watches. It's something to be appreciated in its own right today. Cheers. Love the old bikes but prefer the new one for road trips
Like them both but its the Matchless for me , yes the Enfield is more practicable but a nice car is far more practice protection from weather or crash but boring . We ride bikes for fun not because their practical/sensible and in my opinion the Matchless ain't practical but far more fun
Two more "senses" to consider. Sound and feel. Ah, the Matchless. Sounds better (smoother) with its 360degree firing design. Downside is that it vibrates like crazy as there is no balance shaft.
Royal enfield was not being made in India in 1955 it was only constructed as it was shipped over in crates. Production started in early to mid 60s! Just saying :)
matchless 1st choice out the two but both are good in there own ways endfield ease of use but cant start with a flat battery matchless more spanners and oil wrag time but will start with a flat battery
Ride the Enfield as a daily ride and the Matchless on the week ends and pray it does not break down and if it does good luck finding parts at the local bike shop.!
Hi guys I have the interceptor since 2019 wanted a classic without the fiddling and maintanance would love a commando or bonny but the inty is perfect hassle free motorcycling with that classic twist that draws people to it whenever you park up👍😀
You either get it with the love of real classic bikes or you don’t , the comparison is just silly ,I am 62 I am a disabled veteran I still work full time but by your standards I am no use anymore
I have a 1957 BSA 250cc I very rarely ride it as the brakes are not up to modern traffic, as you say it takes a bit more thinking ahead, and I have had a few people just stop for no reason other than that's a nice view, or shall we stop here for a picnic ? on my favorite coast run. I do plan to see if new shoes will improve matters but for now I just ride my modern Triumph and look at the BSA.
The Enfield will be unrepairable before it is half the age that the Matchless is now. The electronics will have failed and you won't be able to get the parts any more because the chip makers will have moved on and that is before you talk about the civilian spec solder that is being used. The Interceptor is a paperweight in waiting.
It's a simple choice , if you like classics & you like to work on classics as a hobby, that's what its all about . Then you have those want to look as though they are in the club, but don't want to dirty there hands, or who can't because they are older or disabled .me"you either like classics or you don't .But let's face it I'm sure we all would prefer to drive our our toys without breaking down when we are dressed up.
For a good days sprited ride out on the Inteceptor you need nothing exceptional. For the same trip on the matchless, you would need balls of steel and solderless nipples.
I think the 2021Kawasaki W 800 Retro Candy Cardinal Red is the best looking Retro bike I’ve seen yet.
I like that but I feel it is only the seat shape that makes it. If that had a flat seat, I feel it would be just like the Mash
A pro of using your hands to indicate where you are going is that you don't forget to bring your arm back in after manoeuvring.
One thing,the Interceptor is not liquid cooled. It’s air and oil cooled . I’m lucky as I actually own a 1954 G9 and a 2020 interceptor.
The matchless is far more comfy and sounds better and despite some comments does not vibrate badly unless revved hard unlike the G12 650. As for reliability I have only had the Enfield a year no probs so far. The matchless was owned from new by a family friend and has been in the family since 1968 and had never been rebuilt and run perfectly . Yes it drips oil but at 67 years old and an engine that’s never been apart no complaints.
I love both bikes but could never sell the Matchless but I plan to keep the Enfield a long time
A possible cure for the vibration on the Matchless G12 would be due to the backplate of the Lucas magneto being out of balance/eccentric which after a good engineer had a look at it for us it solved the issue on my father 1960 G12 delux.
I'm in my mid 40s and never had the privilege of riding a classic bike until 2 years ago. I'm totally hooked now. Yes I already own an interceptor and a 500 tribute. However nothing rides like my BSA and my Matchless. Total smile factor. Even more so if/ when they brake down I'm as proud as punch when I fix it myself. All part of the experience
Thanks for sharing this bike test.
I want the Matches! Love from Sweden
Ive got an Interceptor and it's a good take on a classic theme but it can't compare with the design of the Matchless. Just look at that beautiful rear mudguard and how the COMFORTABLE seat fits around it.
The truth is you need both bikes. One to fix and another to fetch the parts on.
I like the light bucket, handlebas, speedo, seat and rear guard and exhaust of the Matchless much better.
The very best video I have watched on this channel. (Well, I should say the video I have enjoyed and appreciated the most on this channel.) Fantastic history bit, can you please make some more videos on motorcycle manufacturers of the late 1800's and early 1900's!!!
Great video boys! The great dilemma old classic or modern classic. Depends on what I feel like… I’d take the old classic but miss the modern. Excellent thanks!
Funny, The chap had not ridden the Matchless, seems to know only what he has heard from others, Maybe a ride on the Matchless would change his mind or at least temper his bias toward the Classics! I own two older classics (66 and 69 Triumphs) and three modern bikes. I can't decide which one I would keep if I had to give up all but one, hard choice. I think we can all agree that life would be very dull if we did not ride motorcycles, no matter the make model or year.
After watching your out-takes video I can't help but smirk and giggle a little more when watching any Motors for the Masses. Brilliant stuff. Don't ever stop!
Thank you
Any bike that you love will put a smile on your face! My daily rider is a carbureted 38 y.o. bike and I must admit, I miss my Honda CBF1000 at times. There’s something to be said about having power, ABS breakers and fuel injection. Plus you can tinker with any bike you fancy. It might not be much but you can at least change your fluids and filters, still gives you a satisfying feeling that you’re involved with it and looking after it.
The Matchless has the gear lever on the correct side!!
That is correct. And first up and other gears down thats correct too!
At 70 years old, I've only seen one Matchless. It was a 58, freshly restored. This would have been circa 1975. The build quality was impressive.
Had two bikes with right hand shift. never had a problem. Never could understand the reason for the switch.
@@jeromebreeding3302 good question, I think it was something to do with the Japanese bikes, but it certainly would be interesting to know why!
The simple truth here is that anyone who learned to ride from the 70s on has only known the left hand gear change, so for over 40 years the majority of the riders see right gear as odd 🤷🏻♂️
Both are lovely but for me the matchless sounds nicer, deeper and more sonorous. What I don't get is why more modern bikes still have nasty, oily, messy chain drive when clean belt or shaft drive means even less mess and maintenance. It is the only thing thatched off a lot of bikes.
Enfield for me all day long !! Think you've hit on a brilliant idea comparing old to new 👍👍👍
The round thingy is not for the suspention, but a frictiondamper for the fork, making it harder to turn the handlebars. But what a couple of nice bikes it is..
Will we see and feel the nostalgia for the Enfield in 60 years ? I won’t be around to find out.
But let’s be honest the Matchless is British biking history as is the Enfield name too, some of us like the Sunday morning fettling yet some of us would prefer to be out riding.
Dave is a lucky fellow.
Some days you want to tinker, some days you want to ride.
Great video guys. I agree that modern bikes are clearly technically superior and more reliable. However fun and smiles are definitely available on newer machines if you know where to look. Since getting my Honda Monkey 125, I find I have to force myself ride my other bigger bikes...retro fun and smiles for miles 😀
A completely rebuilt Matchless can be had for about £3500 to £4500. I know, I bought a G12 last year. As for the supposed vibration, I have traced the cause of it on both my Matchlesses to poor quality tyres( Indian Dunlop) Cured with lots of balance weights. If you want the bike to handle better (I do, I’m a 68 year old nutter) fit modern tyres. I took great delight in wearing the Contis on my BM to an inch from the edge.
The G12 has a magneto, so flat battery is not a problem. Starts first or second kick. Seems to be unstallable as it has such good low down torque. Alternator as standard so runs 55w headlight. Interestingly it only has 37 hp but is a 100 mph bike. Where has that extra 10hp gone from the Enfield? But I get the point, some people like a bike they only need to polish(and certainly need to do that a lot on that poor quality Enfield alloy)
P.S. only bought my Matchless because I love the sound!
Interceptor is an old school bike compared to the other new ones.
I have a 1952 BSA M21 600cc side valve that took the previous owner and his wife from London to Australia in 1964. No breakdowns except for a puncture. Its up and running but with dodgy hips and knees I take my modern bike when I want to go somewhere. I suspect the BSA is the more valuable bike though.
Like both of them
I had a 350 AJS in 1964 (second hand) single cylinder but a similar vibe to the 500 matchless twin here. Now I have an RE 650 twin (the GT not the Interceptor here but again similar). I found this video very interesting and I generally find myself in complete agreement. The one glaring problem for me with the RE is the weight, if I drop it I'm not sure I could pick it up. I'm currently looking for an aluminium fuel tank as (the last) part of my weight reduction plan.
I had a similar conversation with myself lol Thats how I ended up with my Royal Enfield Classic 500 Tribute Black....I wanted the practicality and reliability to be able to pull it out and ride as as when. Although I would say...a proper classic will still be added to the collection at some stage but for more of a quiet Sunday run and shows purpose!
Just quietly guys, the Interceptor is not water cooled, it’s air/oil cooled so the radiator between the downtubes holds oil only. Otherwise keep up the good work!
Yes, when I said liquid cooled, should have said oil and air. Mentioned it earlier. Thank you for noticing, nice that people listen and notice...even the slip ups lol
rather than the 500 Matchless you really needed a 650 or an original Interceptor for that discussion, or a new retro 500 twin? if there is one? if you compared the Matchless with a Honda CB500 twin or a Suzuki GS500 twin or a Kawasaki Z400 or a Yamaha XS400, if you can find one, then the Matchless starts to look like the much better bike, the only real difference between the two you discussed is the new bike will look after the rider and the rider has to look after the old one.
The matchless will last far longer than the Royal Enfield because it is a bike that is made to be rebuildable forever the Royal Enfield follows the Japanese practice of running everything in Bear aluminum and when it wears out you have to buy a whole new piece I don't think there will be Royal Enfield spares for these bikes in 60 years where is I know you can get a forever for anyting British all of the British manufacturers use the same carburetors Electric Wheels and so you can get many parts for them quite readily available and quite inexpensive compared to the prices of parts for new bikes you can clean an old carburetor at it will work as good as new you can't fix fuel injection today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on two wheels
@@user-ej7fw6pu5h The old British motorcycles had bushing bearings on all running surfaces. Now all the new ones have everything running in bare aluminum. It's cheaper to build them this way but it also makes them non- rebuidlable in the long run. This makes them disposable like an appliance. All of my Honda's met that fate. My Sportster has outlasted all of my Hondas put together. I have ridden my motorcycles for decades. British motorcycles today are British in name only for marketing purposes only. Today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on 2 wheels.
I would prefer the riding position of the Matchless anyday. The old bikes certainly have a charm about them. Easy to ride and easy to fix on the side of the road. Additionally, the adulation you receive on old bike can't ever be compared. Anyone can buy and maintain a new Interceptor but only a select few can proudly own a Matchless. There's truly no match.
Fixing any bike at the side of the road is no sane persons idea of enjoyment! It's simply unreliable 🤷🏻♂️
Every bike will eventually be a classic if cared for.
You by a new bike to ride,
You bike a classic for the pleasure of owning and maintaining.
I have both and love my classics for the fun factor.
the Matchless is a better bike for pilot comfort. The issue with old bikes is a lot also depends on the skill or lack of skill of the service engineer. Eventually this is bit that ruins the bikes. I would take the old bike in preference all the time. Why because the bikes were made to fixed by a an average mechanically minded person. The new bikes are not their designed with the trow away culture. So when you broke down in the middle of no where with a new bike you are probably going be walking home. With an old bike a couple spanners and patience you probably on the road again.
A 1960/1 Matchless would be a better comparison
A good running British twin has a much more enjoyable feel to ride than a modern twin. The 350/500 single RE Bullets also had that 'feel', along with oil leaks, that their new bikes lack. Both old and new have their place.
The speedometer needle ticks around the dial as it is chronometric and works like the old hand wound watches. It's something to be appreciated in its own right today. Cheers. Love the old bikes but prefer the new one for road trips
Like them both but its the Matchless for me , yes the Enfield is more practicable but a nice car is far more practice protection from weather or crash but boring . We ride bikes for fun not because their practical/sensible and in my opinion the Matchless ain't practical but far more fun
I like em both.
Revive the Matchless by a Compani. that can be Trusted. by the way nice video. and the name Matchless tells it all :_:
Malcolm's words of wisdom
Two more "senses" to consider. Sound and feel. Ah, the Matchless. Sounds better (smoother) with its 360degree firing design. Downside is that it vibrates like crazy as there is no balance shaft.
Royal enfield was not being made in India in 1955 it was only constructed as it was shipped over in crates. Production started in early to mid 60s! Just saying :)
The Matchless on modern tyres would be something special
I would have both
matchless 1st choice out the two but both are good in there own ways endfield ease of use but cant start with a flat battery matchless more spanners and oil wrag time but will start with a flat battery
Sorry guys the intersepter is air oil cooled I know I have one
Interceptor is not liquid cooled it's air cooled with a oil cooler
I am 74 and the Interceptor has as many smiles per mile.
A fairer comparison would have been a G12
Didn't have one lol
Not liquid-cooled, but Air/Oil cooled
"Weight?"
"How long for?" 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Ride the Enfield as a daily ride and the Matchless on the week ends and pray it does not break down and if it does good luck finding parts at the local bike shop.!
Great video comedy value great interesting subject . Still say you need to be the new top gear. TOP SPROKET
The royal Enfield has a oil cooled/ air cooled motor
Hi guys
I have the interceptor since 2019 wanted a classic without the fiddling and maintanance would love a commando or bonny but the inty is perfect hassle free motorcycling with that classic twist that draws people to it whenever you park up👍😀
Did he say the royal enfield is water cooled
Liquid & air cooled...oil is a liquid
Does it have an oil cooler, if not then it's air cooled. (Oil obviously helps cool all engines.) And liquid cooled means water cooled.
You either get it with the love of real classic bikes or you don’t , the comparison is just silly ,I am 62 I am a disabled veteran I still work full time but by your standards I am no use anymore
Not sure how you got that from this video as that was not said or implied at all.
Not all swimming in Oil?
I have a 1957 BSA 250cc I very rarely ride it as the brakes are not up to modern traffic, as you say it takes a bit more thinking ahead, and I have had a few people just stop for no reason other than that's a nice view, or shall we stop here for a picnic ? on my favorite coast run. I do plan to see if new shoes will improve matters but for now I just ride my modern Triumph and look at the BSA.
I might add I mean the shoes on my brakes , not my feet.
The Enfield will be unrepairable before it is half the age that the Matchless is now. The electronics will have failed and you won't be able to get the parts any more because the chip makers will have moved on and that is before you talk about the civilian spec solder that is being used. The Interceptor is a paperweight in waiting.
It's a simple choice , if you like classics & you like to work on classics as a hobby, that's what its all about . Then you have those want to look as though they are in the club, but don't want to dirty there hands, or who can't because they are older or disabled .me"you either like classics or you don't .But let's face it I'm sure we all would prefer to drive our our toys without breaking down when we are dressed up.
5:10
The Enfield is Liquid cooled?
Air and oil
oil is a liquid. It is oil and air cooled
Matchless
What happend with the old song intros 🙁
A few other channels use it now...time for a change.
For a good days sprited ride out on the Inteceptor you need nothing exceptional. For the same trip on the matchless, you would need balls of steel and solderless nipples.
RE is NOT lliquid cooled
2minutes 30secs that matchless looks alot like a royal Enfield, and has dual bhp and torque figures 😂
Aha, someone noticed lol
sorry has to be the old classic all day long no comparison .......that modern enfield wont be running in 60yrs
Dont bet on that
A modern Indian built motorcycle... hmmmm... well what can I say. Just as cheap as Chinese built bikes..
Its better quality than a modern kawasaku
Have you ridden one?