11-7-15 Update: Alright, this is the last time I’ll feature this bike. Now it’s down to a BIN of $18,000 (bidding is up to $8,200 with the reserve not yet met)
6-30 Update: Reader Russ A notes that this bike is still available, for another discount – now it’s $20,000 here on Craigslist.
Reader Bob K notes that this bike is still available, for the slightly lower price of $21,000 here on Craigslist.
The successor of the G80CS and the predecessor of the Norton P11, the Matchless G85CS was one of the last bikes to be released with the Matchless name. It was a 4-stroke scrambler built to compete with light 2-strokes that were having success in European scrambler racing at the time – Matchless brought out an all new frame, ultra light hubs, an alloy fuel tank, and more. Even though the G85CS lost 40 pounds off its’ predecessor, the weight was still enough (about 320 pounds) that the bike wasn’t truly competitive. Less than 200 of these were built. For more information, check out this profile from Motocross Action Magazine.
This example was restored in 1998 to the tune of over $15,000 by a Robert Allen of Washington and last started in 2001, though the seller says he kicks it over a few times a year to circulate the oil, for what that’s worth (not much). Ignoring the bike’s mediocre racing history, this is a good looking example of a rare piece in British bike history. Find this Matchless G85CS for sale in Boulder, Colorado for $22,000 here on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Reed S!