Rebirth – 1988 Harris Matchless G80

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Regular readers of this site should be familiar with the Matchless G80, the classic British single which was built between 1946 and 1966. What you may not be familiar with is the Harris G80, a ‘new Matchless G80’ developed by Les Harris after he decided to stop making Bonnevilles under license.

Harris Matchless G80 - Front

The “Harris G80s” were launched in 1987, and the components were interesting. 497cc Rotax single (with a left side kicker), Paioli suspension, Dell’orto carb, Lafranconi exhaust and Brembo brakes. It used an oil-in-frame design and was offered in silver, black, or the metallic burgundy that you see in front of you. Sales weren’t great and it went off the market in 1990. For more on the Harris G80, check out this profile from Real Classic.

Harris Matchless G80 - Gauges

This specific example has NEVER BEEN STARTED. The owner apparently had it shipped to him, put it together, oiled inside the tank and the cylinder barrel and then kept it inside. I wonder what will happen to it next. Find it for sale in Claremont, New Hampshire for $5,500 here on Craigslist.

This bike-uriousity brought to you by Russ A!