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Matchless Silver Arrow

Make Model	Matchless Silver Arrow
Year	1929 - 33 (specifications for 1930 model, slight changes over time)
Engine	V-twin cylinder
Capacity	397 cc / 24 cub in.
Bore x Stroke	54 x 86 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	5.6:1
Lubrication	Dry sump with fabric oil filter
Oil Capacity	2.3 L / 4.9 US pints
Exhaust	Single, chrome
Fuel System	Amal 4/14
Ignition	Lucas magneto, KLV-0
Starting	Kick
Transmission	3-Speed, Sturmey Archer gearbox (from 1932: 4-speed)
Final Drive	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 16.8 / 2nd 9.4 / 3rd 6.1:1
Maximum Power	11.8 kW / 16 hp @ 5000 rpm
Frame	Brazed lug tubular construction incorporating cantilever rear suspension
Front Suspension	Matchless centre spring girders, finger adjustment
Rear Suspension	Cantilever with two springs and friction dampers under saddle
Front Brakes	203 mm / 8 in. drum, interconnected
Rear Brakes	203 mm / 8 in. drum, interconnected
Wheels	Steel, wire spokes
Front Tyre	3.25 x 19 in.
Rear Tyre	3.25 x 19 in.
Dimensions	Length: 2134 mm / 84 in.
Wheelbase	1422 mm / 56 in.
Ground Clearance	152 mm / 6 in.
Saddle Height	699 mm / 27.5 in.
Wet Weight	140 kg / 308 lbs
Fuel Capacity	11.4 L / 3.0 US gal
Average Consumption	2.8 L/100 km / 35 km/l / 84 US mpg
Top Speed	105 km/h / 65 mph

In late 1929 Matchless launched the Matchless Silver Arrow, a cast iron head monoblock SV, 400 cc, narrow angle transverse18° V-twin motorcycle with chain drive designed by Charles Collier.
The narrow angle of the V allowed the use of a one piece head, a practice utilised by Lancia in its early V4 automobile engines. The rear suspension was a cantilever design using two springs and friction dampers beneath the saddle, very similar to the 1928 Vincent HRD design. Linked brakes were used, as had appeared on the 1925 Rudge Four. The carburetor was an Amal type 4/014 (bottom petrol feed).
The bike did not sell well and within the year led to the Bert Collier designed Matchless Silver Hawk.
Two models were produced, the 'Standard model' which had acetylene lighting and bulb horn and the 'De Luxe model' which had electric lighting and instrument panel. In 1931 both were designated A/2 and minor changes included a four speed gearbox with improved gear ratios with lower 1st and higher top gear and a more rounded petrol tank, the Amal carburettor jet was changed from 70 to 55 and the diameter of the exhaust pipe was increased with ports on the head spaced further apart (6 5/8" instead of 5 1/8").