Matador
Matador motorcycles were produced from 1923 to 1927 in Preston to a design by
Bert Houlding.
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Bradshaw engines were used
throughout the lifespan of the marque, and the first machines were fitted
with the 349cc oil-cooled ohv version. Other standard fittings were all-chain
drive and a three-speed gearbox. Braking was via both brakes acting independently
on the rear wheel.
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1924 Webb centre-spring forks were fitted, and the range expanded to include the 348cc engine in either sv or ohv form. Models for 1924 were the Semi-sports de Luxe, the Combination de Luxe for sidecar use, and the Super-Sports with an OHV Blackburne. Other special features included patent adjustable handlebars
and a patent silencer. During that year Bert Houlding left the company.
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1925 Production continued with the addition of a model fitted with the two-port 344cc ohv JAP engine. Brampton forks were fitted and
one brake per wheel became the norm.
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1926 The JAP engine was dropped and the company returned to using
only Bradshaw. The standard model was joined by a TT replica, with a roller-
bearing engine, Webb forks, a close-ratio gearbox and three
brakes (one front, two rear).
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1927 Without the input of Bert Houlding the Matador design had become
stuck in the doldrums. The firm offered two machines as a standard and
a Super Sports, but it was their final year.
Sources: Graces Guide
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