RealClassic

LIKE FATHER...

Ever since young Bob was dragged around Scotland on a Matchless G11 by his old man, he has been infatuated by AMC’s hardworking twin. Sleeping rough by the comfort of an open camp fire, 11 year-old Bob was fascinated by the G11’s shadow as it danced through the trees in the flickering firelight. Transporting me through enchanting mountain scenery and isolated glens, Bob recounted his early days on the trip of a lifetime, riding pillion with dad. The memories and experiences on his dad’s 1956 600 twin have never waned, and with a glint in his eyes Bob enthused about the delightful motorcycle that never let them down. Now older than his father was back then, Bob set himself a mission to find himself a Matchless G11 – one just like dad’s!

‘I’ve never forgotten the good old days with dad and his Matchless twin’, mused Bob. ‘His G11 was 100% reliable and always started first kick. It was comfortable and scarily fast to an impressionable schoolboy – but it also fascinated me well beyond my early years. We lived on a farm and my mum bought the bike from a labourer who rented a nearby bothy. As we were living in frugal times, we couldn’t afford lavish holidays, so we made do with camping holidays on two wheels. At every opportunity my mum encouraged me to

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