My first bike in 1958 was a new Matchless G2. I kept it for five years and covered 20,000 miles on it, mainly commuting to work with some weekend expeditions. On the down side, the electrics were a bit dodgy, leaving me without lights at night on more than one occasion. Also the rear mudguard split, presumably caused by vibration in the absence of any supports at the back end. There was no sidestand and the centrestand was only suitable for use on a level hard surface. On soft ground it was necessary to use a piece of wood or something under the stand. In the centrefold of the article the bottom of the stand is hidden by grass but I bet there was something there to hold it up! Also in another of the pictures one of the bikes appears to be leaning on a tree – another popular method of stopping it from falling over.
 
But enough complaints – it served me well and started a lifelong interest and I have had many other bikes over the years. Today, at the age of 71, I have a Honda CBF 250 which is better in every way, but I nevertheless remember the G2 with great affection.