It is still an open challenge in coding theory how to design a systematic linear (n, k) − code C over GF(2) with maximal minimum distance d. In this study, based on matroid theory (MT), a limited class of good systematic binary linear codes (n, k, d) is constructed, where n = 2 k − 1 + • • • + 2 k − δ and d = 2 k − 2 + • • • + 2 k − δ − 1 for k ≥ 4, 1 ≤ δ < k. These codes are well known as special cases of codes constructed by Solomon and Stiffler (SS) back in 1960s. Furthermore, a new shortening method is presented. By shortening the optimal codes, we can design new kinds of good systematic binary linear codes with parameters n = 2 k − 1 + • • • + 2 k − δ − 3u and d = 2 k − 2 + • • • + 2 k − δ − 1 − 2u for 2 ≤ u ≤ 4, 2 ≤ δ < k. The advantage of MT over the original SS construction is that it has an advantage in yielding generator matrix on systematic form. In addition, the dual code C ⊥ with relative high rate and optimal minimum distance can be obtained easily in this study.