AJS production was started by the four Stevens brothers in 1897 using a proprietary engine. Sons of a blacksmith, they built their own complete motorcycle in 1909 and named it AJS after the initials of the eldest brother, Albert Jack Stevens. Two years later they produced the first machine which was entered into the Isle of Man TT, but it was three years later that success in the TT came and with it expansion, with numerous other successes. The company was taken over by Matchless in 1931 up to which they produced a wide range of machines and in 1930 the company held 117 world records despite being in financial difficulty by that time. Matchless was the trade name of Collier & Sons who originally produced pedal cycles in the late 19th century. After producing their first motorcycle in 1902 they too manufactured a wide range of machines until their take-over of AJS when the two marques started to conform. In 1935 the Clubman range of 250, 350 and 500 cc singles evolved to provide the basis for the post-war AMC singles which are so well known today. 

In 1938 Associated Motorcycles (AMC) were formed and eventually encompassed the marques of AJS, Francis Barnett, James, Matchless and Norton. A glorious array of singles and twins filled the post war years until AMC became bankrupt in 1966. The company was taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings who formed Norton-Villiers to run the operations.

Four-stroke production ceased within a couple of years although the two-stroke trials and scrambles machines are still manufactured today under the AJS banner.

The superb range of four stroke machines, which included the legendary racing AJS 7Rs, Porcupines and the Matchless G50, passed into a history which the Owners Club is now proud to preserve.

Click links for reviews and the photo to see a full size version

1960 Model 8
350cc

1955 Model 16
350cc

1950 Model 18
500cc

1952 Model 20
500cc

1957 Model 20
500cc

1957 Model 30
600cc

1960 Model 31
650cc

1960 Model 31 CSR
650cc

1969 Model 33
650cc

      
 

AJS Model Reviews

Model 8 1960-62 348cc ohv single, 350lb, 70mpg, 80mph
This is the bigger version of the Model 14 & G2, which has increased performance. 

Model 14 1958-66 248cc ohv single, 330lbs, 66mpg, 70mph
 At a time when most other manufacturers were going to unit-construction AJS produced this single which retained a separate gearbox. Employing butterfly valve springs and an oil tank in the engine case casting it was a brave attempt which never succeeded. Heavy for a light-weight the handling improved with the AMC front forks on later models. The 14CSR was the sports model with improved styling and suspension.

Model 16 1945-66 348cc ohv single, 400lb, 80mpg, 75mph 
 A good British single which was not particularly spectacular for it's time. The rigid versions had bad handling characteristics.

Model 18 1945-66 498cc ohv single, 400lb, 55mpg, 80mph 
 500cc version of the model 16 & G3. Slightly better handling and more pleasant to ride.

Model 20 1948-61 498cc ohv twin, 410lb, 60mpg, 90mph 
 Introduced when twins were vogue. Late ones have alternator electrics and  better frames. The early models have odd handling characteristics & poor brakes.

Model 30 1956-58 593cc ohv twin, 410lb, 60mpg, 90mph
This 600 twin is difficult to come by and is slightly better than the 500. There is also a sports CS version.

Model 31 1959-66 646cc ohv twin, 430ib, 55mpg, 100mph
Enlarged 600 engine which improved in build after 1960 with new cylinder head and lubrication system. They acquired Norton forks & wheels in 1963 along with 12v electrics. The sports CS & CSR versions are more sought after but also a more fragile engine.

Model 33 1964-69, 749cc ohv twin, 420lb, 45mpg, 110mph
 AMC put the Norton Atlas engine into the Matchless cycle parts. Very powerful, but vibrate a lot and the engine is fragile.