Editing AJS Model 16

{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name = AJS Model 16
|image = [[File:AJS Model 16MS 1953.jpg|thumb]]
|aka = ''Sceptre Sports''
|manufacturer = [[Associated Motorcycles]] Plumstead, London
|parent_company =
|production = 
|predecessor = 
|successor =
|class =
|engine = 348 cc OHV air cooled single
|top_speed =78 mph (126 km/h)
|power = 16 bhp (12 kW) @5,600 rpm
|torque =
|transmission = Four speed gearbox to chain final drive
|suspension = teledraulic forks, swinging arm rear
|brakes = drum brakes
|tires =19 in front and rear
|rake_trail =
|wheelbase = 56 in
|length =
|width =
|height =
|seat_height =32 in
|dry_weight = 382 lb
|wet_weight =
|fuel_capacity =
|oil_capacity =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius =
|climbing_ability =
|related =
|similar =
}}
The '''AJS Model 16''' was a British [[motorcycle]] made by [[Associated Motorcycles]] at the former [[Matchless]] works in Plumstead, London. It was a single cylinder, [[four-stroke]] all round [[motorcycle]] produced between 1949 and 1967. Claimed [[horsepower]] was 17.57 HP (13.1 KW) @ 5750 [[RPM]].  

==Development==
The rigid framed AJS Model 16M 350&nbsp;cc single was developed in 1945 from the military [[Matchless G3/L]] [[World War II]] motorcycle. Well proven in war service, the 350&nbsp;cc single remained in production selling large numbers to the civilian market well into the 1960s. Simple and practical, the Model 16 needed minimal maintenance and was very economical—ideal during [[petrol]] rationing. The company also produced an almost identical motorcycle under the Matchless name as the ''Matchless G3L''.<ref name="auction">{{cite web|url=http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/1959-ajs-35occ-model-16-the-heavyweight-35occ-sin-1-c-2o9ws4oe2q|title=AJS 35Occ Model 16 |accessdate=2009-01-03}}</ref> The only difference between the two was that the Matchless carried a magneto at the rear of the cylinder barrel, whereas the AJS magneto was at the front. <ref name="run">{{cite web|url=http://www.shvc.org/KickstartOutings.htm|title=from the book 'Great British Motorcycles of the Fifties'|accessdate=2009-01-03}}</ref>

In 1953, the Model 16M was modernised with a dual seat replacing the saddle and rear pillion seat. In 1956 the [[Burman and Sons Ltd|Burman]] gearbox was replaced with a new four speed unit of AMC's own design and in 1957 further improvements included replacement of the outdated generator with a crankshaft mounted Lucas alternator. The leaky pressed-steel primary drive cover was replaced with an alloy casing.<ref name="Currie50">{{cite book|last=Currie|first=Bob|title=Great British Motorcycles of the Fifties|publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd|date=1980|isbn=978-0-86363-010-1}}</ref>



==AJS Model 16MS==
Neither AJS or Matchless opted for plunger type rear springing, and the Model 16 retained a rigid rear frame until 1949, when pivoted rear suspension controlled by hydraulically dampened spring units designed and made by Matchless became available. The difference was indicated by the '''S''' (for springer) designation.<ref name="run" />

==AJS Model 16MC==
The rugged and reliable AJS Model 16 was ideal for the increasingly popular sport of [[motorcycle trials]]. Gaining a '''C''' (for competition) designation, modifications included upgrading the frame to a welded duplex tubular frame with an engine cradle to reduce weight and redesigned exhaust and footrests to improve ground clearance. In 1957 it was further redesigned to increase clearance from 7 to 10&nbsp;inches (180 to 250&nbsp;mm).<ref name="Currie">{{cite book|last=Currie|first=Bob|title=Classic British Motorcycles|publisher=Chancellor Press|date=1993|isbn=978-1-85152-250-7}}</ref>  Hugh Viney led the AJS works team in the post war years and won the challenging 1947 [[Scottish Six Days Trial]] on an AJS 16MC at his first attempt—then repeated the achievement the following year and made it three in a row in 1949.  In the 1950s this record was beaten by another AJS Works Team rider Gordon Jackson, who won the ''Scottish'' Trial four times.<ref name="SSDT">{{cite web|url=http://www.ssdt.org/sitebody/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1 |title=Scottish Six Days Trial History |accessdate=2009-01-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131150901/http://ssdt.org/sitebody/modules.php?name=Content |archivedate=31 January 2009 }}</ref> 

== AJS Model 16C ==
In 1964 the AJS Model 16C was launched with a completely redesigned 348 cc engine in which the pushrods were housed in cast cylinder barrel 'tunnels'.  The 16C also had a Norton-designed geared oil pump to improve lubrication.<ref name="Currie" />

== AJS 16 Sceptre ==
To boost US sales the AMC marketing team rebranded the ageing export Model 16 with the new name ''The Sceptre'' with new metal tank badges and steel flywheels instead of the old cast iron ones. The compression ratio was also raised to 9:1 and the competition also Norton designed geared oil pump was also fitted as standard.<ref name="Currie50" />


==Engine==
The engine was a [[air cooled]] single cylinder, four-stroke. A 69.0mm [[bore]] x 93.0mm [[stroke]] result in a [[displacement]] of just 347.0 cubic [[centimeter]]s. The engine features a 6.5:1 [[[[compression ratio]]]]. Fuel was supplied via a overhead [[valve]]s (ohv).  
==Drive==
The bike has a 4-speed [[transmission]]. The [[final drive]] was via [[chain]]. Power was moderated via the wet multiplate.  
==Chassis==
It [[cam]]e with a 3.25-19 front [[tire]] and a 3.25-19 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding [[b[[rake]]]] ([[drum brake]]) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a cartridge while the rear was equipped with a two shock. The Model 16 350MS is fitted with a 3.57 Gallon (13.50 Liters) [[fuel tank]]. The bike weighs just 374.79 pounds (170.0 Kg). The [[wheel]]base is 55.98 [[inch]]es (1422 mm) long.  
[[Category: AJS motorcycles]]
[[Category: 1960s motorcycles]]
[[Category: 1940s motorcycles]]
[[Category: 1950s motorcycles]]