AJS

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Intro

1915 AJS Model D
1948 AJS 7R
1953 AJS E95
1939 AJS V four Supercharged

AJS was founded by Albert John Stevens (hence the name) in Wolverhampton around 1900. AJS won the Junior TT in 1914, but their greatest racing accomplishments came later, memorably when Les Graham won the first ever 500cc world championship on the Porcupine twin in 1949.

In 1931 AJS was taken over by Matchless of London. The merged firms formed Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) in 1938, but the AJS and Matchless names were retained to retain their owner loyalty. This resulted in the bikes having cases of split personalities in which the Matchless version was the same bike differing only in paint color, badges, and exhaust systems.

The most popular AJS racer was the single cylinder 350cc 7R, which was commonly known has "Boy Racer". It was first introduced in 1948, the 7R was hugely successful was later enlarged to 500cc with the Matchless G50.

Model 30

Most of AJS's roadsters were less inspiring singles and parallel twins such as the Model 30, with its 600cc engine that had almost square dimensions giving it a smoother ride than comparable models. With peak power producing 33bhp the twin was capable of cruising at 70mph. Combined with predictable handling, this made for a relaxed comfortable bike suitable for traveling long distances. The Model 30 was also well-made, reliable, and economical, unfortunately such attributes were not enough to keep AJS in business. Poor sales led to AMC becoming part of Norton Villiers in 1967. Some AJS bikes were then continued incorporating Norton parts, but they were not successful and the factory ceased production shortly afterwards.