Difference between revisions of "AJS Model 16"

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 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replaced with a new four speed unit of AMC's own design and in 1957 further improvements included replacement of the outdated generator with a crankshaft mounted Lucas alternator.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>