Description
A great British Twin from the last year of AJS production
A highly original machine in fine condition
Matching numbers throughout
Desirable “Speedkit” options
Extensively featured in ‘Classic Bike Guide’ magazine.
“Look, this is not a major legend like a Featherbed Norton or Triumph’s Bonneville, but it is one very fine riding motorcycle. It goes like whatsit off a silver shovel, its general smoothness of operation makes vibration unobtrusive at 75mph in the top of its four slick gears and it wears Norton Roadholder forks and an eight-inch front brake that stops it really well. … it’s a joy to ride…” ‘Classic Bike Guide’ magazine test of this very machine, October 2004.
The AJS 31CSR (Competition Springer Road, trips off the tongue doesn't it) burst onto the scene in 1959 and a pretty standard example won the 500 mile production bike race at Thruxton in 1960 with Chapman and Langston aboard to underline its sports bike credentials. Powered by a gutsy 650 twin which compressed the mixture at an 8. 5:1 ratio and utilised a Lucas magneto to make it go bang, the bike’s proven performance was matched with undeniable good looks, being slim of hips and tank and yet simultaneously taking a purposeful stance; ‘ansom is the word that springs immediately to mind, especially if you hail from Plumstead. While its duplex frame broke little new ground following fairly standard AMC practice with brazed lug construction, at least its swinging arm rear was well suspended by Girling oil damped units. Well-appointed in the braking and front forks departments, especially so with later production examples, the 31CSR also had one of the sweetest changing gearboxes of its time and in combination with a delightfully light clutch it was very much a standard setter when new.
As a late example, this Hurricane has Norton ‘Roadholder’ front forks and accompanying eight inch front brake from the same source - one of the advantages of having so many brands under, literally, one roof and a sensible way to eke out meagre resources over a range of products and makes.
For further information and detailed photographs, please visit our website.
