Highlights:
- Wonderfully preserved
- Part of a larger collection
- High level of originality
The appeal
Introduced in 1956, the Model 30 was displayed for the first time alongside its sister bike the Matchless G11 as boasting a 600cc four stroke heavyweight engine range with both singles and twins in the line-up. A new frame was given to the AJS and the Matchless along with a restyled oil tank and toolbox, full width front brakes and a longer seat. The excellent AMC gearbox was phased in during the year.
This bike was purchased by the current owner’s uncle as part of his larger collection of weird and wonderful and varied machinery. Unfortunately, after his passing the collection was passed down through the family but now with a change in life circumstances the bike is up for sale.
The history and paperwork
- V5 document states 1986 but original was lost
- MOT in 2012
- Receipts from 2007 and 2012 – summarised below
- 19/03/07 – Ian Bartram Speedo’s – Restored speedo and bracket
- 30/04/12 – M.J.S. Motorcycle services Ltd – Engine dismantled and rebuilt with new parts, especially gearbox, centre stand, dynamo etc
- 10/08/12 – M.J.S. Motorcycle services Ltd – Fork and other fluid changes
- 28/09/12 – M.J.S. Motorcycle services Ltd – Remove tank, seat, barrel and head, fit new gasket and set valve clearances
- 30/10/12 – M.J.S. Motorcycle services Ltd – Remove exhaust, offside cylinder and cylinder head, reassemble with new gaskets, set valve clearances, rebuild front forks with alloy washers
The bike is not thought to have had a lot of work done to it during it’s time in the collection aside from regular maintenance. Any work that did need doing would have been done by the previous owner and therefore the paperwork would not have been kept. The condition of the bike however shows that it was well cared for during its time.
The AJS had an engine rebuild in 2012 with new parts replacing any worn items, it has also had its speedo restored in 2007. The majority of the recent work was completed at M.J.S. motorcycle shop in Pembrokeshire.
The Exterior
- Frame and panels in good condition
- Wheels in good condition
- All electrics reported to be working
- Seat fabric is in great condition also
The AJS is a great looking bike with a classical style, it’s also a very simplistic looking thing without any of the modern-day complexities. We think it would be a perfect bike to ease you into classic bike ownership and one that would reward massively during ownership.
The frame is in good condition with little to no visible corrosion anywhere over its entirety, the engine too looks to be in excellent visible condition with no fluid leaks, cracks or damage that could be seen. The seat is in great condition looking as though it has either never been sat on or been recovered at some point during its life.
The handlebars look in good condition also with the rubber grips only having some splitting along their length. The brake handles also have a characterful red colour painted on the inside which must be so you could easily spot them should you have to perform an emergency stop. The light pod and associated dials look to be in good condition, there is some splitting of the rubber seal due to its age, but it is still whole. The amp meter was working as intended and the speedometer shows the mileage as 2300.
The Mechanics
- 600cc parallel twin, air-cooled, four stroke engine
- Engine exterior in great condition
- No visible leaks or damage
- Known for comfort, high quality finish and relative mechanical quietness
The power unit in the AJS is a parallel twin, air-cooled four stroke 600cc engine producing about 33 BHP connected to a 4 -speed manual wet, multidisc transmission. The bike has a pivoted forks rear springing and telescopic front forks, these bikes are known for their comfort and luckily the forks and suspension on the bike looks in good condition hinting towards us believing the bike to continue to be comfortable on the road.
The owner started the bike up during our photoshoot and we can confirm that not only does it sound absolutely awesome with an incredible exhaust note that is raucous and powerful, totally not matching the fairly conserved aesthetics of the bike at all but there were no unwanted noises that came from start up. The bike was also eager to fire and idled beautifully.
Summary
The AJS is a real treat for classic bike lovers, this one has clearly been afforded plenty of care and attention during it time in the owner’s collection. It’s a low mileage, relatively low owner bike with a really attractive look and an incredible exhaust note. It would make an excellent addition to any collector’s garage or would be a great bike in which to venture into classic bike ownership for the first time.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
