1938 AJS 500cc Motorcycle

The A.J.Stevens Company was founded in 1909 by the four Stevens brothers, with motorcycle production commencing the following year. In the Twenties, AJS made a name for itself with a new OHV single-cylinder engine that helped the Wolverhampton outfit score wins in the 1921 and 1922 Junior TTs. Despite expanding into light cars and other products, AJS were struggling by the late Twenties and the manufacturing rights for their motorcycle production passed to Matchless in 1931 before becoming part of the Associated Motor Cycles group in 1938. In 1935, AJS introduced the Clubman range, consisting of 250, 350 and 500cc singles that ultimately formed the backbone of the post-war AMC singles. For 1938, when the bike on offer here was made, AJS's 500 range consisted of the 38/9 with a side-valve engine, the remainder being of overhead-valve design although all retained a common bore and stroke of 82.5mm by 93mm, with a capacity of 498cc. The OHV models consisted of the twin-port 38/8, single-port 38/18 and more highly tuned 38/18 Silver Streak, plus a competition model catalogued as the 38/18T. The 38/8 and 38/18 were rated at 25 horsepower, fitted with a foot-change four-speed gearbox and came with either high or low exhaust pipes to order. The frame was of heavy duplex loop type, with special competition-type forks used on the Model 38/18. A pre-war AJS is a worthwhile addition to any collection and, particularly in 500cc guise, make great bikes for club runs as well.