The Girl On The Motorcycle
The History of AJS Motorcycles
A J Stevens & Co (AJS), was founded by Harry, George, Jack and Joe
Stevens on 14th November 1909.
Harry set about designing the first two machines called model 'A' and
model 'B'. Model 'A' was the cheaper machine, and was fitted with a 2.5hp
single cylinder, side valve engine and a direct belt drive.
1912 saw the launch of the model 'D'. In 1916, petrol was scarce and extremely
expensive, due to the war. AJS, being inventive decided to use town gas
instead of petrol. A large gas supply pipe ran along the back of the test
bench and small branch pipes fed the gas directly into the engines. At
the induction pipe entrance a bunsen burner attachment was fitted so that
the quality of the mixture could be adjusted when necessary. The speed
could be varied by turning the gas on or off at the supply.
The Ministry of Munitions prohibited the production of motorcycles except
for military use, on 3rd November 1916. AJS was forced to cease production
of its current products. In 1917, the Ministry of Munitions received an
order from Russia for extremely large numbers of motorcycles to equip
its armed forces. The order included machine gun carriers, ammunition
carriers and light ambulances.
In 1920, the company decided to try to repeat the success that it had
in the 1914 Isle of Man Junior TT. Harry developed a new 2.75hp overhead
valve engine, and the TT machine included a 3 speed countershaft gearbox,
which provided 6 speeds by engaging either of the 2 engine sprockets.
It had a Thompson Bennett magneto and an Amac carburettor. The new machine
did the trick, and Cyril Williams came in first. It was a good year as
AJS greatly enhanced its reputation by winning a number of trials and
races, and factory building continued at Graiseley Hill.
About the author: Dawn has been interested in classic motors since an
early age. She has commenced researching different vehicles and manufacturers
and has started a website to share this research. All of her published
research will be placed on her website http://www.classicmotorhistory.com
and http://www.classicmotorhistory.com/blog
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/the-history-of-ajs-motorcycles-1158887.html
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