1915 AJS 749cc Model D
Frame no. 1914 Engine no. 5954

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1915 AJS 749cc Model D
Frame no. 1914
Engine no. 5954

Formerly suppliers of proprietary engines, the Stevens brothers of Wolverhampton diversified into manufacturing complete motorcycles, setting up A J Stevens & Co in 1909. The first AJS motorcycle was a single-cylinder sidevalve-engined lightweight displacing 292cc and rated at 2½hp, which came in two versions: one with direct belt drive (Model A), while the other (Model B) featured a two-speed countershaft gearbox. The latter combination was advanced in its day, especially for a lightweight, and an advantage enjoyed by few contemporary rivals. For 1912, the engine was enlarged to 315cc, and the following year to 349cc, this increase in capacity being reflected in its new taxable rating of 2¾hp.

The company first entered the Isle of Man TT in 1911, making an historic breakthrough in 1914 when it won the Junior event, the first such victory by a single-cylinder machine. From then onwards, the 2¾hp (350cc) sidevalve-engined model remained a fixture of the AJS range. The bike was bought by the seller about ten years ago from the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, UK. The bike was claimed to be running at the time, but has never been started since then.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is 5937. The engine number is 4472, and the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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