c.1930 AJS 350cc R7

Registration no. BF 6356 Frame no. M126165 Engine no. R7/145258

According to the accompanying dating letter, this R7's frame was manufactured in 1929 (believed October) while the engine dates from 1930 and is just two numbers away from the ex-Les Williams example in the sale (a list of 1929/1930 frame numbers is on file). Its previous owner had bought the AJS, without documents, as a restoration project from the late John Chapman of Surrey. The current vendor purchased the machine in November 2011, by which time the mechanicals had been rebuilt and the cycle parts painted and assembled, though numerous minor components were missing and an incorrect magneto fitted.

In February 2013 the AJS was registered as 'BF 6356' with an arbitrary date of first registration (decided by the DVLA) recorded as 13th February 1929. The following components were fitted in 2016: new exhaust (made using a photograph on file); reconditioned correct Lucas NR1 racing magneto (invoice on file); new toolbox; and a reconditioned Smiths PA speedometer and correct Sturmey Archer drive (invoice available). A new UK-made fuel tank was fitted in 2018. Since completion the AJS has been started regularly using a paddock starter and has mainly been used for display at motorcycle shows. A full set of kick-start parts; rear numberplate; tax disc holder; twin float chambers; plug and exhaust spanners are included in the sale. The machine is also offered with a V5C document.