The Richard Johns Collection, 1929/31 AJS 495cc Model M/S10

• Very desirable AJS 500 "cammy"
• Engine and gearbox rebuilt in the current ownership
• The vendor is a supremely able engineer
• Extremely quick vintage machine

AJS raced their very distinctive chain driven OHC motorcycles in 1927 with the first production machines being introduced for the 1928 season with a choice of 350 or 500cc engines. In 1929 AJS followed the industry wide trend, fitting saddle tanks across the range. There were further changes for both 1930 and 1931 including a different bore and stroke from the first generation OHC engines, but by now the global depression was biting very hard and the "cammy" models were produced in only limited quantities. Before the end of 1931 AJS motorcycle production in Wolverhampton had ceased forever. With apologies to those in the know, but for the benefit of those who aren't: in the Wolverhampton built AJS world the model number is always prefixed by a year code: K=1928, M=1929, R=1930, and S=1931, and from 1928 onwards a model 7 had a 350 ohc engine, while a model 10 had a 500 ohc engine.

Richard Johns bought this machine in 2010 from Mark Upham of British Only, Austria. It had previously been owned by Andy Tiernan, and when purchased the V5C was still in Andy's name, with the bike registered on an age related number plate. The current Cornish registration number had previously been on an AJS SB6 which Richard had sold to the Netherlands. Following the purchase Richard rebuilt the engine and gearbox. He tells us that the crankshaft was rebuilt by Alpha Bearings, a new Hepolite piston for a later model 34/10 (same bore and stroke) was fitted along with new rings, the magneto was overhauled by APL Magnetos, the cylinder head was rebuilt including new valves and guides as well as a new exhaust seat, new bearings were fitted in the course of the gearbox rebuild, and new chains were fitted. Richard advises that the AJS has been used as "a general Vintage Club run bike for many years" and that it has been to the Isle of Man many times for Manx GP week (see the nice photo online of it parked in the hedge at the Gooseneck). It should be noted that the accompanying V5C records the first character of the engine number as a "5" instead of the "S" which it is. The machine appears to comprise a 1929 M10 frame (frame number stamped to the top saddle tube with a blank frame number boss adjacent) and a 1931 S10 engine.

As with all the machines in this collection, Richard will be happy to advise the new owner in relation to any technical queries. Please take the time to view the running video on our website. The new owner should please take note that it runs on "R". Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen. Offered with the aforementioned V5C and original 1930 AJS handbook.
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