Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Information relating to the Matchless G80 or AJS Model 18 500cc Heavyweight.
thackero
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Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by thackero »

Just acquired a 1949 AJS 500 that been in dry storage for 20 years. The speedo is missing and I cannot find details anywhere of what should be fitted. Can anyone please advise where I can find out which Smiths chronometric is correct for this model
Thanks
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clive
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by clive »

Cannot give you the face reference number but it should be a 120mph black faced, side trip of 1600 ratio.
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clive
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by clive »

Just checked the parts list and if you are keen to be exact the face should have the smiths reference on it S-480-3-L
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spookefoote1956
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by spookefoote1956 »

Taking a quick look at some images of said bike it looks like the repro one I recently bought for the wife's bike. It cost me just short of 20 quid from fleabay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-80-Mph-SMI ... 2749.l2649
It has the larger thread for the cable which may or may not be suitable but I've bought a cable which I will alter to suit.

Or as Clive has rightly pointed out you would really need a 120mph version.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chronometric ... rk:37:pf:0 Although I couldn't vouch that either of them are the correct ratio or indeed the correct model for your bike. Depends on your view on originality or wallet size.

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rudelan_LAPSED
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by rudelan_LAPSED »

Attention, the connection of Smiths replica India are 18 mm !!!
But it can be found in 12 mm and therefore use an original cable (1/2'' connector).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smiths-120-m ... rk:30:pf:0
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spookefoote1956
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by spookefoote1956 »

The above is true which is why I bought a cable from f*k*d and shortened it. At 20 quid for a speedo it's worth the time spent altering the cable.
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McBob
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by McBob »

For reference
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clive
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by clive »

Whilst the face on that speedo has the correct reference numbers it is fitted in a headlight shell and presumably has the trip zeroing pull coming out underneath. For a 1949 model 18 the speedo would be mounted on a bracket which bolts onto the two holes in the top of the fork crown. The trip return would come out of the side.
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by SPRIDDLER »

Here's how a '47 speedo looks - trip on the side.
100_1334 (640x480).jpg
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thackero
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Re: Smiths Speedometer Type ? 1949 AJS 500 Model 18

Post by thackero »

Spriddler,
You are correct my speedometer is not inside the headlamp shell but sits on a bracket on top of the fork top yoke. Unfortunately mine was stolen when the AJS was in storage . The speedo does not have to be mint condition. Somebody must have one out there somewhere for a fair price .Thanks
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