Need help with unknown AJS motorcycle model

soundsk · Post by **soundsk** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:37 pm

Hello,

The story:

I am from Portugal. My grandfather, who passed away when i was extremely young, had two loves in his life: his family and his motorcycle - A 500cc (I think) AJS motorcycle which he bought and rode everyday, despite the economic difficulties the country suffered at the time.
When he passed away, it's ownership passed to my mother and three uncles, who never touched with it again, but kept it in a warehouse we own.

Finally, after years of abandonment, i am trying to gather some information about it, to find out if a restoration is possible, if there are parts and where they can be sourced.
I am currently trying to get hold of it's documents but they are lost in years of stored away papers.

I would really like to get the old bike shining and working again, and i am even getting a motorcycle license, as i drive a 4x4 that is really thirsty.

I believe these motorbikes are quite rare in Portugal, and the restoration would probably be up to me (i have some experience in the restoration of old cars).

Finally, i leave some pictures of it, as i haven't yet discovered, after browsing the web, it's year or model and was hoping someone here could help me find out.

Thank you (and sorry for any errors in my written english).

The pictures - i used links because of the size:

http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs1.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs11.JPG
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs12.JPG
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs3.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs4.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs2.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs5.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs6.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs7.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs8.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs9.jpg
http://pataafundo.no.sapo.pt/ajs10.jpg
Edited by - soundsk on 15 Jan 2009 12:47:15 PM

Youngster · Post by **Youngster** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:53 pm

Hi,

Welcome to the forum!

It looks like a 1955 twin. Engine size i dont know but probably 500cc.

This would make it a model 20.

It looks in pretty good condition. Its probably worth giving it a really good clean and change of fluids etc and then riding it as it is.

Geoffrey · Post by **Geoffrey** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:26 pm

Hello, the bike looks great, low milage, just clean it up, change fluids a thorough check over and use it!!! Can you please let us know the engine Nº, you will find it between the dinamo and the cylinder, then we can tell you exactly what the bike is.

Congratulations!!!
Geoffrey.

soundsk · Post by **soundsk** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:07 pm

Hello!

Thank you for your help! I'll check the number at the end of the day if i can, and post it.

I know that my father had it completely repaired just before my grandfather died, so that he could still see it well taken cared of, despite not being able to ride it, but i am very afraid that the person who repaired it didn´t quite know what he was doing.

So perhaps the best way is to clean it, change fluids, sparkplugs and give it a try. If it doesn´t start, then i'll count on your help to get it working.

By the way, is there any spare parts "market" in the UK for these bike's? Because i don't think i'll find anything here in Portugal.

Thanks!Edited by - soundsk on 15 Jan 2009 5:28:14 PM

orbinrangle · Post by **orbinrangle** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:42 pm

There's a really good market for parts and most things you will need are easily available. The club has a really good spares scheme that offers a 10% discount to members--it may be worth you joining for this alone. There are also a number of other reliable suppliers.
You will also find this forum of great value to you with lots of very helpful people. Maintenance manuals and parts lists are also available to you free through the club.
Have fun--these machines are very rewarding.
Robin

deshollier · Post by **deshollier** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:42 pm

It will be somewhere between 51 to 55 because of the Jampot rear suspension units. The number of cylinder head fins show that it is a 500cc Model M20. You don't have to be a member of the club to buy spares, but there are other advantages to being a member. There are a number of other spares suppliers in the UK and both new and secondhand parts are available. Whatever you do - do not restore this machine - not yet anyway - it is almost certainly worth more as it is. Original unrestored machines are as rare as hens teeth and command a premium. If you were to sell it (in the UK please!) it would certainly make more money for you as you would not have spent a small fortune just to make it look 'new'. Congratulations - you are one lucky guy.

petert120r · Post by **petert120r** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:27 pm

As it has been standing for many years the petrol in the tank and carburettor will have evaporated/ semi solidified. You will need to clean both before trying to run the engine and there are plenty of articles on this forum to help you in doing this. Original Coca Cola (not Diet) is the best thing for cleaning carb parts!

rex.webb · Post by **rex.webb** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:23 pm

What a lucky chap you are having a bike like that .Complete and looking all original.

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:11 pm

Dont forget to drop the oil out of the sump because thats where it all will be!The chaincase will have filled up too. To avoid disturbing the chaincasa seal i use a piece of tubing and syphon the oil out, it might take awhile! Hopefully the clutch plates aren't soaked too much to cause slipping. I just realised at least the '55 model has a detachable clutch cover, even better!!

Dougie · Post by **Dougie** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:51 am

Hi Portugal Pete

Fantastic machine! As has already been said, DON'T restore it. All machines look better and are worth more with the "patina of age" on them. Good luck with it.