| 350cc |
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500cc |
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16M and G3L
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18 and G80
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16MS and G3LS
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18S and G80S
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16 and G3
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18 and G80 (Major)
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16 and G3 (Sports)
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Years Produced: 1945-1969
Engine: 348cc OHV single-cylinder
Power Output: 17-20 horsepower
Top Speed: 70-80 mph
Gearbox: 4-speed transmission
Frame: Rigid frame (early), later versions had rear suspension (springer or swingarm).
Use Case: Road and off-road versions (Model 16C for competition).
The AJS Model 16 was a direct competitor to the BSA B31 and Matchless G3L.
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Years Produced: 1945-1966
Engine: 498cc OHV single-cylinder
Power Output: 20-24 horsepower
Top Speed: 80-90 mph
Gearbox: 4-speed gearbox
Frame: Rigid, later swingarm versions.
Use Case: A more powerful alternative to the Model 16, used for touring, racing, and trials.
The Model 18CS (Competition Scrambler) was a high-performance off-road version, loved by desert racers in the 1950s.
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The four basic models that AMC started after the WW2 were the
16M, G3L, Model 18 and G80. The 16M and G3L models are the direct
descendants of the War Office Matchless which so many learned to
ride in their Service days. The Model 18 and G80 models are identical
except for the larger engine capacity. These bikes were known for their
durability, strong low-end torque, and reliability, making them popular among
commuters, military forces, and off-road riders.
As time went on, improvements and model expansion also increased,
the first being the competition models,
the 16MC and G3LC for trials and scrambles.
In 1949 the biggest change came with the introduction of rear
suspension, when an 'S' was added to the marque code, i.e. 16MS,
G80S and so on. This rear suspension became known as 'candlestick
suspension' and it was replaced by the sturdier 'jampot suspension'
in 1951. Both these units were made in-house.
1957 saw the final change to the rear suspension, dropping the
'jampots' and buying-in Girling units.
Obviously, over the life of the factory many changes were made to
all the models, some to improve comfort and others to improve
efficiency and speed.
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