1950 AJS 16MC

In June 1945 Associated Motorcycles announced its post-war range of AJS and Matchless heavyweight single cylinder motorcycles to the world. The single cylinder AJS and Matchless bikes were exceptionally successful in both Trials and Scrambles during the late 1940's and 1950's.

Their well proven success during the War kept the AJS 16M 350cc singles in production, they were manufactured with a rigid frame and a Teledraulic front fork. The 'jaggedly' built overhead-valve engine was also assembled with a four speed gearbox.

The rough and reliable AJS 16M was ideal for motorcycle trials riding. The 16M model gained a 'C' for Competition designation, with factory modifications which included upgrading the frame to a welded duplex tubular frame with an engine cradle. This reduced the weight and when combined with a redesigned exhaust and footrests, allowed for significantly improved ground clearance. In the post-war years, Hugh Viney, led the AJS Works team and won the challenging 1947 Scottish Six Day Trial on an AJS 16MC at his first attempt. Later in 1948/9 he repeated the achievement and made it three in a row.

The AJS 16MC offered here was first registered on the 14th April 1950 in Aberdeen with the number plate 'DRS 620', as an AJS model 50/16MC. The vendor tells us that the bike has now been the subject of a full ground up restoration and has also been fitted with the correct 349cc engine, despite the original buff log book stating the engine as a 497cc.

The engine fitted is engine number: 50/G3L 1014c, which is correct for a 1950 349cc competition engine, which was also the first year of the alloy barrel, sand cast cylinder head and the 'long throat' Amal carburettor was fitted as standard.

Ready to ride and enjoy again today, this is a rare and beautiful post war AJS.