The History of AJS Motorcycles

A J Stevens & Co (AJS), was founded bystandard sporting machine and the 'B2' was a stripped
Harry, George, Jack and Joe Stevens on 14thsporting machine.  The 'B1' had TT pattern
November 1909.handlebars and footboards, the 'B2' had no kick start
Harry set about designing the first two machinesor side valance to the front mudguard, but included a
called model 'A' and model 'B'.  Model 'A' was thelighter chain case.
cheaper machine, and was fitted with a 2.5hp singleIn 1925, new letter codes were used for all models,
cylinder, side valve engine and a direct belt drive.starting with the letter 'E'.  The models 'D' and 'D1'
1912 saw the launch of the model 'D'.  In 1916, petrolwere now classified as 'E1' and 'E2'.  Model 'E1' was
was scarce and extremely expensive, due to thethe deluxe version with the sidecar having a glass
war.  AJS, being inventive decided to use town gaswindscreen, celluloid side screens and storm proof
instead of petrol.  A large gas supply pipe ran alongapron. The combination sold for £115.  The 'E2' was
the back of the test bench and small branch pipesthe standard version and sold for £90.  The 'E3'
fed the gas directly into the engines.  At thewas the deluxe touring machine and the 'E4' was the
induction pipe entrance a bunsen burner attachmentdeluxe sporting machine.  Both models sold for
was fitted so that the quality of the mixture could£57. 
be adjusted when necessary.  The speed could beThe 1927 catalogue included eight production
varied by turning the gas on or off at the supply. machines.  The two versions of the passenger
The Ministry of Munitions prohibited the production ofcombination now called the 'H1' and 'H2' sold for £95
motorcycles except for military use, on 3rdand £80 respectively.  There were three machines
November 1916.  AJS was forced to ceaseall powered by the 349cc side valve engine, and
production of its current products.  In 1917, thewere named the 'H3', 'H4' and 'H5'.  The 'H3' was the
Ministry of Munitions received an order from Russiadeluxe tourer and the 'H4' was the deluxe sporting
for extremely large numbers of motorcycles to equipmachine.  Both machines sold for £48.10s.0d.  The
its armed forces.  The order included machine gun'H5' was the standard sporting model and sold for
carriers, ammunition carriers and light ambulances. £44.  The 'H6' and 'H8' were overhead valve
In 1920, the company decided to try to repeat themachines.
success that it had in the 1914 Isle of Man JuniorAt the end of August 1931, a loss of £89,201 was
TT.  Harry developed a new 2.75hp overhead valveannounced and the shares fell in price.  The
engine, and the TT machine included a 3 speedcompany had previously taken out a loan with the
countershaft gearbox, which provided 6 speeds byMidland Bank to finance the commercial vehicle and
engaging either of the 2 engine sprockets.  It had acar business.  The bank decided to foreclose on the
Thompson Bennett magneto and an Amacloan and although the company managed to repay
carburettor.  The new machine did the trick, andthe outstanding amount, it was left with only a small
Cyril Williams came in first.  It was a good year asamount of working capital. 
AJS greatly enhanced its reputation by winning aAn extraordinary meeting of the shareholders was
number of trials and races, and factory buildingcalled on 2nd October, at the Victoria Hotel.  A
continued at Graiseley Hill.resolution was passed for the company to go into
In 1922, the price of the model 'B' was reduced tovoluntary liquidation.  John Todd Lewis of Agar,
£85 and two new models, which were based onBates, Neal & Company, of Birmingham, was
the model 'B' were introduced.  The 'B1' was aappointed as liquidator.