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 AJS - 500 Mod. 20 Spring Twin Carénage Peel
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AJS Mod. 20 Spring Twin Carénage Peel motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
814

Capacity : 500
Model : Mod. 20 Spring Twin Carénage Peel
Production : 1950 - 1952
Category : (R) Street Bike

AJS

500 Spring Twin I Model20 – 1952

The number-one tourer of the Fifties

Despite the vast financial problems of the immediate postwar period, the British motorcycle industry reacted vigorously by immediately resuming production of high-quality "big bangers." After 1945 the merging of the leading British marques under the M1C (Associated Motorcycles Ltd) banner, which had begun as early as 1937, included AJS, Matchless, Francis-Barnett — and even Norton from 1952.

General Motor(cycle)s

The best features of each member company were available throughout the group, and by drawing on this organ bank, each marque could retain its individuality and produce a distinct range of models. In a smaller way, it was motorcycling's equivalent of the General Motors concept.

Peerless Power Unit

So it was that the AJS Spring Twin, powered by an engine developed by Matchless, made its debut in 1949. Following the lead set by Triumph in 1937, which was to be standard practice right up to the Seventies, the power unit of the "Ajay" was a parallel twin with a 360-degree firing interval, which meant that the pistons rose and fell together, the resulting vibrations generating an inimitable rhythm which gave such engines immense character. The competition-inspired "dustbin fairing" was an essential accessory of the period; it gave excellent protection but was highly susceptible to cross-winds.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: Air-cooled 498cc (66x72.8mm) vertical twin

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: Single Amal carburettor

Transmission: 4-speed; chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic fork (front); swinging fork (rear)

Brakes: drum (front); drum (rear)

Wheels: 19in wire

For the past 30 years this A]S Spring Twin, fitted with a contemporary Peel fairing made in the Isle of Man, has transported its British owner on his annual camping holiday in France.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.