AJS S8 498cc OHV Twin-port

1931 Models Under Test

The 498 c.c. O.H.V. Two-Port A.J.S.

RENOWNED for their wide activities of competition, with the view of thoroughly experimenting with their products, Messrs. A. J. Stevens, the makers of A.J.S. machines, have gained remarkable confidence and support in the motor cycle world.

Therefore, it was with the utmost expectation of piloting a proved motor cycle thoroughbred that the recent test on the 1931 model 498 c.c., o.h.v., 2-port A.J.S. was undertaken. At first glance the A.J.S. immediately impressed with its sporting, yet thoroughly utilitarian, layout. The graceful, racy sweep of the mudguards and the saddle tank and its low riding position are well matched by the sports handlebars.

This inclined-cylindered machine gave something of a surprise by its ease of starting. In the past, when dealing with a motor that has been built to turn out the knots, one could expect a preliminary kick-back from the horses when the starter was pushed in real earnest. But while feeling really healthy under the foot, the engine sprang to life without any mettlesome tricks.

Early in the test a slight fault was noticed, but it was quickly and simply remedied. It was found that when hitting a few bad bumps the front mudguard bottomed slightly on the steering head column. However, an easy and rapid adjustment of the fork shock absorbers immediately remedied this. It was particularly noticeable that the o.h.v. gear was absolutely noiseless, the whole gear working with the perfection that made a strong contrast with the o.h.v. gear on some machines of years back.

Healthy Exhaust.

The exhaust note was also quite an interesting point. We have heard of ghost-like and whispering exhausts, but the A.J.S. exhaust sound cannot come under either classifications. It really had a full-hearted "phut" that seemed to be an ideal splitting of the difference between the "whisper" and the "barker."

This exhaust note will bring a smile of satisfaction to the sporting rider, and will meantime thoroughly satisfy the toughest noise critic. The test included a long spell at hill-climbing over some particularly sharp stretches. There is only one thing to be said regarding the A.J.S.'s performance under these conditions - it made the most gruelling climbs seem like mere kindergarten stuff.

Simple Handling.

Steering was rock-steady, and the handling as simple as could be desired. The front wheel seemed to do just the very correct thing on the most ticklish bends, while on straights a no-hands run gave one the feeling of complete assurance. As the model was comparatively new it was not advisable to try it for high speed, but, judging on the performance of the 1930 A.J.S. of this type, it is safe to assume that 75 m.p.h. to close on 80 m.p.h. could be obtained.

It has not been found necessary to make many important alterations to the motor specifications on this model for 1931.

The handlebars, however, deserve particular mention because of their cleaned-up appearance. Ignition, air, clutch, valve-lifter and front brake levers have all been neatly built-in to the bars, while the twist-grip throttle control is well-ribbed, yet narrower than on previous models. Finger adjustment for both front and rear wheel brakes is employed; the tension arrangement for the front brake being located near the fork's head and easily reached and operated from the rider's seat.

Chromium plating with black and gold lines is the colour scheme, and makes a most attractive, yet distinctive, effect. Summing up, this A.J.S. seems to be an ideal form of sports machine from first to last, and appears likely to perform well up to, and even better than, the traditions set by this famous make in the past.

Australian Cycling & Motor Cycling magazine. Trove NLA