CHAPTER I
THE A.J.S. SERIES
Series 'T.' The 1932 programme, which may be regarded as a temporary measure prior to the introduction of a more comprehensive range, including overhead camshaft machines early in 1933, comprises six machines, all of which have inclined engines. Of these, four are of the overhead-valve type and two of the side- valve type. The overhead-valve models, all of which enable a rider to enjoy a 70 m.p.h., 'blind' if he so desires and have extraordinary acceleration, are Models T6, TB6, T8, TB8, and their respective prices are, excluding electric lighting, £50, £40, £55, £47. Models T6, T8 have twin-port engines and four-speed gearboxes, while Models TB6, TB8 are 'big port' (single-port) models, and have Sturmey-Archer three-speed countershaft gearboxes of special design. The two side-valve models are Models T5, T9, priced at £38 10s. and £49 respectively. These two machines are fast, and Model T9 is notable for the fact that it has a detachable aluminium alloy cylinder head. Below the principal characteristics of the 1932 range are given, the modifications for 1933 being dealt with on page 26.
SERIES 'T' (1932-33) AT A GLANCE
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* These models weigh under 224 lb. and are thus taxed at 30s. p.a. In the case of model TB6 this weight is exclusive of the weight of the tool kit (see page 29).
Page 2
SPECIAL A.J.S. FEATURES
Tank-mounted Instrument Panels. Provision is made on all A.J.S. machines, except Models T5 and TB6, for the fitting of instrument panels on top of the petrol tank. These two models where electric lighting is specified are fitted with the Lucas 'Maglita' lighting set, the extra price for which is £5. In this instance the lighting switch is incorporated in the headlamp, and if a speedometer is fitted it is mounted on the petrol tank itself. On all other models the lighting set specified is the Lucas "Magdyno," and the cost of fitting this (£9 10s.) includes the instrument panel shown in Fig. 1, complete with speedometer, ammeter clock, main switch, and concealed lighting switch.
FIG. 1. SHOWING THE NEAT MOUNTING FOR THE INSTRUMENTS AND ELECTRIC LIGHTING SWITCHES (SEE PAGE 26).
Without the panel the extra charge for Lucas 'Magdyno' lighting is '5 10s. If preferred, instead of the standard finish for the petrol tank (which holds 2 gal. except on Models T5, TB6), a black and chromium finish may be specified for £1 extra. The speedometer, it will be observed, is placed well forward so it may be read easily and safely while travelling fast.
Adjustable Saddle. A really excellent feature on heavyweight A.J.S. machines is the manner of mounting the saddle to make adequate allowance for the variations in physical stature of different riders. As may be seen in Fig. 2, in the case of Models T6, T8, TBS, and T9, the saddle undercarriage at the front end is provided with a bolt which may be inserted in either of three holes in a lug on the top tube, and the rear end of the undercarriage is slotted to allow of the saddle being moved backwards or forwards. As the illustration shows, the bottom of the coil spring is permanently attached to the frame.
'Clean' Handlebars. Considerable attention has recently been paid to cleaning up the handlebars. As may be observed by a glance at Fig. 25, the arrangement is now not only exceptionally tidy, but the various levers and controls are situated so as to fall easily to the hands. Their mountings are also made integral with the bars, so that the possibility of vibration loosening them is very remote.
Page 3
Detachable Rear Carrier. Many riders who find a carrier sometimes invaluable, but who declare that this fitment detracts from the appearance of a sports model, are catered for by the designers of the A.J.S. For an extra charge of 12s. 6d. the carrier shown in Fig. 3 may be specified. Once fitted, its instant removal requires only the taking off of four nuts and bolts, leaving the rear guard absolutely clear. The carrier itself is constructed of steel tube, oxy-acetylene welded. It is standard on T6, T8, T9.
Page 4
Quickly Detachable Rear Wheels. Punctures are rare nowadays, but such things do occur when tyre treads begin to show wear. It is then that a quickly removable rear wheel is an absolute boon to the rider. To facilitate removal of the wheel the mudguard on Models T6, T8, T9 is hinged, as shown in Fig. 4.
This, in conjunction with the special method of securing the rear wheel, renders removal of the latter an extraordinarily simple operation devoid of any 'snags.' No interference with wheel alinement, brake adjustment, or transmission is involved. All the rider has to do is to remove three sleeve bolts, a centre pin and a distance piece. It would be difficult to imagine a more simple yet absolutely efficient system.
Front Brake Operation. On all models except Model T5 the operating cable of the front brake passes down the front fork blade. It is thus completely enclosed but for the small portion protruding close to the operating lever to which it is attached.
Adjustment for the Bowden cable is provided at the fop of the forks.
Page 5
Four-speed Gear-boxes. Four-speed gear-boxes are fitted as standard on Models T6, T8, 33/2, but may also be specified for 30s. on Models TB8 and T9. The ratios have been carefully chosen so as to provide a first-class, all-round performance. Acceleration and hill climbing capacity are greatly improved by the inclusion of this extra speed.
Transmission Shock-absorber. An efficient shock-absorber, details of which are shown in Fig. 6, is fitted to the engine shaft of all models. It provides a more even torque and damps out all transmission shocks, thus imparting a sweeter top gear performance when travelling at low speeds.
Page 6
Totally Enclosed Primary Drive. Every 1932 A.J.S. has the entire front chain, and also the clutch, enclosed in an oil-tight chain case (Fig. 7). The chain thus requires only periodical attention in order to maintain the oil level shown. An inspection disc at the base of the case constitutes an oil level indicator.
Adjustable Magneto Platform. The tension of the magneto driving chain can, on all A.J.S. machines, be adjusted in a very simple manner due to the provision of a special design of platform to which the magneto is secured. This adjustable platform is shown in Fig. 8. As may be seen, the platform has a radial slot which permits of the platform being tilted sufficiently to take up any reasonable amount of slack. Two long threaded bolts pass through the platform and screw into a tapped link on the opposite side.
These only have to be loosened in order to raise or depress the front of the platform.
Vernier Magneto Timing. All except 33/2 and 'Maglita' models have the patented system of Vernier magneto timing, which enables the magneto to be timed quickly and with great precision (see page 125).
Inclined Engines. All A.J.S. motor-cycles except Models T5 and TB6 have their engines inclined forwards in the frame at an angle of 16 degrees to the vertical. On the two models mentioned the angle is 20 degrees. Besides facilitating cylinder removal this enables the magneto to be placed behind the cylinder.
Big-port Engines. Round about 1925 some single-port models were produced having unusually large diameter exhaust ports. These machines had a reputation in the motor-cycle world for their high turn of speed and general liveliness. It is therefore satisfactory to note that two big-port models are available at the present time. They are Models TB6, TB8. Both these machines are genuine 'mile-eaters,' and are much more flexible and pleasing to drive than their predecessors.
Page 7
Detachable S.V. Cylinder Head. One side-valve model (T9) has a detachable aluminium alloy cylinder head designed so that removal of the head for decarbonizing leaves the carburettor and valves undisturbed (see Fig. 16A). The shape of the combustion chamber is excellent with this arrangement, and the lightness of the alloy results in a very appreciable reduction in weight.
Twin-port Exhaust System. Models T6, T8 have twin ports and dual silencers of large capacity. This reduces exhaust noise to a not unpleasant 'zoom' to which no one can take offence.
The silencers, which embody the blind-ended drilled tube principle with fishtail ends, are substantially made of sheet steel and are heavily chromium plated.
Improved Mechanical Lubrication. This system, where the oil in a separate tank is fed to and circulated throughout the engine by a double-action mechanical pump, is used on all S.V. and O.H.V, 'singles.' Once the correct regulator setting has been obtained no attention is necessary other than occasional draining of the crankcase and regular replenishment of the oil tank.
Pages 16-18
Page 19
Page 20:
Pages 21-26 9.90 H.P. STANDARD S.V. (1933) BIG TWIN
Page 26, cont.
1933 MODIFICATIONS
The six 1932 models are being continued for 1933, with the exception of the 349 c.c. big port lightweight model TB6. This machine will be replaced by a 248 c.c. model having a very similar specification, and costing £41 10s. It will be known as model 33/12, and will be taxed at 30s. under the new licensing regulations. The other five models (which incidentally will be known as models 33/6, 33/8, 33/B8, 33/5, 33/9) will be unaltered except in regard to a few minor details.
The raised type of tank-mounted instrument panel (Fig. 1) will be scrapped in favour of a neat flush fitting panel (Fig. 19A). This panel, which, with complete lighting equipment (£5 17s. 6d.), will be available as an alternative to the plain "Magdyno" lighting set (£5 10s.), with switch situated on the back of the headlamp, will include the main lighting switch, a combined panel and inspection light, an ammeter and provision for a Smith 8-day clock (80s. extra). The Smith speedometer, where specified with instrument panel, will be fitted on the front of the handlebars ; otherwise it will be fitted on the tank. Hand- operated shock absorbers will be provided in addition to the steering damper on all models. On model 33/B8 a foot gear change and upturned exhaust pipe will be optional.
Page 27: 1933 Trophy Camshaft Models
Page 27, cont.
A.J.S. Sidecars. Three sidecars will be obtainable during 1933. They will be model 'A' Sports (£18 10s.), model 'B' Launch (£17 10s.), and model 'C' Occasional Two-seater (£25). For the two-seater a spare wheel will be available at six guineas extra.
See also AJS Sidecars of 1930
