AJW Flying Fox 490cc

The 500 c.c. O.H.V. 'Flying Fox' A.J.W.

AJW 1936 Flying Fox, OHV

ALTHOUGH a comparative newcomer to the local market, the A.J.W. is among the popular machines in England, and the 1937 "Flying Fox" model certainly fulfills the exacting requirements of Australian enthusiasts.

Powdered by a 490 c.c. O.H.V. two port J.A.P. engine with 85.5 mm. bore by 85 mm. stroke, the machine has totally enclosed valve gear with automatically lubricated guides. Lubrication is by the dry sump system with force feed to roller bearing big-end via drilled crank-pin. It is fitted with a Bowden carburettor and Lucas magnets. [sic]

The primary chain transmission is fully enclosed and lubricated from the oil tank by an adjustable change. The gear box is ah Albion with a foot-operated change. The semi-cradle type frame incorporates a tubular brazed-up steering head, steel box section gear box housing and sidecar lugs. Seven-inch diameter front and rear wheel brakes are fitted with finger adjustment. The 3-gallon petrol tank of welded construction is chromium plated and paneled in blue.

Low Running Costs

The particular model under review has been on the road since the middle of April and running costs have proved exceptionally light. Fitted with a heavy commercial delivery box the sports engine gives 50-60 m.p.g. in city running with continual stopping and starting. On a long run the petrol consumption was as high as 70 m.p.g. The oil consumption is particularly light due to the excellent functioning of the lubrication system.

For work with a sidecar it was found that the compression ratio was rather high and was accordingly slightly reduced. With the original compression ratio a certain amount of pinking was noticed but with the reduced ratio which seems to be necessary to compensate for the difference between English and Australian fuels this disappeared.

The riding position is quite comfortable and the controls easily accessible. The foot gear change lever is simply operated without removing the foot from the rest and a special feature is the facility with which neutral can be found.

In the early stages of running there was a certain amount of whine from the gear box but as the engine became running this disappeared.

Easy Starting

Even from cold the A.J.W. gave little difficulty with starting provided the controls were correctly set, but owing to the comparatively short movement of the twist grip too much turn resulted in the carburettor being too far open and ready starting being impaired however this only a matter of becoming familiar with the machine and generally speaking a first kick start is secured. Even at low running speeds the J.A.P. engine gives a very fine performance and with the excellent gear ratios the machine has any amount of toe. Although definitely not a high speed motor cycle the A.J.W. has any amount of pace for the average rider who can comfortably hit 70 m.p.h. solo. With an outfit the maximum top gear speed is 55 60 m.p.h.

Good Braking

Little fault can be found with the brakes which are smooth, quick and powerful in action although perhaps the arm connecting the front wheel brake cable to the drum could possibly with advantage be a trifle longer. The rear foot brake is also powerful in action but is rather difficult to operate effectively without removing the foot from the rest. This difficulty however was very easily overcome by slightly lowering the position of the foot rest.

Comfortable to Ride

In addition to the riding position being quite a comfortable one, the rider has been considered in many little details. The rear mudguard as well as being large is fitted with a very wide valance and the transmission chain is effectively enclosed. A novel feature is a V shaped rain catcher on the petrol tank which drains out underneath the seat thus preventing water running down the tank to the discomfort of the rider. Both steering and road holding are good and there is a very noticeable absence of vibration in the steering which makes-long distance running a great deal less fatiguing.

In appearance the A.J.W. "Flying Fox" is quite an aristocrat with its colour scheme of chrome and blue and it is reasonably priced at £lO9/10/-.

We are able to supply the above road test through the courtesy of Mr. Phil. Gunn who kindly made available his time and machine. Mr. Gunn purchased his A.J.W. as a dual purpose utility machine. He uses it extensively during the week in his parcel delivery service, when it is fitted with a delivery box. For the weekends he finds it a simple matter to change this for a side-car and spends many pleasure hours on the road in pursuit of recreation. His A.J.W. has given him every satisfaction and he is now a confirmed enthusiast for this make of machine.

Australian Cycling & Motor Cycling, June 18th, 1937. Trove NLA