AJS & Matchless 500 Singles: out of the archive

If you’re looking for a traditional British single-cylinder classic motorcycle, then the AJS Model 18 and the Matchless G80 are charming old chuffers which cost considerably less than their Norton or Velocette equivalents… Honest, dependable and free of phoney pretensions, the big singles built by Associated Motor Cycles after WW2 neatly balance price and performance. The 497cc AJS Model 18…

The Matchless Colliers

  The old AJS and Matchless marques, aka Associated Motorcycles, have an extensive and illustrious history which dates back to the turn of the 20th century. This book focuses on the founding family of the Matchless brand, the Colliers, and tells their story as seen by an insider’s eye. It’s not a formal history but instead a personal retrospective which…

James Superswift Two-Stroke Twin

  ‘It’s the finest and dandiest 250 you’ve ever seen,’ said the launch publicity about the new Superswift in the autumn of 1961. ‘The James twin you have been waiting for!’ The new machines, priced at £181.18.8, offered ‘thrilling performance matched only by its superb styling and finish… Ride it here, ride it there, ride it anywhere – this is…

Win an AJS Model 18

If you’re looking for a typical British bike, then the single-cylinder four-strokes built by Associated Motor Cycles immediately after WW2 are the obvious choice. Small wonder then that the National Motorcycle Museum chose an AJS Model 18 as one of the prizes in their winter raffle. Honest, dependable and free of phoney pretensions, the Ajay 18 neatly balances price and…