When I completed my top 10 favourites last month – though ‘memorables’ is perhaps a better word as it’s been pointed out to me that my choices get less practical the further up the list they go – I vowed to include only one motorcycle from our existing family collection. I chose to put in the 1928 AJS K8, a machine which has been in my father’s possession for longer than I’ve been alive and which is still his go-to favourite. A delight to ride, having that wonderful combination of a willing engine and lightweight, a motorcycle that brings together those two qualities is well on the way to being a pleasant machine.
As I write, we’re still largely in the era of ‘lockdown’ – and the place I’m staying at is my father’s, not least because it’s where there’s a fair selection of motorcycles to choose from. And AJS K8, registration number VDX 654, is one of them, albeit an understated, enduring presence, which has performed sterling service for its 50 plus years of dad’s ownership.
The 500cc ohv AJS engine was only two years in production when this machine was made, having appeared in the company’s line-up for the 1926 model year.
Esta historia es de la edición August 2020 de The Classic MotorCycle.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 2020 de The Classic MotorCycle.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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Runs should be fun
The club run is an integral part of the old motorcycle scene. During 2020, a variation on the usual theme emerged, enabling people to ride in the company of like-minded souls.
Hybrid chicken
BSA Bantams come in many forms, and the ability to interchange parts between different models permits an almost endless number of variants.
Green WITH ENVY
Life aboard a 1950s 350cc British single is perhaps as good and as uncomplicated as it can get.
Worth the wait
Captivated by sight of one as a small boy, finally our man has the chance to try an NSU Max.And a ‘Spezial’ one at that…
The Motorcycle: DESIGN, ART AND DESIRE
The concluding part of a two-part feature, in which the history of motorcycle evolution is examined and a new book’s author interviewed.
Cream rises
There were several ‘star performers’ at Bonhams’ winter sale, as the choice machines achieved huge sums.
The Giant of Provence
With so few events to report from, it’s time to look back over a spectacular French event and look forward to its hopeful resumption.
Store cupboard special
A big box of presents? Must be Christmas! More deliveries keep the project on track.
By 1929, CJP Dodson was a bona fide top level road racer, pretty much unbeatable on the sand, too.
The diminutive Charlie Dodson was the last man to win a TT, the 1928 Senior, on a ‘flat-tank’ machine, then the next year became the first (and only) winner of a TT on a saddle tank Sunbeam, as well as recording the last ever success in the Island for the Marston maker.
Cassandra the Canadian Commando
After landing a new job and with time on his hands, a young man in Vancouver decided to restore a British motorcycle considerably older than him.
