The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
A. J. Stevens & Co. Ltd. (AJS) of Wolverhampton, England was one of the most respected British motorcycle manufacturers of the twentieth century. Founded in the early years of motorcycling, the company produced a wide range of machines between 1909 and the 1960s, including lightweight commuter motorcycles, powerful touring machines, and internationally successful racing motorcycles.
AJS motorcycles became known for their engineering quality and strong presence in competition events such as the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix racing. Throughout its history the company produced motorcycles ranging from small single-cylinder machines to advanced racing motorcycles such as the famous AJS 7R and the AJS Porcupine.
This page provides a structured reference guide to the historic AJS motorcycle models. It includes production years, engine specifications, and historical context to help collectors and enthusiasts identify and understand the machines produced by A. J. Stevens & Co.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model D | 1912-1914 | Single-cylinder | 349cc | Road |
| V-Twin Touring Models | 1913-1914 | V-Twin | 800cc | Touring |
| Model H | 1920s | Single-cylinder | 350cc | Road |
| Model R | 1927-1932 | OHV single | 350 / 500cc | Road |
| Silver Streak | 1938-1939 | OHV single | 500cc | Road |
| Model 16 | 1945-1963 | OHV single | 350cc | Road |
| Model 18 | 1946-1965 | OHV single | 500cc | Road |
| AJS 7R | 1948-1963 | DOHC single | 350cc | Racing |
| AJS Porcupine | 1949-1954 | DOHC twin | 500cc | Racing |
| Stormer | 1960s | Two-stroke | 250 / 370cc | Off-road |
Production Years: 1912-1914
Engine Type: single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 349cc
Drive: belt drive
Gearbox: 2-speed (later 3-speed)
Fuel System: carburetor
The Model D was among the earliest successful AJS motorcycles. Produced during the pioneering years of the motorcycle industry, the machine featured a simple yet reliable design typical of pre-war motorcycles.
Many early AJS motorcycles competed in reliability trials and endurance events, helping the company build a strong reputation for durability.
Production Years: 1913-1914
Engine Type: V-Twin
Displacement: approximately 800cc
Drive: belt drive
Fuel System: carburetor
Shortly before the First World War, AJS introduced powerful V-Twin touring motorcycles designed for long-distance travel. These machines were considerably more powerful than the earlier single-cylinder models.
Production Years: early 1920s
Engine: single-cylinder
Displacement: 350cc
Gearbox: 3-speed
Drive: chain drive
During the early 1920s many motorcycle manufacturers transitioned from belt drive to chain drive transmissions. The Model H represented this engineering transition within the AJS lineup.
Production Years: 1927-1932
Engine Type: overhead valve single
Displacement: 350cc and 500cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
Drive: chain
The Model R series became one of AJS's most respected motorcycles during the late 1920s and early 1930s. These machines offered improved performance and reliability compared with earlier designs.
Production Years: 1938-1939
Engine Type: OHV single
Displacement: 500cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
Fuel System: Amal carburetor
The Silver Streak became one of the most visually distinctive AJS motorcycles. Its polished aluminum and chrome finish reflected the streamlined design trends of the late 1930s.
Today the Silver Streak is one of the most collectible AJS motorcycles.
Production Years: 1945-1963
Engine: single-cylinder OHV
Displacement: 350cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
Drive: chain drive
The Model 16 became one of the most widely produced AJS motorcycles after the Second World War. Known for its reliability and balanced performance, the machine was suitable for commuting as well as touring.
Production Years: 1946-1965
Engine: single-cylinder OHV
Displacement: 500cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
The Model 18 was the larger companion to the Model 16 and offered stronger torque for touring and long-distance riding.
Production Years: 1948-1963
Engine Type: DOHC single-cylinder racing engine
Displacement: 350cc
Gearbox: racing gearbox
Drive: chain
The AJS 7R became one of the most successful customer racing motorcycles of its era. Known as the "Boy Racer", the machine was widely used by private racing teams and independent riders throughout Europe.
Production Years: 1949-1954
Engine Type: twin-cylinder DOHC
Displacement: 500cc
Cooling: air-cooled
The AJS Porcupine was one of the most technically advanced racing motorcycles of the early Grand Prix era. Its unusual cooling fin design gave the engine a spiked appearance, which inspired the nickname "Porcupine".
This machine won the inaugural 500cc World Championship in 1949.
Production Years: late 1960s
Engine: two-stroke
Displacement: 250cc and 370cc
Category: off-road competition
The AJS Stormer represented the company's move into off-road competition motorcycles during the later years of the brand's history.
Throughout its history AJS developed several different engine configurations used across various motorcycle models.
Although the British motorcycle industry faced increasing international competition during the mid-twentieth century, AJS motorcycles remain highly respected among collectors and historians. Their engineering heritage and racing achievements continue to attract enthusiasts around the world.
AJS is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
Vincent, Ariel, BSA, Royal Enfield, Coventry Eagle, Douglas, Excelsior, Matchless, New Map, Norton, Rudge, Sunbeam, and Triumph, all of which played a major role in British motorcycle racing and engineering development.
Motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors looking for rare and classic machines can explore our vintage motorcycles for sale and discover a curated selection of historic and collectible bikes.
If you are restoring a historic motorcycle, you may also learn more about our motorcycle restoration services .
Explore more in-depth guides covering British motorcycle manufacturers, global brands, and vintage motorcycle history.