Best British Single - 2008 Phil Irving Concourse.
[cover story in BSMCC Kickback Oct - Nov 2008]
photos and story by Graham Ward
At the Phil Irving Concours on August Thirty, our club, the British Singles, presented a trophy
for the best “British Single Cylinder Motor Cycle” that fitted the criteria of; a machine
that was used as every day transport and weekend enjoyment, being touring or motor cycle club participation.
The
motorcycle that was selected by our judging team was a 1958 AJS 500cc single, model 18. The owner,
Rex Hamilton, has excellently restored this machine. The photo on the front cover of this issue of
Kickback shows Rex with the AJS. Unfortunately Rex is wheel chair bound following a nasty road accident,
but I am sure it won’t be too long before we see him back on two wheels.
The photo on this page shows Dave Royston, our President, congratulating Rex and presenting him with
his trophy. Tessa, Rex’s wife, is standing behind the wheel chair.
Top
The History of the AJS.
Rex purchased the bike in December 2006 and restored it over the next year.
When dismantled the cylinder required reboring to .040, but the big end was in as new condition showing
no sign of scoring. The small end bush was a bit average so this was replaced, along with all other
bearings and bushes in the engine and gearbox.
All chrome work was replated with the wheels receiving new bearings, wheels and tyres.
The petrol tank had suffered the usual rust problems requiring extensive panel work before being
professionally painted, along with all the other painted surfaces.
On assembly, new bushes and seals were fitted to the front forks, with a reupholstered seat completing
the restoration.
With the AJS now back in as showroom condition, it was ridden in the 2007 Jampot Rally at Swan Hill,
Victoria and the 2008, eight day Single Cylinder Tour, without missing a beat. Total distance ridden
to date, following restoration, is 3000 kilometres.
