1955 AJS 16c Trials Bike. 350cc. Registration Number VSK 522...

Estimate

£1,900 - £2,200

1955 AJS 16c Trials Bike. 350cc. Registration Number VSK 522. Frame Number C6360. Engine Number 5616M1814C.
Sold with V5c and copy workshop manual.
The rigid framed AJS Model 16M 350 cc single was developed in 1945 from the military Matchless G3/L World War II motorcycle. Well proven in war service, the 350 cc single remained in production selling large numbers to the civilian market well into the 1960s. Simple and practical, the Model 16 needed minimal maintenance and was very economical—ideal during petrol rationing.
The rugged and reliable AJS Model 16 was ideal for the increasingly popular sport of motorcycle trials. Gaining a C (for competition) designation, modifications included upgrading the frame to a welded duplex tubular frame with an engine cradle to reduce weight and redesigned exhaust and footrests to improve ground clearance.
Hugh Viney led the AJS works team in the post war years and won the challenging 1947 Scottish Six Days Trial on an AJS 16MC at his first attempt—then repeated the achievement the following year and made it three in a row in 1949. In the 1950s this record was beaten by another AJS Works Team rider Gordon Jackson, who won the Scottish Trial four times.
VSK is smartly presented in black paintwork and has alloy rims and mudguards. The subject of regular maintenance, it has been road ridden until recently, but our vendor's advancing age has persuaded him that it is time to sell.
Our vendor states that the AJS is on a 19 tooth engine sprocket which gives decent road speed and is ok for off road.