Description
This motorcycle is Lot 32 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 32
1930 AJS 996cc R2 V-Twin
Registration no. UY 7068
Frame no. R50642
Engine no. R2/ 50642
Formerly suppliers of proprietary engines, the Stevens brothers of Wolverhampton diversified into manufacturing complete motorcycles, setting up A J Stevens & Co in 1909. The brothers' first machine was a 292cc (2½hp) single equipped with either direct belt drive (Model A) or a two-speed countershaft gearbox with all-chain drive (Model B), this latter combination being advanced in its day, especially for a lightweight. A 5hp v-twin - the Model D - joined the range in 1912. Intended for sidecar work, the Model D was powered by a 631cc sidevalve engine and came with a 'beefed-up' version of the two-speed gearbox. The Model D's engine was enlarged to 696cc (6hp) for 1913, while a three-speed gearbox and internal expanding rear brake were additional improvements. A new, smaller 'Double-Purpose' v-twin - the 550cc Model A - arrived in November 1914, at which time the Model D was redesigned along 'A' lines and further enlarged to 748cc. Endowed with an effortlessly flexible motor and built to A J Stevens' traditionally high standards, the v-twin 'A-J' was one of the most effective and popular sidecar tugs of its day. The model remained a fixture of the range into the early 1930s, latterly with a 996cc engine.
Manufactured in 1930, this R2 v-twin has the 996cc engine first introduced for the 1929 season. The owner acquired the AJS in 2000 and, together with his father and daughter, used it regularly as a motorcycle combination in the VMCC's Banbury Run (the machine is pre-1931 and thus eligible for this highly popular event). Offered as a separate lot, a period-correct AJS sidecar is included in this sale.
An older restoration presented in wonderful 'barn-find' condition, the AJS was last taxed in 2003 and currently displays a total of 3, 054 miles on the odometer. The engine turns over and the private vendor has had the engine running recently (video available). Offered for sympathetic recommissioning and/ or restoration, this delightful Vintage-era v-twin is offered with old/ current V5C documents and an HPI printout, which records the machine as having previously been registered overseas and not registered/ re-registered in the UK until 1983.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
