1955 AJS Model 18S 500cc Single Motorcycle - Part 7 of 7 - 50-Mile Shake Down Test Ride!

1955 AJS Model 18S 500cc Single Motorcycle - Part 7 - 50-Mile Shake Down Ride!
In this video, we're taking the lovely old bike for a shake down ride to test that it's running okay
Music: Sailing - Delicate Steve from the KZbin Studio Audio Library
I thought this music was really nice and sounded like Pearl Jam, which would be appropriate for a Jam-pot!
✅ Here's a playlist of the videos in this mini-series.
I will add each video to the playlist as each video is published:
• Feature | 1955 AJS Mod...
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[@KymHammond]

Noraly with her Itchy Boots series (I know we are all addicted - let’s not hide it) is teaching us all again what the world looks like at about the same speed as the old AJS, Mike. That was really quite nice, and then quite impressive when Jeff put its old cable shoes brakes through their paces on the downhill return.

[@bananabrooks3836]

Methinks there's something fishy 'bout Itchy...

[@KymHammond]

@@bananabrooks3836 - and what would that be or is this just another inarticulate Alex Jones type response who treats every media utterance as the literal truth - youdontthink that much is clear

[@bananabrooks3836]

@@KymHammond lts all too damn clean isnt it?

[@KymHammond]

@@bananabrooks3836 what is clean ? The Itchy Boots series? Her production values are really good - she is a consummate videographer, a great editor and worked out a long time ago how to make vlogging work for her and audiences. If it’s her bike then even the off road terrain she chooses to travel through are all places not too far from anywhere - she travels alone and needs to be cautious. That doesn’t seem hard to understand. She is not doing enduro like her compatriots on their Honda 90 or her Spanish friend on his BMW.

[@TallBiker]

Hi, I've just purchased a 1956 Matchless G3LS 350. Very similar to this AJS but with the smaller engine. Thoroughly enjoyed your series of videos. I'm the 3rd owner of my Matchless which has never been restored. Even though it was recently recommissioned I still plan to go through everything, just as you did, to be sure. Each bike I get seems to be getting older and older. I love working on bikes. Regards from Devon, UK.

[@williamnethercott4364]

I really enjoyed this series. I have a 350cc AJS lightweight and it is a very comfortable bike. When I acquired it (last year), the back tyre was so old there was no DOT code and I was glad to change it for my favoured Dunlop as a priority, which made a big difference. The sooner the AJS owner can get his tyres sorted, the better. Years ago, I had a Triumph 3TA which also handled beautifully. The two of you had a great choice of bikes for a cruise in the country. BTW, I was also a private pilot a few years ago, so I enjoyed the airfield sequence too (I only got to fly a Mooney once).

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi William, thank you very much for your note. I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the video. That was a lovely ride. I also had a 54 16MS a long time ago and loved that bike! Best wishes, Mike

[@steveharvey4036]

Great to be able to ride along with you, Thank you.

[@neilurquhart8622]

Great to see a bit of US countryside scenery…lovely old AJS. As a matter of interest I have a friend that has been restoring a Matchless 350 for nearly 60 years! Do you think this is a record? I reckon his wife is always finding him something else to do!

[@ilonaeglite5731]

Paldies par jauko braucienu !

[@TheMightyGarage]

Sveiki un paldies, ka atnācāt. Vislabākie vēlējumi!

[@gillestrombetta3019]

Hello Mike !!! Magnifique vidéo et superbes motos 😎👍

[@irenehelsen7666]

Nice ride with 2 nice bikes and the sound of both. It's my favorit channel on a sundaymorning( Nijmegen, the Netherlands)

[@robertsimmons4980]

Finally raining today in Connecticut. Glad I could join you on your enjoyable shake down. Thanks

[@robertspeicher5047]

I read a story of men who, each, owned a single cylinder bike, small displacement. Rode around a state park in the south west. The slow, easy, enjoy the ride. No race or speed. Kind of like riding a horse and just enjoy the experience.

[@johnb5519]

Beautiful bikes, and scenery. Those clouds looked like you could almost reach up and touch them.

[@mickgerard6696]

Wonderful Mike. Just wonderful. Much appreciated. 🏍😎🌞

[@podthewelder]

Beautiful bikes!!! 🏍🤙🍻

[@northlandrider5396]

I rode my 58 T-Bird with a bunch of AJS singles on a two day club ride recently and was hugely impressed with their performance. Even the 350 with us was no slug. And they seem to be a quite reasonably priced classic here in New Zealand. I'd have one, if I was allowed any more bikes. 😊

[@christidmas8367]

I bought mine in Henderson,Auckland in '78 all original.Just changed the carb to a Concentric.930 I think.My friend loved the bike and I sold it to him and he had a meeting with a wayward cow on the Scenic Drive in Titirangi.Was written off unfortunately.My friend found an abandoned Velocette sidecar at the tip and got it running.Boy that was a wild ride 3 up.

[@BlackSun3Tube]

Ask Madame (or Monsieur, depending on your choice), maybe it will be accepted! :)

[@kdsowen2882]

Same-here ! or equivalent 350 BSA , there's an exceptionally tidy one on TM for 6.5K but......

[@kevinobrien1259]

Shhh don't tell everyone they will all want one and the prices will go up, Amc singles are great and tough old cookies.

[@wdhewson]

One knows the videography is good when the viewer starts leaning around in the lounge chair!

[@splodge5714]

Lovely ride on two great bikes. Could you get a go on a new Royal Enfield Classic 350? Would be nice to see how they compare to the old British singles.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Lovely mechanical symphony. I think most of us wish we still had the bike we owned when 17-18. Mine was a 1955 AJS 500 twin. Looked exactly like yours except gif the engine. Learned a lot about mechanics with that as it was very worn out 😢 Thanks from Oz.

[@speedtriplerider7853]

Once again a great relaxing start to my lazy Sunday. Thanks Mike for doing and posting. The sound of those two bikes was simply beautiful..

[@kdsowen2882]

I've always loved those old AJ's , a whole different riding experience . I went out for a ride on my W650 today , cheered me up no-end after a few weeks of grotty-flu . Dave NZ

[@slash502]

how would you compare the feeling of riding and ownership of the w650 to these classic brit singles?

[@kdsowen2882]

@@slash502 No real-comparison to an old-brit-single (it's got brakes that work ! ) but nothing-like any modern-bike either . People say the W's vibrate (they do have rubber engine-mounts so maybe they have to be 'set-up' correctly ) , maybe some do but mine doesn't . It's a bit like an old BSA A10 , or tricked-up triumph Daytona-500 . It's got the power-delivery of a 360-degree parallel-twin but it's still very-refined compared to those old bikes . There's almost no-maintenance , it's great around-town and you can push it hard through twisty-stuff . Front-suspension can be cheaply-tweaked with spacers and thicker-oil . It is a beautiful-bike to look-at and people will come over to talk about it ( you have to enjoy polishing chrome, heaps of it ) . If you don't want heaps of power and love the old-look , it's an easy-machine to own and enjoy . Dave

[@rwayne3243]

Great video, Mike. I have really enjoyed this mini-series. The bike seems beautifully sorted, no surprise, your work is excellent and your videos are a great technical resource for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. As always, thanks for posting!

[@MothershipVideos]

Built in a different era when life was a bit slower.

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

Really enjoyable, relaxing video, thanks Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it Kevin, thanks a lot. Cheers, Mike

[@jontg429]

Beautiful bike and runs like a top! Love the chronometric speedo whose needle jumps about, so cool!

[@tadpoles10]

Nice steady ride for the 'old girls' just what they need, a couple of old guys treating them well .. 😉.. 😂 Thanks as always for sharing Mike, best wishes to everyone .. t ..👍 .. 🏍

[@Mike-H_UK]

Great job. Am I mistaken, but didn't the original headlamp have a small pilot lights on either side? Not sure what they were ever good for. Fantastic restoration and engine sound.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Mike, yes I'm sure you are right. They were a little bullet shaped lights on both sides of the headlight. Thank you very much for your note, I appreciate it. Best wishes, Mike

[@DaleChristensen-i9d]

Great video. I have a 54 18S. Don't forget that the wheels have grease fittings too.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks for the tip!

[@grahamtricker4103]

A lovely series of videos on the AJS. Wonderful Mike! 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Graham! I enjoyed working and riding that lovely bike very much. Best wishes, Mike

[@MrBeracah]

Very relax8ng and enjoyable experience watch8ng your series, keep it simple and focus on the bikes, well done. My bike at age 17 was a Honda cb350 twin, a real flier after my first bike a bsa bantam bushman model. Unfortunately wrote it off on a blind bend at night out in the country. Would love to visit and tour round the north west states, Oregon seems so beautiful especially in the fall. Well maybe one day, recovering from recent operation and keen to go for a wee run like yours. Greetings from the green isle. That triumph is running very sweet.

[@colvinator1611]

I'm encouraged and inspired! My G80 ( or M18, not sure yet ) project is progressing steady. I've just about finished the frame ( it's the one with the bridge piece at the bottom of the vertical frame tube under the seat ). I've started overhauling the jampots now so it's great fun and very rewarding. Thanks for the videos. Colin UK

[@Cobra427Veight]

I feel the same ,my 49 G80 is getting closer , no shocks on mine though .

[@colvinator1611]

@@Cobra427Veight The last few days I've got a tank, 1 tool box, carb and some other bits. I've got more painting to do now.

[@nounoufriend1442]

That's the early frame with alloy casting for swing arm pivot ,think its factory rework of the rigid frame , I like look of early swing arm bike with separate tool box . I have 1955 matchless G3LS its good runner but needs paintwork tidying up

[@BlackSun3Tube]

Very cool video still! Thanks for sharing!

[@larrys.3992]

Wonderful bikes. Congratulations on the subscription growth. Cheers Mike!

[@michaelcase8574]

I love the look of the bar end mirrors on the AJS. I always liked the look of the old torpedo hand grips. They were almost universal on those older bikes. Thanks for the great ride.

[@havok531]

Love the sound of classic British twins and singles.

[@berniereric]

🏍👍 Nouveau

[@davidmackee8575]

That looked fun nice ride out great video guys...

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks David 👍 that was a really nice bike. Cheers

[@jameslynch5716]

ENVIOUS, Canada

[@JRondeauYUL]

Hi Mike 👋 ! For a thumper, it looks like this AJS Is not shaking too much (your mirror was not blurred). Could it be the side effect of the over soft suspension that absorb engine vibrations as well as road bumps? 🤔

[@rafaelpelizza5757]

Hola Mike...amigos lugares hermosos y motos..quemas se puede pedir.saludos Rafa de mardel plata Argentina

[@gmoac]

the AJS is just a beautiful motorcycle. i feel envy..again...(for the trip..mainly..)..

[@daveco1270]

Cool bikes. I've always loved that thunderbird...it makes me want to paint my 64 TR6 black.

[@PeterPan-iz1kk]

Nice video! 🙂 But you don't sound like you're from Oregon, you sound more like a Brit?

[@TheMightyGarage]

haha, yes I'm a "northerner" from England. I still can't shake the accent after 25 years in the US! 😀

[@PeterPan-iz1kk]

@@TheMightyGarage Which is just as well! ;-) Please keep your accent, it's part of your identity. Your AJS reminded me strongly of my old 1952 BSA B33, which I owned for 6 years and put well over 30.000 miles on in this long, thin, cold country just east across the North Sea from Britain. And I've driven her through most of Sweden too. Very charming those old Brit bikes are, and good fun to ride; but they also need a quite a bit of maintenance when used on a daily basis, as I did. Eventually I got tired of the great amount of maintenance, like changing oil, greasing, lubricating, checking, adjusting, and so on and so forth, ever so often; and especially of cleaning, washing, flushing, drying, waxing, and then cooling, and changing, the drive chains. I had a pair of chains which I alternated, so I could clean one while the other was being used on the bike. Very time consuming and dull work that had to be done about every fortnight; but the chains lasted for almost two years when treated that way. And then there was the clutch too, a six spring! It was a true nightmare to get it properly adjusted. It would take the inside of a day, and lots of patience and precision. So after six years I eventually sold it and bought a 1983 BMW R100RS instead. That is the best bike I've ever had and driven, whether owned, borrowed or rented; it has everything a man could ever want from a bike, maybe apart from doing terrain business; it can do that too, but it's not ideal. But in all else, on road, she's a great bike. Racing, sporting, touring, commuting, shopping, or high speed cruising on motorways for days at an end; you name it, she can do it. And with a minimum of maintenance, too! But I do miss my charming BSA B33 though - I just don't miss the work! ;-D Perhaps you would want to take a closer look at the BMW R100RS too? I know you've done the BMW R100S already; but a newer year of an R100RS (after 1981 that is, until 1984) would show some difference and development. And the BMW R100RS has actually been dubbed "The Greatest Motorcycle Ever Made" - and I agree! Just a thought. Cheers, and thanks again!

[@christidmas8367]

Brings back so many memories Mike.Hearing the carby breathing and the little rattle from the engine.Gearboxes were so good on these.Occasionally had to deglaze the clutch plates to stop clutch drag.All the best Mike.

[@r6ymy]

Bike looks and sounds lovely, as does the Triumph. Can't believe that when you arrived at Bald Peak the rider of the only other bike there doesn't even look up from his phone at the sound of two interesting classics approaching.

[@2wheelvintage361]

I went to a British motorcycle show today. Quite a few AJS models still around here in the northeast. There was even a Vincent black shadow that rode in.

[@drpastelin2224]

Whats a normal speed for.this bike? Not taking it to the extreme. I mean a fast but smooth speed for traveling

[@jimiorezzoli]

Bravo!

[@georgemartin5481]

Hi Mike & Geoff, great to see both of those beauties on the road. Now to lightly critique your comments Mike. Wouldn't you be a bit proud of a speeding ticket on that grand old AJS?

[@stewy62]

Great job Mike ! What an enjoyable ride with two lovely looking motorcycles 🇬🇧

[@dennishanson9529]

Nice bike. That's a beautiful place for a shake down cruise.

[@manfredmatzdorf4728]

Hey,Mike,again a nice ride; and not so much traffic! Greetings Manfred

[@jmcat8713]

Love brit bikes! JoseM from Barcelona 59Club Spain

[@tompas11A3n52KkX]

Oh what a lovely bike that AJS is.

[@Doug19651983]

Very nice. I need to do this ride with you in person sometime.

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice series on the AJS. The chrome tank is out of the park. What does AJS stand for? Enjoyed the video Mike. Ride Safe!

[@northlandrider5396]

Alex Jones Sucks 😉

[@neilsedgwick9387]

Hi do you have any videos of working on the wheels & brakes of the AJS I have an 1952 AJS Single bike & particularly would like to know how tight do you do the nut on the left hand side of front wheel hub as seems if you tighten to tight while wheel is out of bike the shaft binds up thanks Neil

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Neil, sorry I didn't take any videos of the wheels and brakes for the AJS project. But if I understand what you're asking correctly, a few thoughts come to mind. The axle nuts should be pretty tight, but I don't have the torque settings. But tightening the axle shouldn't result in the wheel locking up/binding. It's possible that there might be some spacers missing? You might check the parts diagram to see if there is a missing part or a part is protruding and causing the binding between the forks. The other tip that I hope will helpful regarding the brakes is on the Norton Commando, I loosely fit the front wheel and then before I tighten up the axle I spin the wheel by hand and then apply the brake at the handle bar, which centers the brake shoes in the drum. I will do this a few times, spinning and then applying the brake quickly until the wheel stops suddenly. Then, while the brake is still applied, I tighten up the axle completely. This can make a big difference when applying the brake while riding and stops the wheel from shuddering. I hope this helps. Cheers, Mike

[@carsten4594]

Well done!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Carsten. That was a really enjoyable project. Best wishes

[@spadaspares]

What's that clacking noise?

[@peterturnham5134]

Hi, I started my motorcycle career on a Matchless 250 G2CSR, I loved it at the time, you do your first bike. But it was an experimentation badly designed. Needed 250 learner qualification laws. OK it would do 80mph. But I loved the look of the AJS/Matchless 350-500 Heavyweights they were beutiful, solid, well designed. I would love to ride one. But I moved on to Norton, Atlas 750 I still have since I was 17, now I am 65. It is in combat state of tune Manx lookalike. Honestly I would be better off with your AJS 500. Enjoy

[@northlandrider5396]

Never ever ask a Norton owner how much it owes them. 😊

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀

[@stevek3036]

I like the wide ratio gears on that AJS. Makes for a more enjoyable torque experience. Japanese and European bike manufacturers were obsessed with o-100mph performance and had close ratio gearing. I had a Kawasaki Z1300 years ago. 120HP and five speed gearbox. Gearing was so close ratio it destroyed the character and power of the engine

[@mrjolly8680]

Thanks for the video, just got in from a little ride on my old Sportster and watched this. Enjoyed it nearly as much as my ride. Mike.☀️🌈 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@frao4160]

Niiiiice!!!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope all is well

[@daveswanson6066]

Watching your videos over Sunday morning coffee has become quite an enjoyable tradition! Keep it up!

[@daintree2455]

Thanks Mike great vid. By the way Oz bikers always believed police bike speedometers read about 15kph high.

[@glenminnick3724]

Love old brit bikes, have owned many. I used to love my matchless g80cs 500 single ! I live in Oregon and there are some killer motorcycle roads here!

[@bananabrooks3836]

You didnt touch the drive side/clutch in the recommissioning l think, so adjusting the clutch and examining the prim. case leak could make a useful video. If youre going to tackle the 'primary' leak, make sure the oil is actually coming out of the case not leaking from somewhere else at the back of the case. IF it is the case joint there are lots of tips/theories on club website/google. The bike seems like its living up to its rep. as a 'Smooth gentlemans tourer with a fair turn of speed'

[@shedbuzzard2579]

Just wondering if Geoff (hope that is correct spelling) moved from Australia with his bike.

[@elmerfudd1086]

Once again a pleasant video of a couple of buddies enjoying our pastime. It's always an enjoyable experience to watch your videos Mike.

[@kevindaly5093]

Thanks Mike. Another great video. It takes quite a bike for me not to take much notice of a Triumph Thunderbird, and that AJS fits the bill. The pinnacle of British styling. Conservative elegance at its very best. Love it.

[@jamesfreeland3137]

Nice

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks James, glad you liked the vid. Cheers, Mike

[@jamesfreeland3137]

I watched something about the AJS 125ccm on KZbin and wondered if it's as good as it looks that’s what got me interested. Didn't know them before. Here in Germany you are allowed to ride 125ccm with max. 15 hp on a regular Car license after being in Drivingschool for a few hours theorie and praxis. I would only be allowed to ride it to the border of Germany what makes me think if I should do that. A license for bigger bikes I can't afford. Liked to see how they used to look like and you showing it was nice, too. 🤔 👍

[@54macdog]

That has been a brief but memorable affair with this little beauty. Keep you eye out for one of your own. Geoff's looks like a lot of work. Police here also used the BSA A10 twins and earlier, the Ariel Square Four.

[@raypusey8037]

🍳🥓🫖 The Mighty Garage. What more could a man want. 😉 Ray 🇬🇧

[@polski21twelve70]

this is my first look at your project it is flat out gorgeous 😍. this was an absolute treat to watch I'm in love with vintage singles going back to their beginnings of time to 70's ish. But it's Matchless that gives me the "tingles" are those jam pots in the back? Now I gotta marathon the build. thank you dgg'n your channel 🤘 gotta request: next ride when not alone, can you ride behind it close enough to hear that sweet exhaust sound?

[@TheDavey333]

Looked like a really good test run. Just a pity you have to hand it back, to its owner 😏 Have an amazing week Mike 👍

[@iivaridark6850]

Very enjoyable video - the sound quality is nice, we love to hear the engines! Thanks!

[@anthonycarty9433]

Thanks for the Sunday morning ride out , saves me the agg of putting all my clobber on and going out .

[@shedbuzzard2579]

Very enjoyable, you get so much variety in the videos, keep up the great work.

[@frankboff8185]

Very good series of videos, got to love a AMC single, thanks for sharing.

[@colvinator1611]

Jeff's project bike has the same frame as mine ! All the best with the build Jeff.

[@zepelin-on-road]

Bonus : sky timelapse at 15:23 😉 Good job ! 👍

[@sf940477]

The ajs / matchless, I like the look but always thought the seat looked a bit funny 😁

[@philmuskett265]

Great ride out on two great Britons. Pride in the chest, lads. Brilliant.

[@simonmannell9809]

What superb scenery! Were the roads closed to all other traffic just for you?

[@practicalplinking6133]

Fun Times !! better a shake down than a shake off !!

[@78a67h]

In the 50s when British Bikes reigned supreme the Triumph twin was a favourite not least because of its good looks but also as a prime performer. However other marques got their fair bit of attention and BSA was considered one of the most durable. It would be interesting to hear your views as an expert so closely involved.

[@bananabrooks3836]

I think you meant Export.

[@mred7030]

how do you manage with all those different gearboxes , left side right side up gears down gears ? there would be much crunching of gears if i tried .

[@bananabrooks3836]

He edits out the crunchy changes😉

[@northlandrider5396]

There's usually much unintended braking involved too 😂

[@russellstafford3674]

You would be the perfect doctor. In your British accent “we’re just going to give your heart a little squeeze and make sure nothing is amiss. Slowly increase the beats per minute and watch the blood flow making sure it is returning properly into the tank. “ Love your videos and demeanor. A truly relaxing experience.

[@robertspeicher5047]

Pretty country. Wherevwas this?