Bike Profiles: AJS 7R and Manx Norton

We're back with another one for you!
In this video, Sam takes us on a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the engineering and racing backstory of two of his favourite bikes at the museum: the AJS 7R and the Norton Manx.
Sammy's roadracing career is intertwined with the history of these great British machines; at 20 years of age he won the 1954 Cookstown 100 on the AJS. He later won the Munster 100 on the Manx in 1956.
Like us on Facebook: / sammymillermuseum
Website: www.sammymiller.co.uk
We hope you enjoy this segment. More videos on the way!

[@eskertoo]

As a kid in the 1960s I would read the 'Motorcycling' paper to follow the road racing.But the winter was the season for the 'Trials' riders.I can't describe the dominance of Sammy Miller in that particular field.He never seemed to lose an event.I recall he rode his Ariel 500 single cylinder for years then suddenly decided to ditch that bike in favour of a Bultaco 250 2 stroke.His fans were horrified ...those 2 bikes were like chalk and cheese... but they needn't have worried.Sammy just kept on winning.I once read that Sammy was the greatest unsung champion of any motorcycle sport and I have to agree with that statement.

[@alistairbernard9574]

Superb. Sammy Miller is one of my favourite past heroes. Its Amazing how he remembers everything so well about these great motorcycles. Definitely a true Champion. 👍

[@servicarrider]

Past hero's? Hero's don't come with an expiration date.

[@tristanbuckoke9121]

Love it Sammy brilliant video cheers

[@petermolloy992]

One of the greatest bonds between the north and south is motorcycle racing. Who would have ever imagined that roaring down a country road with twenty other blokes could be such a bonding experience. Or thousands of us all riding up to the NW200 together. Long live road racing and the terrific history preserved by people like Sammy.

[@Mike40M]

Love the museum. Only spent a few hours there before my friends dragged me away. Never ridden a 7R, but my ex. Geoff Tanner 40M is a real joy to ride.

[@JacquesWood952]

These videos are great. Please keep them coming.

[@brianperry]

Just love the exhaust 'noise' of those bikes. A very distinctive over run sound..

[@brianperry]

Just love the sound of these British singles, its such a unique 'noise' ...Reminds me of my first visits to brands Hatch in the early/mid sixties....

[@bahoonies]

@Brian Perry Yes there are few sounds as glorious as that of the old thumpers. I loved going to road races years ago, waiting at a corner and guessing what was approaching as the bikes dropped down the gears. The growl of the 7Rs, G50s and Manx Norton was my idea of heaven.

[@brianperry]

@@bahoonies You got that right Damian.

[@moosey62]

Sammy, my father was a great admirer of yours, having also been involved in road racing and trials. I grew up listening to him talk about yourself and Geoff Duke. God forbid we ever mentioned Barry Sheene. He would have loved to watch this great video and see that 1949 7R, his most revered bike and year model! Thanks Sammy ;-)

[@k.kristianjonsson4814]

Unbelievable! Sammy Miller making a lot of lovely noise on the museum entrance road on the old racing bikes. What a guy!

[@canvids1]

Bless you sir as I never raced but had a Matchless 500 or 600 cc twin, can't remember now but long ago, but it was a great bike never no problems.

[@gerry343]

Just imagine a whole grid full of open megaphones! People were less sensitive about noise in those days. Sammy's collection of bikes is superb, you will see things here as nowhere else.

[@johnbrereton5229]

I used to live near Brands Hatch in the 1960s and used to cycle up to the circuit and stand by paddock bend. As the bikes burst into life and hit the bend the sound was tremendous and all the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, I was in paradise. 😊

[@PurityVendetta]

Sammy's a lovely chap, always takes time to speak to me when I meet him at shows. Can I recommend Sammy's museum as the best, the most friendly and interesting I've ever had the good fortune to visit. His boys even okay'd us to take our elderly Doggo with us. I guarantee you won't be disappointed if you visit.

[@oldergeologist]

I am 72 and in 1970 my friend and I brought brand new Bultaco Matadors in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. Sammy Miller was my hero mostly because of his trials riding successes. I was lucky enough to visit his brilliant museum in 2005. I walked through saying , I had one of those, I had one of those! I still have a motorcycle ( Ducati Hypermotard) but after owning many motorcycles the Bultaco for its day was the best, brilliant design and bulletproof.

[@welsh_viewer5913]

Visited the museum 2019. What a great place. And a good cafe too.

[@Jubie82]

The sound of that 7R, legend! Thank you Miller.

[@Team-fabulous]

What a fantastic video, Sammy was the man.... And the aul shite can still ride..

[@ianlawrie919]

As always the man has phenomenal insight and history which he brings to life, and he is an awesome biker 😮👍👌

[@geoffreymonk2843]

Visited in 2016 and meet Sammy, great man, great museum. More videos please. Cheers from Australia.

[@cecilwilson5442]

My dad's uncle Charles gray raced an ajs 7r he was from Belfast and knew Sammy,, artie Bell had a work shop on the cregagh Road,, also raced against Sammy,, great video, ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@stevethistle7974]

My mother worked for Artie Bell at his vespa motors shop, I still have his reference letter he gave her to help with a job in america.

[@TheSteelweasel]

very nice keep on rocking mate .. good old boy .

[@paullacey2999]

Fascinating!But do you have any footage of the supercharged V4 AJS?That looks scary...

[@michaelgibson4705]

Sammy talks with the authority of Someone who was there

[@loganpollock1689]

My brother had an old AJS 500 cc with the old brazed pipe joint style frame instead of the welded frame. I have no idea what year it was made but it was a sturdy and reliable bike.

[@heartsky]

Stroking his engines has probably kept him from having one. Keep racing Sammy!

[@brianpatricklarkin3474]

Reg Armstrong classic Irish road racer ☘️ Just because I'm a Dub 😜 god bless Sammy 👍

[@bahoonies]

@Brian Patrick Larkin Now there's a great name I haven't heard in many years. My father knew Reg Armstrong back in the day.

[@mikejones-go8vz]

I will remember that tip when I’m racing my 7R.....in my dreams

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

Staying young on motorcycles! Thanks Sammy!

[@pikeywyatt]

thanks from a oap in east sussex.i will get out on my 250 when things are ok .have gust had first jab.

[@tonylittle2744]

Great memories, being in the pits at Brands, hearing the Manx and Ajays starting up.

[@santifresnel2320]

my next bike is a thumper, any thumper, im done with multi

[@petermolloy992]

I’ve always loved thumpers too. Something uniquely simple about them that just appeals to me. I’ve had an NSU superMax and an SR 500. Always wanted (but never found) a Desmo 250.

[@santifresnel2320]

@@petermolloy992 my first bike was a 1954 simson AWO. heh

[@petermolloy992]

@@santifresnel2320 I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Simson AWO. We have an amazing (900+ bike) museum near Birmingham AL that I like to visit once a year. They have bikes like a Silk 700 and a Hesketh. I had never seen a Sink before and I’d only ever seen a Hesketh in the IOM during TT week. I’ll have to see if they have a Simson next time.

[@peterwilson3792]

has any body come a cross Jim O'Conner , he had a Norton International or Manx , he was Irish , but lived in York UK when I knew him in the early very 1970's , he was old then and a motor mechanic , with a small work shop in Gladstone Street York

[@colincoleman2536]

What a true legend great to see Sammy still giving it large on the throttle, WARNING should you visit his amazing collection of motorcycles allow all day I call it the glue pot because once inside you won't want to leave.

[@pippastone6018]

If I win lotto here in New Zealand I most differently will be flying to England as this is the best collection I have seen and I have seen a few here in n.z.😎👍🇳🇿🌈❤️KIWI PIP 🌈🇳🇿👍😎❤️

[@ronaldhenderson2327]

Hi would you be able to send some details of places to visit to see the bikes and cars for next time I am in New Zealand. There is a display on in Brisbane at the moment with some rare bikes including a Britton. I will be going soon. Thanks Ron

[@spigot993]

I absolutely love Sammy's museum, it is so alive, a great place to relax, some beautiful roads to get there and Sammy is always tinkering with another bike. See you all down there sometime.

[@vanislandsteve]

Wow thanks for running those babies. 👍🏻

[@brockett]

Not just old bikes that need a run out now and then . Old bikers need that too.

[@richardortiz8704]

2021

[@soldtobediers]

8:15 & 11:50 To have then Then to have again Skillfully danced with That which could well have killed you. -U.S. Paratrooper Sgt. William ''Rock'' Gilpin 82nd Abn. Div. 1/504 '71---'74 DU69160

[@HerrOveSweden]

I hawe 3 bikes. One norton. One Triumph and one AJS. Oldest is the norton its a 1948model 350cc Triumph is a 1951/52 model 350cc Ajs is a 1954/55 model 500cc All been races on Isle of Man 1948 to 1955.

[@Pilgerfahrer]

Another day in paradise!? Goats, incredible bikes and a living legend smiling like a 13 year old boy....me, a 72 year old German is dreaming nicht and day of Fish 'n Chips and horrible Brit breakfast....as soon as the plage allows me I will be there ;-) ....

[@Pilgerfahrer]

...night...

[@Pilgerfahrer]

...plague...

[@johnadams3730]

Thanks from an old biker.

[@leemacabre9940]

Is that a Vincent Black Prince/Knight through the back doorway? I turned a Comet into a Grey Flash but never raced it.

[@onsomebits7486]

Pretty sure my grandad Keith judkins was number 51 or 53, rode in the tt in the 50’s iirc? Would you know of Keith judkins at all sam? Passed away in 74, Cheers

[@ldnwholesale8552]

My father rode AJS after the war until I was born. He did endurance trials and was quite succesfull. Later on he had sponsored bikes

[@bobazevedo4874]

How can there only be 810 likes for this, where are the rest of the café racers, don't tell me they've all gone to that great transport café in the sky

[@superbikebox]

TOP !!!!!

[@441rider]

Thanks Sammy Miller for walking the talk and riding like a 30 year old.

[@briangriffin928]

After thoroughly enjoying this video I will simply write superb!

[@daviddjerassi]

I have the height of regard for you Sammy but those 7 R AJS were a death trap in standard form sorry but true.

[@tonylittle2744]

Sammy, winner wearing a collar and tie. Wonderful chap.

[@therollingwheelz]

i wonder what kind of Adidas goggle did Sammy wear?

[@Captbirdseye-v8h]

What about the 1938 7R....no one ever mentions it.

[@karmamusic289]

Really nice. Very impressive rides on the R7 and Manx by one that can do it! Had a Vincent 500ccm mysekf, but it never made it to running state while I had it. Shoud'nt have sold it... Ha-ha-ha...

[@romandybala]

Personally I think the AJ had the better exhaust note. Larger mega I think. 1966 was when I first was aware of English singles. Lots were abandoned for a few dollars as the 50s riders bought cars . That back note when the throttle is shut is what did it for me. Never knew about these factory racers back then. All that was here were the simple road going versions but with a megaphone they sounded fantastic.The singles used to change hands for $5 but in 66 I didnt have 50cents.

[@transitTrucker]

Great video. Always wanted a 7r or M30. Will make do with my commando for now. Many thanks. Will be visiting soon (hopefully).

[@mattjacomos2795]

great to see the bikes being ridden (properly). The Phone Box "esses" are just too cool! Why so few likes?

[@garyives1218]

Thanks! Well done with the images. Enjoyed the chirpy birds in the background as well.

[@peterwilliamson4296]

Great discussions and ride by footage. I have always seen pictures of these machines but never an up close look and comparison so thanks so much from New Zealand.

[@mfitzgerald130]

Just brilliant,love'em

[@57dogsbody]

Absolute star Sammy Miller. I could almost smell the castor oil when he took the Manx out for a spin, and what a lovely sound too.

[@KathrynLiz1]

Brilliant... I remember these bikes racing at Brands Hatch beck in the early 50s....... Halcyon days...

[@balmoraltowers]

Fantastic video, A brilliant guy. A J Stevens, You learn something new every day.

[@johnvellis5148]

Beautiful bike's thank you sir from Greece🇬🇷

[@Pete-z6e]

I’d love to ask Sammy about modern trials and Toni Bou , in particular.

[@udubidub]

do we still say "who you think you are Sammy Miller"

[@turvyjj9232]

I have to visit his museum sometime, can't wait. I still have an spanish Sanglas 350 (1957) 4t mono, and a Suzuki Vanvan for everyday riding. Had a BSA scrambler, and a couple of Bultaco. Monos have ruled my motorcycle life.

[@ParaBellum2024]

We often have camping holidays in the New Forest (well we did before Covid) and can recommend the Sammy Miller Museum.

[@PharaohDeathMask]

Mr Miller, It's an honour to have you show us over these bikes. Thank You.

[@shoominati23]

And then when the MVs and Gileras hit it was game over for brit dominance

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Absolute Treat. Thank you Sammy

[@kolilagephart3766]

Sparrow trap ?

[@bobbythompson3544]

That 7R would do you good, as would the Norton, what a treat!

[@mark-i7l6c]

legend

[@mrswinkyuk]

I wish I could inherit his genes

[@MrBluoct]

#51 👍🏻

[@colin5296]

Great little piece there .

[@zlatkojanosevic4199]

Legend 💪❤️

[@as3777]

素晴らしい

[@LaurieArnold-b6d]

White Lisa Robinson Eric Gonzalez Timothy

[@motaltockery5191]

Do some Yoga old-fella...