AJS 16MS 1949 / 1950 350cc (Matchless G3 G3L) a genuine barn find
Here is something you don’t find every day; a proper barn find (well old garage find); A ONE OWNER, Original, unmolested very early AJS 16MS 350cc (Matchless G3/G3L)which I found in a garage after it was parked up in 1954. The owner moved home, covered in old blankets and left it until I bought it in August 2015….yes that’s 61 Years!
This bike is one of the cross-over between the 16M and the 16MS and has the slim candlestick rear shocks which where replaced in 1951 by the fatter and more common Jampots. According to the fuel ration card that’s with it, the bike was approved by the Ministry of Transport in 11/1949 and registered for the road on 11/Jan/1950. The engine is stamped 50/16M being the year and model. Manufacturing years for many companies started in September of the year before just like UK school years still do.
Every single nut and bolt is as it was when it left the factory except for the HT lead and the armature windings which I had rewound because I intend to ride it.
I’m not intending to “restore” it because to me it would loose it’s originality and I like them as is. I’ve not cleaned it even, I’ve just sprayed it with WD40, nothing more.
To get this running, I had the mag rewound, set the ignition timing, check valve clearances, flushed the oil system, cleaned the float and carb jet and greased the spindles.
She started 2nd kick and sounds lovely. Enjoy.
More details at http://http://GeekZoneUk.com/vintage-motorcycles/
build in 1949 and first registered on 1950
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That is wonderful – doesn't it sound good….a very early and desirable model indeed – 'candlestick' equipped 16MS's seem to be rare, especially this totally original condition – you are a very lucky person !
why don't you do a video on riding it.