PROFILBARU.COM

AJS Model 20
Manufacturer	Associated Motorcycles Plumstead, London
Production	1948–1958
Successor	AJS Model 31
Engine	498 cc air cooled twin
Top speed	85 mph (137 km/h)
Transmission	Four speed gearbox to chain final drive
Suspension	teledraulic forks, swinging arm rear
Brakes	drum brakes
Weight	395 lb (179 kg) (dry);

The AJS Model 20 was a British motorcycle made by Associated Motorcycles at the former Matchless works in Plumstead, London. The Model 20 was finally discontinued when the 646 cc AJS Model 31 replaced it in the autumn of 1958.^[1]

Development

The AJS Model 20 and corresponding Matchless G9 were launched at the post war Earl's Court motorcycle show in late 1948. Initially for export to the US, it was not until the late summer of 1949 that the first examples reached the home market. The styling was modern and the dual seat, megaphone silencers and bright chrome finish justified the name of Spring Twin.^[2] The rest of the cycle parts were standard AMC, with the engine being housed in a pivoted fork frame with telescopic front forks. The basic design changed little over the course of the next few years, the most significant change being made in 1952 when a new Burman gearbox was adopted.

In 1951, the rear suspension was upgraded to the Jampot unit, derided for its shape in the 28 September issue of the Motor Cycle magazine. In the same year minor changes included a new Lucas horn-push on the handlebar and a medallion badge in place of the previously used transfer. Front fork shuttle damping was also replaced with rod and damper-type.^[3]

Progressively developed, the Model 20's twin-cylinder engine underwent a number of capacity increases, finally being discontinued when the 646cc AJS Model 31 replaced it in the autumn of 1958.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b "Matchless". Retrieved 26 December 2008.
^ "Matchless G9" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 November 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
^ "The AMC Twins". Retrieved 26 December 2008.