AJS RS1

[mightyoxmusic]

Can anyone help with any information regarding this bike as i can't  find anything about it.
AJS RS1 1957

[L.A.B.]

It isn't any standard AJS model I've ever heard of, so perhaps could you give more detailed information?

What do you know about it that leads you to believe it's a: "1957 AJS RS1"?

Do you own (or have access) to the bike, or is it something you've been told about, or perhaps trying to find out about a bike in an old photo?     

If you have access to the machine or can answer the following questions?

How many cylinders?
What are the frame and engine numbers?
Engine cc if known?
Swinging arm or rigid frame?
Any photos of it that you can post?


A long shot, but a Lucas "SR1" magneto would have been fitted to some single cylinder AJS models of that year, so are you sure you are not reading 'SR1' (as RS1) off the magneto?   
 

[mini-me]

As a long time AMC owner /rider  I can say there ain't no such thing.

read the engine number, it will give the date, engine size, model, and do not be surprised to find you have a Matchless engine in it, or one from a different year.

can you post a photo?

and lastly the AJS/ Matchless owners club will give you chapter and verse and who it was supplied to and when. For a small fee.

[R]

There was a Lucas SR1 magneto.

http://www.theodole.nl/Lucas%20SR1%20LI%20front.jpg

Fitted to Ajays and Matchies from mid 1950s, of the 350 and 500cc single cylinder types.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AJS_18

Does this help ?

[33d6]

The original AJS company, way, way, back before Matchless bought them in 1931 and way before AMC was ever formed identified each years production with a letter prefix. By 1930 they had reached the letter 'R' so both the frame and engine numbers of all 1930 AJS commenced with the letter 'R'. That year they made the models R2, R4, R5, R6, R8, R9, and R12. I know this because I am copying it directly out of my 1930 Export Catalogue.
Not only that but AJS were one of the very few companies who really did have matching numbers for the frame and engine. If the bike is absolutely original the number on the engine should be exactly that as on the frame.
So, if you were to provide a little more information we might be able to help a little more.
Cheers,

[mini-me]

He says its 1957
therefore 1930 catalogues are not of much use,especially as  after that AJS is the subsidary of Matchless.

I have never seen anyone mistake a magneto number for an model ID.

I'm suggesting the  OP is either overseas or has imported a bike from some where far away where it is common practice to alter engine/frame numbers to suit local needs.
I have seen a lot of such things, and you'll find the Owners club  has too.

A decent photo will clear it up.
No AMC single ever had matching numbers.

Its also possible the OP has  an early genuine AJS that is much faked up, again to suit local registration.  I once found a 'Dunelt' in Spain and the only bit Dunelt about it was the brass ID plate; I managed to ID at least 4 different marques on the bike, including two on the engine.

photo photo photo

[mightyoxmusic]

Thank you all for information i will get some pictures taken and post as soon as i can.

[mini-me]

Why do people these ask questions if they are not coming back with decent info?

[iansoady]

Sadly it's all too common. Even a simple "thank you" is rare (although provided here).

[mightyoxmusic]

Mini me if you read my post i did Thank people??
I have not put any more information as we have had family health problems and the bike is the last thing on my mind.

[mightyoxmusic]

pictures

[L.A.B.]

350cc 16MS I think rather than a 500cc Model 18S.

http://www.motorcyclesunlimited.co.uk/1957-ajs-350-16ms-classic-bike-for-sale/

What led you to believe it was an "RS1"?

[cardan]

Looks like quite an original bike. The 350s are rather nice. You need only to glance at the engine number, on the drive side crankcase, just below the cylinder, to see if it's a 350 (with a "16") or a 500 (with an "18").

Hope your problems are working out.

Cheers

Leon

[mightyoxmusic]

Have found some numbers
MAG MK11A1154 42293A

Gear box M10331

Chas AA39200

Engine 57-16MS32541

[mini-me]

Thats more like it, you have a 1957 350 AJS.

I now suggest you contact the AMCOC who for a small fee will supply chapter and verse on it. they only need frame and engine numbers, things like magneto numbers are irrelevant, possibly they may even tell you to where it was first supplied.
They have masses of info, help and a good spares scheme.

  http://www.jampot.com/default.asp

If it where my bike I'd clean it up and use as is.

BTW I never suggested  a deficit of thanks; many of us older riders also have health problems, its one reason we are found sitting at a computer rather than on a bike