When I completed my top 10 favourites last month – though ‘memorables’ is perhaps a better word as it’s been pointed out to me that my choices get less practical the further up the list they go – I vowed to include only one motorcycle from our existing family collection. I chose to put in the 1928 AJS K8, a machine which has been in my father’s possession for longer than I’ve been alive and which is still his go-to favourite. A delight to ride, having that wonderful combination of a willing engine and lightweight, a motorcycle that brings together those two qualities is well on the way to being a pleasant machine.
As I write, we’re still largely in the era of ‘lockdown’ – and the place I’m staying at is my father’s, not least because it’s where there’s a fair selection of motorcycles to choose from. And AJS K8, registration number VDX 654, is one of them, albeit an understated, enduring presence, which has performed sterling service for its 50 plus years of dad’s ownership.
The 500cc ohv AJS engine was only two years in production when this machine was made, having appeared in the company’s line-up for the 1926 model year.
This story is from the August 2020 edition of The Classic MotorCycle.
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This story is from the August 2020 edition of The Classic MotorCycle.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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