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AJS 500 Supercharged V4

The thirties saw the age old dream of multi-cylinder-engined motorcycles moving within the engineers grasp. Most makers hurled themselves headlong into building the most complex machines ever seen, and the day of the single-cylinder seemed definitely gone.

Supercharged Version

AJS exhibited a prototype touring bike with an air cooled V4 power unit at the 1935 London Show, but it was never built in this form, though a racing version appeared in 1936. it was replaced in 1938by a new supercharged version with the blower mounted at the front of the engine. The bike was extremely fast - but it overheated horribly. AJS designer Matt Wright went back to work and completely revised his project in 1939, redesigning the cycle parts and adopting liquid cooling.

Record Lap - and Retirement

At last the revolutionary double overhead cam V4 was competitive - but the march of time prevented it from showing its full potential. The two V4s entered in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy at the beginning of June finished eleventh and thirteenth after several stops for oil and water. The V4 was entered in the Ulster Grand Prix. It was the heaviest bike in the race, but set a staggeringly fast lap record - the first 100 mph lap of the Clady circuit - before its front fork broke! The AJS V4 only reappeared a few more times in 1946 before it was finally put out to pasture in a museum.

Specifications

Engine Water cooled 500 cc (50x63mm) four stroke V4
Power Output 55hp@7200
Valves Chain driven twin overhead camshafts
Fuel System Zoller supercharger
Transmission 4-speed gearbox; chain final drive
Suspension Girder fork (front) sliding pillar (rear)
Brakes Drum (front & rear)
Wheels wire
Weight 405 lb