1963 AJS Model 14 CSR
Everyone has a bike they’ve loved and cherished, but it takes a special sort of devotion – and a special sort of devotee - to ship a bike halfway around the world.
Ken Old is one such devotee, and while his history in motorcycling hasn’t been broad, it’s certainly been long.
Riding since 1956, Ken’s only just given away bikes this year – but not by choice, he clarifies: age and health issues have forced the decision.
Back in the ‘50s, Ken’s first motorcycle was a BSA C10 250, which he purchased when it was still a relatively fresh second-hand machine. Next was the bike you see here – a 1963 AJS Model 14 CSR purchased in 1971 – which was followed by Japanese rides in the form of a 1970s-era Honda CB400/2 and CB400/4, while a BMW R65, bought new in 1984, was Ken’s most recent two-wheel purchase.
That BMW was a treasured ride for many years, but the AJS was something extra special – so much so that, when Ken and his wife migrated to Australia from Scotland in 1978, the little Brit bike came with them!
Lovely Lightweight
When the AJS Model 14 250 roadster debuted in 1958, it was joined by its badge-engineered Matchless companion, the G2. The range expanded with the addition of a scrambler version – the Model 14CS Scorpion – with a 350cc Model 8 roadster following in 1960. Matchless companions included the G2CS Messenger (250 scrambler) and G5 Matador (350 roadster).
In 1962, a sportier and slightly restyled Model 14 Sports debuted, with the 250 roadsters gaining the ‘Sapphire’ name at the same time. Also in that year, the ultimate Model 14 appeared, in the form of the CSR ‘Sapphire Ninety’. Those latter two labels seem to have been rarely applied, with the ‘Model 14 CSR’ becoming the commonly-used designation when referring to these lightweight singles.
A 1963 Model 14 CSR like Ken’s was defined by a 248cc OHV single with 70 x 65mm bore x stroke, an alloy head and iron barrel, with an Amal 1 1/8-inch Monobloc carby supplying the fuel and air mixture.
Unlike the standard Model 14, the CSR featured a revised compression ratio of 8.0:1 (up from 7.8:1), strengthened valve springs, conrods and crank pins, an 18-tooth rear sprocket for higher gearing, 6-inch front drum brake, and the heavier weight forks from the scrambler models.
Style-wise, the CSR added polished engine and rocker covers, chromed mudguards (but still deeply valanced and not the ‘blade’ style popular at the time), a chromed chainguard, lower handlebars and a chromed tank panel that “flowed” back from the badge.
A well-received machine when new, the Model 14 CSR was praised for its handling, comfort and rideability, it didn’t suffer the vibration issues of the bigger AJS/Matchless twins, and had the ability to sit on 100km/h all day and top out at around 130km/h.
“It certainly had more power than my old sidevalve BSA C10,” Ken chuckled.
The Model 14 CSR, and indeed an AJS of any type, wasn’t on Ken’s radar when he was looking for a replacement for the C10, but he saw this 1963 model advertised in his local newspaper and found it to be in good overall condition, albeit with some minor rust issues.
However, the Model 14 nonetheless suffered from the usual British bike maladies of the period – dodgy 6-volt electrics, some minor but nonetheless annoying engineering flaws and a tendency to excessive oil consumption.
The key to avoiding the worst of these problems was diligent maintenance, which Ken obviously applied to his example, as it survived not only several brutal Scottish winters, but more than a decade of use here in Australia.
Club Runner
Shortly after he settled in Canberra (he’d be used to cold winters!), Ken joined the Canberra Vintage and Veteran Motor Cycle Club, with whom he used the Model 14 CSR on club runs for most of the 1980s, before it was parked up in 1990.
During that time, the only work needed was a new piston and rebore when the engine seized. Upon opening it up, Ken found his 1963-model bike had been fitted with the high-crown 9.5:1 compression piston that was fitted to the CSR from the 1965 models onwards. Preferring reliability over power, Ken used a standard 8.0:1 piston when rebuilding the motor and the bike ran trouble-free thereafter.
“I also fitted a grip to the rear guard mounting to assist in handling,” Ken added.
Sad Parting
Late last year, Ken started selling off his small but significant bike collection, starting with that BMW R65, which graced the cover of JUST BIKES Issue #329 last August. The Hondas were next: the CB400F sold in December, 2016; followed by the CB200B in April. All were sold through JUST BIKES
It’s perhaps a reflection of Ken’s affection for the AJS that it was the last to go – only sold this past May. Hopefully the new owner will care for it as well as Ken did. After more than 45 years in Ken’s ownership, regular maintenance and perhaps a light cosmetic restoration will ensure it lasts another 45.
Share your story
Do you have a bike like Ken’s you’ve cherished over the years? Tell us about it.
No matter if it’s a classic or modern, cruiser or chopper, scooter, custom, resto, dirt bike or trike, if it’s got a cool story behind it, share your story with JUST BIKES readers!
Send information and high-res images to: <a href="mailto:[email protected]?Subject=Get%20Featured" target="_top">[email protected]</a> or post to: JUST BIKES Get Featured, Locked Bag 34, Geelong, VIC, 3220.