THE ORIGINAL BOY RACER
Built from 1948 to 1963, the AJS 7R is without question one of the most influential and respected race bikes of all time. It also holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders as it was the 7R that Rod Coleman piloted in the early 1950s during his historic and highly successful years as a works rider. While the 7R was initially not as powerful as the Velocette KTT and the Junior Manx Norton, its robust and simple construction endeared it to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance.

The duplex frame and Teledraulic front forks remained relatively unchanged during production, such was the success of the original design. With the history of the pre-war AJS ‘cammy’ single behind them, Phil Walker and his team ensured that the 7R was stable and fast anywhere on the wrong side of 120mph. Another wonderful characteristic of the 7R was, and still is, its deep and aggressive signature howl. The 1949 megaphone design is considered to be a master stroke – the volume this machine delivers into the hearts and minds of anyone within a 10-kilometre radius is something else and would be considered socially irresponsible into today’s setting. Physiologically, the din of the 7R must have been a harrowing experience for any rider being pursued. The power delivery was also celebrated with the 350cc overhead cam offering a strong and consistent pull through its entire rev range. On the edge of the bike’s limits, the pilot was able to peer over the edge with a graceful sense of impending victory or heroic devastation.

During the 7R’s reign, the engine underwent almost continuous revision, the valve angle being progressively narrowed, the crankshaft made stronger and, in 1956, the engine dimensions changing from the original long-stroke 74.0mm x 90.0mm to the ‘squarer’ 75.5mm x 78.0mm. AMC’s own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958 and engine development continued almost to the end, by which time the 7R was putting out around 41bhp.

This particular example was bought new in Christchurch (110 Lichfield St) in 1949 and remains, quite remarkably, in its original mechanical form with it retaining its original gear box and bottom end. That is one thing that makes this machine a true rarity, having not been overexposed to the rigours of racing. Today, the AJS 7R remains a mainstay classic in racing’s 350cc class and is highly sought-after by competitors and collectors alike.