AJS 7R BOY RACER

Country of Manufacture: England
Year: 1961
Vin #: Frame: 4743
Frame: Duplex loop cradle
Suspension:
Front: AMC Teledraulic front forks, 2 rate coil spring and 2-way hydraulic damping
Rear: Swinging arm with twin Girling shock absorbers with damping
Wheels:
Front: WM1 welled type aluminum rims, conical magnesium hubs, air scoops, spokes
Rear: WM2 welled type aluminum rims, magnesium hubs, spokes
Brakes:
Front: 8” diameter with magnesium hub, twin leading shoe, air scoop & extractor fans
Rear: 8” full width with magnesium hub, single leading shoe & extractor fans
Weight (dry): 287 lb. (131.2 kg)
Tank Capacity:  6.6 gal (US), 5.5 gal (UK), 25 Liters
Horsepower: 41.5 hp @ 7800 rpm
Gearbox: AMC close ratio 4 speed
Engine:                
Type: 4 stroke
Cylinders:1 (SOHC) Magnesium crankcase, alloy cylinder
   head                                   
Displacement: 349 cc
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Ignition: Lucas racing magneto
Clutch: Multi plate
Primary & Secondary Drive: Chain & sprocket 
Carburetors: Amal GP2  1 3/8”
Exhaust System: Single AJS megaphone
Top Speed: 118 mph

History/Production: The AJS 7 R Boy Racer was perhaps the most successful racing motorcycle ever. Riders included Alan Shepherd, Mike Hailwood and John Surtees. It competed directly against the Norton Manx 30M (350 cc) and even in later production years it enjoyed wins in the Junior Manx Gran Prix races in 1961, 1962, 1963 and a 2nd in 1966. Some 70+ years from its introduction, it is still a dominant force in vintage motorcycle racing.  Its success, first as a factory racer and then in later years as a privateer, spanned a 15-year period from 1948 through 1963. Over this period the frame, suspension and engine were constantly upgraded, and every year saw multiple improvements. Landmark improvements undertaken were a horsepower increase in 1950, shortened and wider frame in 1953, horsepower in increase in 1957, new AMC gearbox and another horsepower increase in 1958, yet another horsepower increase in 1959 and again in 1961. Frame upgrades were constant with each iteration resulting in a shortened and lowered bike to better optimize handling.  Changes ceased in 1961 although motorcycle production continued at a much-reduced pace before ending entirely in 1962. The 1961 model is the final compilation of all the optimization undertaken over 15 years of continual development and stands as the epitome of the 7R series. Visible changes unique to the 1961 model include rubber gaiters on the front forks for the first time, larger air scoop on an enlarged front brake and Amal GP2 carburetors. Horsepower also reached an all-time high of 41.5 hp.

Total production over 15 years is an estimated 475 machines.

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