In September 1930, AJS’s 1931 range was announced and for the first time the factory used the popular sobriquet ‘Big Port’ as an official model designation for one of its overhead-valve 350s. This was applied to the SB6, a three-speed lightweight variant offered alongside the similar size twin-port S6. The SB6’s raison d’être was the favourable rate of taxation applied to motorcycles weighing less than 224lbs, though if the optional (and heavier) four-speed gearbox was specified the SB6 no longer qualified. Production of the lightweight Big Port continued at Plumstead after the Matchless takeover of December 1931, finally ceasing in 1934. One of the last Wolverhampton-built AJS motorcycles, this SB6 was acquired by the current vendor in December 2009. In 2011 the machine was treated to an extensive mechanical overhaul by Kickstart Classic Motorcycles of Frieston, Lincolnshire and in March 2013 benefited from further work carried out by Classic Engineering Services of Charnock Richard, Lancashire (see bills totalling almost £6,000 on file). The cycle parts were left as original as possible and the end result is an eminently useable motorcycle possessing a delightful patina. Taxed until January 2014, the machine comes with the aforementioned invoices and Swansea V5C.
In September 1930, AJS’s 1931 range was announced and for the first time the factory used the popular sobriquet ‘Big Port’ as an official model designation for one of its overhead-valve 350s. This was applied to the SB6, a three-speed lightweight variant offered alongside the similar size twin-port S6. The SB6’s raison d’être was the favourable rate of taxation applied to motorcycles weighing less than 224lbs, though if the optional (and heavier) four-speed gearbox was specified the SB6 no longer qualified. Production of the lightweight Big Port continued at Plumstead after the Matchless takeover of December 1931, finally ceasing in 1934. One of the last Wolverhampton-built AJS motorcycles, this SB6 was acquired by the current vendor in December 2009. In 2011 the machine was treated to an extensive mechanical overhaul by Kickstart Classic Motorcycles of Frieston, Lincolnshire and in March 2013 benefited from further work carried out by Classic Engineering Services of Charnock Richard, Lancashire (see bills totalling almost £6,000 on file). The cycle parts were left as original as possible and the end result is an eminently useable motorcycle possessing a delightful patina. Taxed until January 2014, the machine comes with the aforementioned invoices and Swansea V5C.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
