1958 New AJS & Matchless Scrambler Twins - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1958 New AJS & Matchless Scrambler Twins - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
Frank Cooper, U.S. Distributor for
AJS and Matchless motorcycles an-
nounces that the 1958 Scrambler twins
will sport several major changes and
a great number of minor ones calcu-
lated to make the popular models still
more appealing to sports riders. The
592 cc parallel twin AJS 30CS and
Matchless G11CS have new cast and
polished aluminum primary covers se-
cured by cheese-head screws replacing
the stamped steel covers of previous
years. The new alloy chain housing
has two inspection plugs for checking
chain tension, topping up the chain-
case with oil, and for adjusting the
clutch throw rod. These plugs are
flush, with milled screwdriver slots,
and lend themselves smoothly to the
streamlined shape of the chaincase.
Other components have returned to
the drawing boards of Associated Mo-
torcycle Company engineers to be im-
proved or restyled. Among these is the
rear fender of the Scrambler twins
which has been made wider, deeper,
and longer to provide greater protec-
tion. The rear frame section has been
modified to accommodate new heavier
rear shocks with longer movement that
now slant forward to give better shock
absorbing action and consequently a
smoother ride.
The seat covering has been changed
from black to a heavier duty tan ma-
terial and the control levers now have
ball-end rubber covers. Introduced
last year, an A.M.C. four-speed box is
fitted. The gear change has been light-
ened by use of a lower-rate selector
spring.
To give the Scramblers a narrower
width and thus permit closer tucking
in, the oil filler cap has been relo-
cated on the top of the tank where it
will not interfere with the rider’s leg.
The new models are also fitted with
the 19-inch front wheels that have
been proved to be so effective in com-
petition, and the gas tanks, which re-
tain their familiar contour, have
stronger, rubber-cushioned rear mount-
ing bracket, and new barrel type pet-
cocks.
A distinctive feature of the twin
cylinder engine is the use of a third
bearing in the middle of the crank-
shaft; the bearing is plain and carried
in a separate cast-aluminum plate. The
big-end bearings are also plain and
the connecting rods are light-alloy
forgings.
The models are prettied up by com-
pletely chromed forks and rims, new
light Mediterranean blue paint on the
gas and oil tanks and tool box of the
AJS, and a brighter red paint on the
tanks and tool box of the Matchless.
Pillion footrest lugs have been relo-
cated and the crossover exhaust pipes
and muffler have been raised to give
more ground clearance.
Virtually ‘'convertible” machines,
the Scramblers can be purchased with
full quickly-detachable lighting equip-
ment, which has a new voltage regu-
lator of the unitized type, and used as
roadsters. Wherever they are used, on
the road or in the rough, the AJS and
Matchless Scrambler twins will per-
form with the same flawless precision
that has earned them a high place in
the regard of American motorcyclists.
Other AJS and Matchless models will
be announced in CYCLE as they are
released.
11209-5712-04