The manufacturer of the AJS 500 OHV motorcycle was A. J. STEVENS & Co. Ltd., based in Wolverhampton, England. The abbreviation A.J.S. stands for the initials of the company's founder, Albert John Stevens, who began producing engines as early as 1898. The brand gained prestige in the motorcycle world not only thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and the use of many interesting design features, but also due to numerous significant sporting achievements. However, in 1929 the company encountered serious financial difficulties, which it attempted to solve by modernizing all of its models..
This modernization naturally affected the AJS 500 OHV model as well. Although the 1929 model did not receive a new frame, it was equipped with a new (saddle-type) fuel tank, and the front fork was redesigned to a girder-type with central spring suspension in front of the steering head. A new dry-sump lubrication system was introduced, and the oil tank was relocated under the seat, among other updates. As part of the ongoing modernization, the AJS 500 OHV was even sold in two versions with different exhaust systems - the original “big port” version with a single exhaust, and the “twin port” version with two exhaust ports and two exhaust pipes.
This particular motorcycle was transported to the Restoration Workshop of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava from the collection of the Moravian-Silesian Region in 2024, in a non-operational condition. At the time of evaluation of the technical condition, the motorcycle was missing not only some components necessary for operation, but also a few small parts (rear chain guard section, battery holder, etc.). Another issue was the absence of a complete electrical system. The paintwork was identified as original, although it had been partially repaired due to wear and use. The chassis had also demonstrably undergone modifications in the past. The long year of restoration work was filled with efforts to obtain missing original parts, find manufacturing solutions for unavailable components, and eventually complete the assembly and restore the motorcycle to working condition. To maintain the overall uniformity of the machine, the newly produced parts were not only manufactured and painted, but also "aged" to match the rest of the motorcycle.
It is gratifying to report that, after a year spent in the FS VŠB-TUO Restoration Workshop, the motorcycle is now returning to the collection of the Moravian-Silesian Region as a fully functional and operational exhibit. Its roadworthiness was confirmed during a test ride conducted within the closed campus area of VSB-TUO in June 2025.