model 8m frame

[red_dog49]

hi, I have two matching number model 8's, second one bought as a donor, the second frame though is slightly different in
the make up of the footbrake spindle through the frame, first bike is square and second bike it is round bar, can
anyone shed light on this the frame numbers are 1655 and 8991.
thanks if anyone can help.
Rob.

[cbranni]

I believe the round shaft is correct for the 350 model

350 models only went up to frame number 2237

Colin

[Ozmadman]

I believe the round shaft is correct for the 350 model
350 models only went up to frame number 2237
Colin

Hmmm ??? that's interesting.. I have a 1960 model 8 with a frame number of 7721 with a square section shaft?? thought it was original engine and frame which is strange as don't all the 250 models have a shorter "in height" frame anyway which makes it difficult to remove the head if a 350 engine is fitted due to the top tube? Mine is ok and can be removed easily so the frame must be correct?? but apparently not according to the frame number then? Just a thought Colin, not getting the engine number range confused with the frame number range by any chance??

[red_dog49]

hi, a website search says the second frame with round spindle is a model 8 350.

[Ozmadman]

hi, a website search says the second frame with round spindle is a model 8 350.

Having said that, the bottom frame and the rear lower frame (that has the leg to support the silencer) is not part of the main frame and therefore frame number anyway as it is removable so could have been changed at any point

[Rob Harknett]

I believe the round shaft is correct for the 350 model

350 models only went up to frame number 2237

Colin

Must be engine no. Colin frame no's started at 6020 for 1960 G5/8, 1961 a 5 digit number, 250 & 350 lightweight seem to share the same number series, so under 6020 has to be a 250 frame. Not that you will want to pull your bike apart and look for a correct frame. But if you really need to know if a lightweight frame started off as a 250 or 350 AJS or Matchless dating will confirm. One of my lightweight projects came with a 250 & 350 engine.

[Ozmadman]

Looks like then 1655 is a 250 frame and 8991 could be anything 1960!! Compare them together as a 350 frame should be slightly taller to compensate for the longer stroke 350 engine..(longer down tube??) Mine was registered on the 1st April 1960 with a frame number of 7721 so that seems to sit in fine with Rob's comments

[Rob Harknett]

I'm not so sure there was any difference between 250 and 350 frames, the only difference between the two that seems worthy of mention being 350 has 18" wheels.

[cbranni]

Sorry guys................got confused with engine numbers, (I will blame all the pills I'm taking)

According to Bacon 350cc frames
9/59................6020
9/60................10183

Colin confused

[Rob Harknett]

Sorry guys................got confused with engine numbers, (I will blame all the pills I'm taking)

According to Bacon 350cc frames
9/59................6020
9/60................10183

Colin confused

Don't get confused again, Sept 1959 is the 1960 model year, 9/60 the 1961 model year. Also its the same numbers for 250.