AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Afternoon All,
I have just acquired a nice (well, I think it is) '59 G2 250.
I have had a read of some of the posts on the forum and found the archive where I was able to download the user manual

My intention is to use this as much as reasonably possible throughout the summer and longer if the weather holds up.
I've had bikes for over 30 years (current main bike is a ZX12r) but this is my first classic so really looking forward to getting out and about on it.

Would appreciate any advice/tips/pointers regarding general maintenance and particular things to watch out for.

I was surprised that it didn't have a key, will just need to make sure its not left alone anywhere

Not been able to get this thing started,
Unfortunately the weather was so bad yesterday I wasnt able to take a look but today I have had no luck whatsoever.
I think the battery is dead but that shouldnt matter to get it started (or should it)?
My plan is to convert to 12v and electronic ignition but I do want to get it running before I start any of that.
I have fresh fuel, the taps are running fine, no blockages, the plug looks new.

Know nothing about 250s tbh but have you dug around in archives for user and workshop manuals?
http://archives.jampot.dk/book/Workshop_manuals/
Are you familiar with use of any air slide and/or timing controls?
Check also any switch positions, may have an On>Off>Emergency type.

Getting a spark?
Can feel compression thru kickstart?
If so, tried a teaspoon of fuel down plughole?
Was this a runner when you acquired?

with the ignition on , when you kick engine over the needle should flick when points open /close . if not coil may be duff or no power from ignition to the coil

Andy G wrote: ↑Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:23 am Know nothing about 250s tbh but have you dug around in archives for user and workshop manuals?
http://archives.jampot.dk/book/Workshop_manuals/
Are you familiar with use of any air slide and/or timing controls?
Check also any switch positions, may have an On>Off>Emergency type.

I downloaded the instruction booklet and followed the procedures for starting the engine from cold.

Check fuel - OK
Check oil - OK
Check gear pedal in neutral - OK
Turn on fuel - OK
Check air control lever is fully closed - OK
Depress kick starter two or three times to rotate and free the engine - OK
Open throttle to slightest amount - OK
Turn ignition switch to IGN - OK
Give the kickstarter a long deliberate swinging kick - No Luck

Andy G wrote: ↑Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:23 am Getting a spark?
Can feel compression thru kickstart?
If so, tried a teaspoon of fuel down plughole?
Was this a runner when you acquired?

I havent checked if I'm getting a spark, as the plug looks new I assumed it was OK.
It was running about 2 weeks ago, I acquired from a reputable auction.

g80csp11 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 22, 2023 11:16 am with the ignition on , when you kick engine over the needle should flick when points open /close . if not coil may be duff or no power from ignition to the coil

I have noticed that the ammeter needle does flicker

As said, IKBA about 250s, but were they all coil ignition? (Richard says it's a '59.)

And if so, the answer may well be in his second post: Battery is dead.

Spark to block test would be my first action.

Hi you will need a decent battery to power up the coil. Yes 250s are coil ignition. If it was recently running my guess is the battery is duff.

Quick update;
Had the coil off and it is good, getting 2ohms resistance, spark plug ok when testing against the head.
Battery is definitely buggered. It has a Varta 6N6-3B-1 and I have had it on a 6v trickle overnight and its not charging. Not even 1v on it.
I'll hopefully get one tomorrow and fingers crossed, i'll have it started.

Success!!
Got a decent Motobatt AGM battery this morning and bingo, started on the first kick.
Checked that the oil pump was working and then went for a short ride around the block. Muscle memory playing havoc at the moment though, with the gears on the 'wrong' side and down instead of up

Good stuff mate! Another g2 back on the road. Happy riding .