With hindsight it seems surprising that the G50 did not come into being before 1958. Although clearly derived from the AJS 7R, AMC were committed to the development of the G45 twin and did not wish to divert their attention from that project. As a result it was not until 1958 that a 500cc motorcycle derived from the 7R appeared largely as result of the 7R's proponent at boardroom level, Jock West. The new machine shared the 7R's 78mm bore with a stroke of 90mm giving a capacity of 496cc. The prototype engine underwent a period of intensive development throughout 1958 to prepare it for production commencing in 1959. When the new model was released the engine, although visually the same as the 7R had its own dedicated castings. A power output of 51bhp at 7200rpm was claimed for the new model.
The cycle parts followed the same pattern as those used by the contemporary 7R with only the difference in colour and badge to distinguish between them, a fact that has led to numerous arguments between enthusiasts ever since as to which is the most attractive, the 7R or G50! In more recent years new machines built to compete in classic events.
This example of a lightweight G50 was built by George Beale using a standard chassis and 90mm bore engine. The engine breathes through an Amal Mk 2 smoothbore Concentric carburettor with the power being transmitted to the six speed, magnesium cased gearbox by a belt primary drive. The Ceriani front forks are equipped with a Fontana front brake, the rear brake being a standard G50 unit. The machine was campaigned by Belgium's top classic racer Herman Verboven in INCA and Classic World Championship races and has been maintained on a no expense spared basis. A new con-rod, piston and cylinder have recently been fitted.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to scratches on the fairing pictured in the catalogue the vendor has replaced the fairing.
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