AJS Model 20 500 vs Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman (1959)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the AJS Model 20 500stacks up against the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | AJS Model 20 500 | Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1959 | 1939 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 20 hp | — |
| Weight | 178 kg | 164 kg |
| Seat height | — | 28 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | — | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.25-19 / 3.25-19 | 3-27 / 3-27 |
AJS Model 20 500 vs Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman — which should you buy?
Picking between the AJS Model 20 500 and the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the AJS Model 20 500 brings 20 hp in a 178 kg package, while the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman counters with its own power figure at 164 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: