With money he earned from his book sales Nevill decided to make his travels a little easier for himself and scouted around for a motorcycle.
After much research he finally settled on an A.J.S. These bikes had a reputation for reliability, power, speed, economy, lightness and simplicity – all qualities which Nevill hoped would help him on his travels. The AJS company probably had no idea their little machine would eventually cover 10,000km. 1
A similar 1924 model is on display at the National Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac, NSW. The Right Around Australia journey will pass through Nabiac when en route from Forster-Tuncurry to Singleton, on 30 September 2025.
AJS also had an interesting history. Joe Stevens, an engineer in England, had four sons, and he and his boys owned the Stevens Screw Company in Wolverhampton.
The four brothers, Harry, George, Jack and Joe, must have been serious rev-heads, because it was their dream to one day manufacture quality motorcycles that could race, and of course win, at the famous Isle of Man TT races.
They won their first trophy in 1909 on a modified motorcycle, and this spurred them on to produce their own machines. They named their company AJS after the third brother, Albert John (‘Jack’) Stevens, because he was the only one with two first names. 2
Nevill set off from Perth on his trusty motorcycle, but it was slow going as he puttered along the rough, dusty roads. Disaster struck at Hamelin Pool, which boasted a telegraph station built in 1884 and was an important link in the telegraph line between Perth and Roebourne.
Hamelin Pool was also known as Flagpole Landing, as it was the landing spot for cargo ships bringing supplies to the outback stations. The wool was taken to the port by horse and cart from the stations and then transported by ship to Perth.
Nevill would have watched the activity at the bustling landing spot with interest, but he was also very worried. He had run out of lubricating oil, and no one seemed to have any they could give him. Nevill had to have oil to keep the engine on his motorcycle running smoothly.
“Try using shearing-machine oil,” someone suggested, and as it was the only option available Nevill had to use it. He was now running with a burred piston head and only three piston rings instead of four. 3
He no doubt arrived in Carnarvon in a lather of sweat and with blistered feet, grateful to be back in civilisation once more. Pictures of him on his travels show him wearing a full suit and tie and patent leather shoes – hardly the best travel gear!
The Right Around Australia team aims to visit Carnarvon 12-15 June 2025.
Nevill made his way back to Perth, but his enthusiasm for the Lord’s work had not waned, and he busily made preparations for another exciting and successful year in 1925.
Nevill Westwood’s Bike
REFERENCES:
1. Sunday Times (Perth) Sunday 14 December 1924, page 31.
2. AJS Motorcycles Ltd. Retrieved from https://www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk/about-ajs
3. Sunday Times (Perth) Sunday 14 December 1924, page 31.
