KTOR JAP 990cc V-twin engine dated 1925 – Rebuilt some years ago and unused.
If you know what a KTOR JAP is, then I am sure you will know that this rebuilt engine is close to finding the Holy Grail. If you haven’t seen one before, it’s known as a KTOR engine because the letters “KTOR” are stamped on the cases as part of the identification.
This particular model of engine was sold by JAP to many vintage motorcycle makers who had aspirations of winning races such as the Isle of Man TT. Some of the makes & models that used the 990cc version, were Brough Superior SS100, Coventry Eagle, Tornax, AJW, Zenith and McEvoy.
I am sure there were other makes but our mission was to find the most likely candidate that would have used a version of this engine in 1925.
Coventry Eagle offered the Flying 8 and I think it was available in 1925 with a 980cc JAP V-twin engine.
I think Zenith used a large JAP twin up to 1925. In 1925, they changed to the JAP 680cc V-twin.
Tornax was essentially a race bike and I understand they used this type of engine. However, that was in 1928.
AJW are fairly rare. The V-Twin 980cc JAP powered ones are rarer. However, I think the model that was powered by this engine came out in 1932.
Brough was the most obvious candidate. They produced 69 Brough Superior’s in the launch year, 1925. They all had the KTOR JAP. However, Brough specialists advise me that this particular engine was never fitted to a Brough. Of course, it could be slightly adapted to fit inside a Brough SS100 frame.
McEvoy is probably the most likely candidate. They made approximately 60 motorcycles between 1925 and 1928. There are roughly 20 known examples and a few frames.
In conclusion, It could be used in a Brough frame, but it was probably supplied for a McEvoy or a Coventry Eagle.
About this KTOR JAP engine:
The current owner has had the engine for approximately 25 years. He bought it from a friend, who had owned it since the 1960’s. In that entire time, it has never been used.
The plan was to use it in a special Morgan and it was rebuilt by a well-known engine specialist a few years ago. The bill for the rebuild is eye-watering. Aside from the internal engineering, the fins were treated to a full cosmetic makeover. The barrels are that good that I had to ask if they were new castings. I am assured that they are original barrels.
The engine cases are interesting. Instead of just the letters JAP cast in raised letters, it has Tottenham London, on the drive side. As far as I can work out, JAP only did this in 1924 / 25. This design element helps to build the picture that this is a genuine original KTOR JAP.
The engine numbers are: KTOR/A 42xxx. The number stamp is in the correct location. There are no additional new marks around the font and the font looks correct. I will not be posting an image of the engine number. If you have serious interest in the engine, please ask for the image.
Since the complete rebuild, the engine has been stored in a warm, dry, environment. I comes with a box of small items that were replaced during the rebuild.
As you can see, it has the carburettor fitted. The bore is very clean and the barrel is the same. The Amal carb number is 276/024R.
The engine also has an ML magneto Type CKV, 50 Degree. This has not been tested. There is a cap in the box of small parts, but I couldn’t find the cap clip.
Inspection prior to purchase
As this KTOR JAP is an engine of significance, I advise inspection prior to making an offer. If you are unable to attend, I suggest that you send a representative.
The engine is located in the East of England, UK.
Appointments are arranged through TheTimingChest. Please contact me here.
Other vintage motorcycle engines
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Or view JAP engines and parts here.
Buyer notes
Shipping is possible. Shipping is charged ON TOP of the price for the item. There are too many variables to include shipping in the checkout, so please contact me before you buy and I will give you a shipping price.
I usually ship to most destinations.
International shipping available. Let me know where you are and I will send you a price for shipping with tracking
Collection: If you don’t want it shipped, I have plenty of space. If you can’t collect for a while, it’s not a problem.
Payment: By bank transfer.
Import Taxes: Please note that IMPORT DUTIES are not something I can control. If you are buying from outside the UK, there is a chance that you will have to pay import taxes. Import taxes vary from country to country. If there are charges to pay, it is the buyer’s responsibility to research the cost and pay the duties. The price that you see on my advert is for the item and not the item plus whatever taxes might be due.
If you buy this item and have it posted out of the UK, it is your responsibilty to check that it conforms to the International transport regulations. If it is returned to me by the courier because it does not conform to their specifications, I will not be held responsible for the return costs or a refund on the item. I will offer to re-sell the item on your behalf.
In the case of import duties not being paid. If the item is returned because you did not contact the shipping agent / customs within their prescribed timeline, or if you did not pay the import fees, I will not be held responsible for the return costs or a refund on the item. I will offer to re-sell the item on your behalf.
If you use an agent to act on your behalf when receiving the item by post, and they reject it for any reason, I will not be held responsible for the return costs or a refund on the item. I will offer to re-sell the item on your behalf.
If you aren’t already a member, it might be worth considering joining the Vintage Motorcycle Club. You will find a marque specialist and access to vintage motorcycle parts.
