AJS 125cc motorcycles - all 4 models ridden & compared

In this video we compare and contrast the AJS 125cc range of modern classic motorcycles. We had these bike in total for about six weeks overall, here's what we found out.

// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.

We also have a second YouTube channel for workshop video logs and additional video content:

// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
YouTube: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman

// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Bry Martin for taking the time to film with us.
Instagram: @bryrides
Vicky Pittock for taking the time to film with us. And Stuart Hithersay her partner for his photos and drone footage.
Instagram: @vickys_notebook
- Megan Brown, Nick and the team at AJS for loaning us the bikes to ride.
Instagram: @ajs_motorcycles_ltd
Facebook: @AJSmotorcyclesLtd
- Alex Monk for his photos of Bry.
Instagram: @alexspitfiremonk
- Charlie Deane for his photos of Bry.
Instagram: @charlesdeane
- Alex Rollings for producing the video.
YouTube: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer

#ajsmotorcycles
#125cc
#motorcycles

[tisgautzo]

Good review from a riding en sitting point but what about build quality?

[gerrypowell]

Good to hear this assessment, particularly from these young ladies.anything that helps the younger generation onto bikes must be a plus👌

[FATBOY]

Just found this video. I had a Tempest Roadster and I loved it. Beautiful little bike and I put 6000 miles on it in 18 months. Wasn't trouble free and it required a new piston and barrel early on, however the dealer and AJS sorted it out really quickly under warranty. I fitted the sports shocks onto the back and a luggage rack. I found an issue with both items fitted and contacted AJS direct, it was sorted that day. They really are a great company to deal with and my biggest regret is they never got round to making a 400cc Tempest.

[rodintoulouse]

Very refreshing review. It’s really the sort of considerations someone buying a cheap 125 would have.

[bradkorando]

Terrific video. I think Bry and Vicky did an excellent job presenting the differences in the bikes. The Tempest and Cadwell look fantastic for the price.

[G]

I would have loved to own any of these when I was 17 (a long, long time ago but better than anything I had all those years ago)

[Mietas]

I love these bikes! Just what I needed: old school design in modern, simple bikes! Great idea from A.J.S.: Offer basically same bike in four flavours with slight differences, so everyone will find something that suits them 😎

[davidpettinger]

Great work. Lovely to see the girls presenting. Be great to see them as a regular feature. Anything to get the younger generation and especially ladies onto bikes as to be a good thing. Also, good to hear stuff from a female rider who is relatively new to bikes. My wife is interested in learning so looking for a first bike for her. Would certainly look at one of these or second hand Enfield

[eyesofisabelofficial]

A true family run feel at the AJS stand at Motorcycle Live this year.
Great review and a fresh perspectives.

[Avigazed]

Cracking video. I'm looking at a 125, and I wasn't even considering AJS. Now I definitely will.

[alandavies]

I have got fond of my Chinese 125, it has been completely reliable, but being an old biker, I can`t resist tinkering with it. I have de-catted it, as I find the idea of stuffing something up the exhaust silly (Thanks EU). I also got rid of the linked brakes ( Thanks again EU), as the rear brake lacked feel. So I blanked off the link pipe and put a short link on the front, so that all three pots now operate. I now have a small bike that goes quite well and will stop on a sixpence,

[l.a.raustadt]

Good detailed info. They all have their own character, and all look great! Good reviews, well done.

[motocafe]

I think small displacement bikes like these can still be a blast to ride. Its unfortunate though, that AJS, the new BSA and others haven't made it here to the states...

[carltonwittland]

Well done girls on the presentation of the four bikes. I saw all models at the motorcycle live and was very impressed with the build quality. My son who was with me and is a new comer to the motorcycle world loved their classic looks and preferred them to the modern style learner bikes of today. I understand the engines are a Yamaha design and therefore should be reliable. Many things are built abroad nowadays and I don't have an issue with this. However it would be nice if the bikes could be partially assembled in the u.k to help with our economy. If I was 5ft 10in like my son I would definitely buy one for a fun/commuter bike. However at 6ft 2in I think I would struggle. Thanks again for your video and the demonstration for new young riders who are wishing to ride a motorcycle. 👍

[neillambton]

If the 125 is too slow, look at the Triumph Scrambler 400X. Great little machine, Not too much power at 39hp, but surprisingly torquey and spritely in the mid range. I`m looking at a 125 off roader for green lane work, and my bike of choice out of the 4 is the Desert Scrambler, but with the lower exhaust off of the other one.

Great video Ladies, many thanks for posting it.

[skoorbyrret]

A good honest review Ladies ...I'm a bit biased myself, as I already own a 125 Desert Scrambler...{which I'm highly delighted with}.
I traded a 500cc for it, but although I miss the extra "grunt" the 500 had, the lightness of the 125 suits my now advancing years {and I own a larger 650cc "Cruiser" anyway, for the longer journeys}.
My only concern regarding the Tempest Scrambler would be the exhaust, TBH, if that was on my bike, it would be knocked & dented by some of the "Greenlanes" I ride my Desert Scrambler on {and at 72yo, I dont ride fast any more}.
I find the interconnect Front & Rear brakes suit my style of riding, both on & off road, although I was a little unsure of them to begin with.
The 125cc engine pulls 17st. of "fat old bloke" along at 55mph, given the time to get the last 5mph out of it ....and I suspect there may be a just little more as the engine loosens up {it's currently done 1, 700km}.
I looked at a good few "Chinese built" off roader type 125's before choosing the Desert Scrambler and the AJS seemed {to me} to be the better built of all the others.
Ride safe Ladies. x

[ebgb]

Good review ladies, nice to see lady bikers, , safe riding to you both...Andre..

[alanhodge]

i read a review of these in Real Classic magazine nice to see a video

[racheltaylor]

I had a Herald Cafe which is really similar to the AJS bikes.I found it hard to see the neutral and indicator lights during the day as well.Herald use the same clocks as AJS.Loved the bike overall though.

[scrambler-xkkv]

Had a AJS JS 125 which I loved and wish I had not sold it some time ago.