AJS '71 Desert Scrambler WORLD's FIRST REVIEW

[@zakihassan2634]

Got mine on Tuesday this week, absolutely love it. Smart bike, easy to use beautiful bike.... the grips on the tyres amazing.. the sound amazing. The exhaust amazing... 10/10

[@rickyknowles]

Whats its top end? And reliablity like?

[@briantrend7401]

Do they make a 250?

[@uralbob1]

Friggin' beautiful! Please come to America!

[@bren106]

Clear tank pads when you've got a stunning colour you don't want to cover, best of both worlds.

[@dereksmith5019]

When is it coming to Canada ?

[@DannyBirks]

How does this compare to the Tempest Scrambler and the Bullit Hero 125? Having reviewed them all which would you say is the best for a new rider? (Same hight as you btw).

[@peterryan7827]

Love this, and i also love the rubber pads fitted on the tank the price seems good, and as i have not yet replaced my old Suzuki van van , because of the cold weather with those tyre i am keen to investigate more, thanks for this post.

[@mitchellnix5274]

I likecit. However I can't help thinking that putting the tools by the battery behind the exhaust is a bit daft. If you broke down how do you take the exhaust off to get at the tools?

[@goldilocks913]

Sounds lovely and well equipped- that tank is gorgeous colour! Way too slow though I’m afraid!

[@michaeljameslawrence2965]

Great informed reviews, seems a good all round bike that ticks all the boxes apart from those niggles. I am not sure a few washers could be used to bring the exhaust over but seems a lot better then the pictures

[@davidfairhurst8553]

Just purchased mine about 3weeks ago and really loving it . Only issue is the hard seat and rear suspension . Not sure if it can be adjusted, suggestions welcome.

[@stewartnorton6386]

Lovely looking bike pretty much my ideal bike lookwise a 300/400cc version would be perfect.

[@johnbrereton5229]

Francis Barnett are manufacturing a 380cc single scrambler at their Coventry factory.

[@TronciM]

@@wolfdog7265 how is a 400cc engine only making 20bhp

[@TronciM]

@@wolfdog7265 at least 35-40 from a 400

[@neilbaldry8295]

@@TronciM get a Fantic 500 Caballero if you want spritely performance. But then you have to really pay for that performance

[@TronciM]

@@neilbaldry8295 I'm probably going to get a re interceptor as my first a2 bike

[@briantrend7401]

I had the old 1972 RT2 silver Yamaha 360 what a great bike. Without the narrow 21 wheel up front it makes it look ground heavy

[@dereksmith5019]

Tank pads save paint . My DT1s came without tank pads , the paint wore off from my jeans in a couple of weeks . I learned to tape the tank where the pads should have been , i think it took two rolls of black tape to cover it . Remove the tape when you sell the bike , the value goes up . It looks better with pads , like a tool that's ready to go to work .

[@Mr.Steewo]

Mate thanks for this awesome review . I heard and saw everything I wanted.

[@tablet647]

" 125's have gone from 33bhp to 10 bhp " ,, the EU are making these bikes dangerous to ride on the road , young riders will be bottlenecking traffic at 55 mph , and putting themselves in a very vulnerable position , i suggest that all 125's should be capable of at least 60 mph , with 70 mph being better to keep out of the way of heavy goods vehicles on dual carriageways

[@marcusgeorge1825]

angus macoatup well said! Couldn’t agree more! New riders may only have one form of transport and if this is the case then the lack of power will be harder and scarier to deal with! 👍😎

[@specialized500]

Why don't you do some research before posting? A 125 can be a shade under 15 HP therefore it should be able to reach 60 -70 miles per hour.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

specialized500 I have a feeling you don’t actually know what you are talking about... of course they can, possibly even more if you measured the time using a calendar! 😂

[@specialized500]

As I said do some research

[@marcusgeorge1825]

specialized500 no need. I actually think it’s the opposite to be honest. Per cylinder a 2-stroke can’t make any more power than what factory teams achieved a while ago. A 125 GP bike, for example, outdoor achieve almost twice the speed you are talking about and sort of quickly. I think I should know as I did start my racing on one before climbing the ranks. 😜😘

[@KO-pk7df]

Fantastic looking bike in red! Reminds me of my bikes from early 70s!

[@brakenoodle105]

I've been looking at this bike and watching lots of vids about it, because it looks great. AJS should be applauded for the design aesthetics and affordability. However, the weedy 50mph top end is really a deal breaker. My first bike was a Suzuki 125 trail bike with low gearing producing 10.5 BHP, and it could manage 65mph in 1974!

[@jonathanj.7344]

Mine was it's smaller brother, the Suzuki TS 100 in 1976. That could do 60mph, and 65 downhill with the wind behind it.

[@origamimaster713]

I own one only done 1000 miles and it does 65mph perfectly but in quite a little guy and do not weigh much which probably has something to do with it

[@TheTeodorsoldierabvb]

Well gee, you want the bike to be cheap, reliable, fast, easy to maintain and to be the same price as a sandwich :D that's not possible, you know?

[@brakenoodle105]

@@TheTeodorsoldierabvb like bikes were in the 1970s you mean....

[@TheTeodorsoldierabvb]

@@brakenoodle105 I don't know how bikes are in the 70's because not only me, but my parents weren't even born yet. I can't find any 70's bike for a price lower than my kidney nowdays, so what's the use of whining? Btw. Found a 250cc Chinese bike, Sinnis something, for 2200 euro new. Thats, I don't know. Bit over 3000 dollars. Sooooooo I'd take its slow speed and whatnot any day.

[@louisimission2153]

Great bike, great review - look forward to getting one, and to seeing more of Your channel 👍 good stuff

[@porkscratchings5428]

I’m in the market for one atm. The orange colour is only option for me. Would have loved it in blue colour.good bike for a touch over 3 grand now otr. Was looking at a Mutt Hilts but they are overpriced for the same 125 styles I like.

[@chadhenshaw5184]

Love that colour. Would be interested to know if AJS has bothered to check to see if their luggage rack fits this model. They just released a new one, and it turns out it fits neither the cadwell nor the tempest scrambler (only found out after my dealer struggled to get it on, and found it fouls the brake light on my Cadwell). A bit worrying they didn't do basic user acceptance testing before placing their order for them...

[@stewartnorton6386]

I've just seen that mash are bringing out a 650 Ducati scrambler clone for about £5000 looking forward to seeing review on that.

[@lathejack]

It's a very good looking bike, and a 250-350cc version would be great, or even just 200cc. But it is a sad sign of the times that even a simple little small capacity air cooled four stroke single cylinder motorcycle has to be burdened with all the Euro emissions stuff, fuel injection and other gizmos to make it comply. I think I will stick with my four stroke 1971 BSA Victor 250 Trail on/off roader, with its factory fitted upswept exhaust, knobbly tyres, 23 BHP, 80 MPH and 75 + MPG. Great fun! But contrary to what is said in the video, there hasn't really been any 33 BHP 125cc bikes produced, the manufacturers just didn't make them with that much power. The old unrestricted 125cc road or trail bikes had from around 13 BHP upto around 16 BHP, including the twin cylinder two strokes and four strokes. That power was just about right for a 125cc motorcycle engine and some could wind up to around 75 - 80 MPH on a good day, but they were also reliable and pleasant to ride, and would last well for everyday use. New 125cc motorcycles in the UK were then restricted to 12 BHP for learner riders in about 1982, nothing to do with any Euro emissions laws at the time. Previously learner riders in the UK could ride bikes up to 250cc with any amount of power. But way back in the 1980's I did hear claims of bikes like the then new restricted 12 BHP water cooled Yamaha RD125LC producing upto 33BHP once they had been de restricted and tuned, but they were high revving and gutless and didn't last too long, but the young crazy boy racers loved them as they usually only rode everywhere at full throttle.

[@williamnethercott4364]

Good comment! I think the people who dream up restrictions based on emissions have lost the plot. What do you gain from imposing expensive restrictions on a few thousand motorcycles (especially at 125cc) compared to excess emissions arising from road works for a week on the M25? Motorcycles are completely the wrong target when there are 5 litre cars on the road but I suppose such cars are the preserve of wealthy, influential people rather than "the masses". Speaking as the owner of a classic, 1961 AJS, I like the look of these bikes for learners and for city commuting (particularly the roadsters), where they would cause far less congestion or pollution than average family saloon cars.

[@brianwinters4991]

Man you have some neat bikes , I wish they would come to the US . That number plate should have 73 -2 on it .

[@Interdiction]

Lovely looking bike .Do they do a 400 cc version .Where are they made is the biggest question

[@curlytheunacceptable.4298]

Why not keep the rear mounted tool box and tank pads as optional extras and replace them with a standard fitted bash plate/ sump guard ? And I think that exhaust would look good on the Mash 400 Dirtstar.

[@lauriecremore5601]

So you need a tool kit to get to the tool kit... So that's why they put a ( what you said ) a tool box at the back... Cracking.!

[@skaraborgcraft]

One of the best looking 125 scramblers on the market, but typical lack of attention to detail requiring the exhaust to come off to access a tool kit and battery! Love the color , like a small Benelli Imperiale 400.

[@WestSussexBiker]

How do they get away with the exhaust noise?. After many years of 1000cc bikes am starting to appreciate lower CC bikes now. That AJS in Purple is a nice looking bike.

[@motorsforthemasses]

Not as loud as you think.

[@mraidymaddful]

Having a full A licence, I would like a 500cc version of this AJS please......

[@paulbrandrick807]

The knee pads add to the retro look and feel of the bike😊😊

[@Chris16Bit]

for me I think it would look better with the tank pads :)

[@stevetaylor8698]

"Then the exhaust comes off as one piece" - in theory at least. This assumes that you haven't sheared the bolts in the cylinder head - etc.

[@motorsforthemasses]

Came off easily and quickly when we fitted the battery.

[@davespooney8472]

To be expected on a new bike, having to deal with chinesium header bolts biannually when the battery needs replacing.... you know

[@terrytrooper2254]

new bike ok but a few miles on the clock and the studs will be ready to break. but it dose look like a nice bike just lacking in horse power

[@jimmarshall807]

Nice looking bike, be better with a 400/500cc engine for those who have passed their test

[@claretbuck1882]

Cool learner bike 👍🏻

[@jeffturner2102]

Great looking 125 from Ajs, but whats happened to the 250 you have made an shown at show's of this bike?? I'd like to get the 250 looks exactly the same! Great Looks, please Ajs put on the market for sale as promised!!!

[@borocavalier]

Luv it but give me it as a 500cc engine. No Pads and spray the Number plate same as Tank with AJS and a small number on. Spray Tail mudguard same as Tank.I want something like this with a top speed of at least 90mph.

[@motorsforthemasses]

I agree with everything you said!

[@alanwedmore4888]

Is that a functional kick starter?

[@garyhull5617]

A good looking bike

[@Trips.and.Tips.]

This one or bluroc?

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Rather than taking off the whole exhaust, might simply removing the heat shield give enough clearance for the side panel to be dismounted? Exhaust is a bit loud in my opinion. Kind regards.

[@markfraser6307]

Gona stick with old Tempest scrambler thanks

[@davericketts9101]

Love the straight talking style of this review. Are they still going to make the old scrambler alongside this, or is this a replacement? Thanks

[@motorsforthemasses]

The old scrambler WILL return, but not until Euro 5...March '21 at the earliest...

[@davericketts9101]

@@motorsforthemasses Thanks for the reply and information. I did look on eBay and there seem to be quite a few new ones still for sale. Like your videos, keep them coming. Cheers

[@kingmuncher1]

Nice looker but that's it, 10 BHP is a deal beaker on its own never mind the exhaust has to come off to access the battery. They could have put a hinge on the battery cover at exhaust level but that's too easy. Shame. My old Honda 125 from 1982 had 18 BHP

[@xtc2v]

Tubed tyres are the deal breaker on all these 70's parts bin bikes for me

[@beastieboy3926]

10 B H P thats not an engine,it`s a fart

[@xtc2v]

@@beastieboy3926 10hp is great!.....given the probable reliability of this bike after a few punctures and breakdowns the owner will just be happy to not be pushing it home

[@beastieboy3926]

@@xtc2v Yep I suppose its a starter bike,looks ok 25 BHP would be approaching the all powerful 350 Royal Enfield

[@xtc2v]

​@@beastieboy3926 Zontes ZT125-G1 is better........13Nm torque against the AJS's 9.5Nm and a blistering 0.8kw more!. Plus tubeless spoke wheels and water cooling

[@majowa83]

Thanks for the video! Great job 👏

[@MadDogSurvival]

Would like you fellas to review the brixton 125 range? Best wishes 👍🏽😎

[@motorsforthemasses]

Yes, there was a dealer near us...but due to lack of bikes, they gave up on them.

[@DeiotarusBlogspotEs]

In Spain, the same model is marketed under the Macbor brand. The model is called Eight Mile 125. What I don't know is the exact Chinese manufacturer of the bike. Greetings.

[@duellingscarguevara]

I think I do. It looks like a gn125 cloned engine (different covers, but starter looks like it fits cfmoto leader 150. But with efi).

[@jakemonster001]

Beautiful little bike. I wish it had over 30 horses though.

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

what a lovely bike. but i don't think they are going to be sold here in Germany :-(

[@nigelwolfe6150]

Are people reclaiming horsepower on bike like these? If so are they reliable long term?

[@vivekgurung5010]

hlo sir m from nepal!i really love this bike n prerty good look ,best for nepals road hope wil b available in nepal soon🤘🤘🤘🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@vivekgurung5010]

180 cc will b better than 125 cc

[@nelsonturner501]

Can you git this in 'Merica?

[@uralbob1]

I'm searching, Nelson! Aren't they gorgeous?

[@tnxmatze]

how did you know which number i would put on? well its allready on my plate.

[@raphaelandrews3617]

A nice small bike but can not wait for 250. The trouble with 125 is they have enough power to get you in to trouble but not enough power to get you out of trouble.

[@Eastsussexbiker]

I love the look of this a nurse at work has one in the the red lovely. Knee pads on I say. Doesn’t need that reflector it’ll probably fall of ! Rust. Have you done a report on the Benelli Imperiale 400 ??

[@motorsforthemasses]

Not one on its own. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmOXcmiAlNB_aaM

[@valicourt]

Well the UK don’t have to have EU 4 or 5 or whatever. They can do whatever they want. Only if they wanted to export would it be an issue.

[@erider850]

new subscriber here, im also vloger here in philipines i like and love classics bike

[@stainless2867]

I've just got mine, the big issue for me is the exhaust is very hot against my leg.

[@davidwhite4874]

I was thinking that might be a problem......

[@stainless2867]

@@davidwhite4874 Update/ I was unhappy with the exhaust so changed it for another bike from the range. It did let me down due to a loose connection on the coil so I fell out with it and exchanged it.

[@ianh9871]

Nice looking bike, especially in orange. 123 mpg and 51co2 is good for the environment

[@NaturistGardener]

do these bikes cater for tall people iam 6ft 5 16st

[@motorsforthemasses]

I sold one to a guy who was 6ft 6 but very thin. I'm 16 stone and it was a 50-55 mph machine mostly for me.

[@leonardmorin9198]

My 1980 Suzuki TS 125 had 15 BHP of two-stroke power. Even with off road gearing would top out at 70 mph.

[@motorsforthemasses]

Blame Europe for Euro 4 and now Euro 5 regs...4 stroke...fuel injection....emissions....

[@tablet647]

the exhaust looks like the Arrow pipe on the Triumphs

[@stonedog9643]

Needs a decent front mudguard, everything on the road will be on the engine and you. Tidy looking though.

[@arthurdeygers2106]

Have you seen the brixton felsberg xc

[@goncaloguedes2899]

Are you going to review the new zontes 125 bikes? The zontes 125U and 125G1! Love from portugal! :)

[@motorsforthemasses]

Yes

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Love that but for me with a full license i want to see a nice 250 or bigger motor as nobody does a nice scrambler in lower capacity cc anymore between 125/500 unless you live outside the UK something like a Benelli 250 scrambler or quirky like a tw or bigger engined vanvan that could get over motorway speed limits for short blats.

[@stewartnorton6386]

My thoughts exactly ! I'd love to see some mid size scramblers. There are so many lovely looking 125 scramblers out there and then the next step up seems to be something like a Triumph which is much bigger and very expensive. Hopefully we will see more mid range well priced scramblers in the future.

[@tartancobbler7242]

Check out the Fantic Caballero 250 and 500

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

@@tartancobbler7242 too expensive.

[@nickspacey4652]

@@Thegeordiemonkey lexmoto 250 vendetta maybe?

[@hodaka1000]

@@stewartnorton6386 "Scrambler" most of these sramblers and flat trackers are for the image not scrambling, at least this one looks like you could actually use it on dirt Let's face it if you really wanted an enduro bike you'd get an enduro bike

[@TronciM]

Throwback to the 2stroke aprilia rs125 which had around 30bhp

[@daveross7]

Lexmoto tempest, I know you don't sell them but 600 quid cheaper and you don't have to carry two tool kits.

[@trevorbrew9472]

How much Nik in 2023? Want to come over and ride and leave with my son in Scotland when I leave

[@terrywootton8882]

Looks great.

[@wkinnie5234]

Prolly a abs switch on that right hand cap. Cheap bikes with combined brakes complying to euro4 don't need abs. One or the other. So prolly just used an abs right hand switch unit.

[@MoroMagrew]

You mention sport bikes, do any of these companies do a sport bike? The only ones I can think of is the new CFMoto 300SR or 250SR, maybe Hyosung GT250R. Are those imported to the UK? I know the CFMoto is new, maybe not yet. Perhaps there is not the market in the UK for those bikes, with companies offering restricted bigger bikes to meet the A2 licence. I don’t know how well the Yamaha R3 and Ninja 400 do in the UK. If there are any sports bikes I would be interested to hear your thoughts!

[@stewartnorton6386]

I think what you find in UK because of our license system 300/400cc bikes get overlooked as most people once they can do full license will go to something bigger like a 500-600 as a lot of these can be restricted for A2 licence then once you pass full license you can just take the restrictions off rather than buy another bike.

[@motorsforthemasses]

I can get CFmoto, they do a 250, 300 and 400, and 650, the lower 3 are A2 compatible. Main difference other than power is big price differences. I am looking at those though as we are CFmoto dealer.

[@MoroMagrew]

Motors for the Masses I have always been tempted by the CFMoto bikes, they offer such great value for money and high quality! And I love a good deal! I almost got an old 650GT last year, and nearly got a brand new 300SR in the summer, almost, almost! I am sure I will get a CFMoto at some point.

[@MoroMagrew]

Stewart Norton absolutely, people will skip over those lower size bikes and want something bigger and “better”, even a Triumph Street Triple can be factory restricted to A2 restrictions. I like the idea of riding a smaller bike harder than a bigger bike way below it’s capability! I see Lexmoto now has a nearly 400 size sports bike, and mash has a 400 something, there must be some market these guys are chasing??

[@stewartnorton6386]

@@MoroMagrew I wonder if these bikes are because they are trying to break into America.

[@brakenoodle105]

I had to smile when you need a tool kit to remove the exhaust, to remove the side panel to get to the..er, tool kit. Just like the Norton Interpol rotary.

[@jeffturner2102]

On KZbin other sites! they have took the bike up to 60mph! Just seen below in comment in replys one guy took the bike up to 65mphWhich is not bad speed for 125cc he did say he's a small guy!!

[@aniketadas]

I also think the number 22 and you said it.

[@iwanblues6787]

Kapan ada di indonesia

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

I suspect that everywhere you look they list the bhp as 7.4 kW because they don't want us to know how pitiful it's 10 bhp is. My ancient '73 Suzuki TC100 could beat it stock. It is a stunning bike, however and a clever person could easily correct its 70cc like performance.

[@iwanblues6787]

Berapa harga motor ajs adakah di indonesia

[@dazzerjhills1501]

The bike with the pads on makes it look sort of like triumph scrambler

[@peterlawrence3152]

Great sound for a 125.

[@iwanblues6787]

Saya tunggu motor ini

[@PhoebusPro]

Pls do zontes u 125...

[@motorsforthemasses]

We are when it arrives

[@pmjbacon]

An off road WOW... keep the fuel pump separate, nice!

[@WyreForestBiker]

For " Yamaha derived engine" / "Suzuki derived engine" read "Chinese copy of very dubious quality " .

[@motorsforthemasses]

Engines have never been a problem, especially of late. Modern of these engines are made under licence on the same factory line. Most old issues were with poor wiring and cheap nuts/bolts, paint finish and mild steel parts....but that is all addressed these days on very many of Chinese bikes.

[@nickspacey4652]

The small capacity Suzukis are in fact chinese..just saying

[@AaaBbb-qo7un]

Too small cc for this nice sound and goodlooking retro, or it will sell very well if it's 150 or 175 worldwide.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Where’s your mate

[@motorsforthemasses]

Couldn't do it this week.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Roger

[@bigtoe333333]

I noticed you explaining about the euro regs strangling the performance of so many modern bikes, which is certainly true. So are you a brexit supporter?

[@motorsforthemasses]

Sadly that won't make a difference as although out of EU, Euro regulations still apply as we are still in Europe.

[@iwanblues6787]

Boleh juga ada di indonesia

[@ludo9234]

Should have left a rear drum brake. As for dessert scrambler that is rarther far fetched to say the least.

[@dereksmith5019]

Put the knee pads on right away , otherwise the dirt on your jeans will wear the paint off the tank in one season .

[@j4zzx297]

50mph top speed is too slow, especially if you weigh more than a teenager. Needed 70mph minimum so it would hit 60 in real world riding.

[@captainaverage721]

I think they're being a bit cautious, I'd assume a normally geared 10bhp bike would top out at least 60mph

[@stewartnorton6386]

It's also how long it takes you to get there. If you are going up a sliproad to join a fast moving duel carriage way thats going to be stressful.

[@tablet647]

,,it's a shame because the bike looks great

[@richardkeen6151]

This or the hero anybody ?

[@ColonelBagshott675]

All good, just a bit too slow for A roads.

[@_JimS]

I'm surprised your government doesn't tax your farts.... but I bet that's coming. Cool bike, just now finding out the brand was resurrected. Nice review....Thanks ...................yes to the tank pads.

[@nigelwolfe6150]

For a very brief moment I actually thought maybe I had entirely missed a dual sport version of the AJS Stormer line back in the early 70s...I was like "WTF?" LOL I was thinking maybe it was something that just did not get imprted to the US....there were a number of such models. But 2 seconds after clicking on the link and SEEING the bike I was more "What a complete total FARCE!" LOL because admit it! There is NOTHING AJS about the bike other than the tank badge....and what totally unappealing specifications! The only reason I would consider a bike like that if I fell on seriously hard times and needed cheap transportation or was a kid in uk and had to deal with the licensing tiers ....but even then would I consider if it simply only was being heavily discounted idk maybe like $1000 new...Otherwise I would feel better buying a quality brand/model used.....I just dont get why anyone bothered slapping AJS on it? It will insult anyone aware of the brand in the early 70's (which btw likely insulted those familiar with the real 4 stroke AJS motorcycles that had nothing in common with the 2 stroke Stormers) ....I mean why did they bother with calling it an AJS even? It means nothing to 99% of people in the market for a cheap chinese motorcycle anyway....WTF?? BIZARRE! Be like taking an econo box chinese car and branding as say Austin Healy ....would just be a fricken JOKE.....right?

[@motorsforthemasses]

They slap AJS on it as AJS is still owned and run by the same family. 125s are rife in the UK because of what you say, the stupid licensing laws and ridiculous Euro emission laws.

[@jrobdickson8498]

Sounds like it needs a new muffler-

[@jamesjennings3726]

No point buying these low powered 125's. Get an older bike with more power and service it well so it's in a good way.

[@jumpstartlongan3559]

Better with the knee pads

[@patrickhackett3878]

Quit complaining about emission restrictions. If we're honest about it, internal combustion shouldn't even exist in this ecological mess.

[@andrewlambert4934]

But we're not in the eu anymore.. start a campaign to get the euro garbage stopped

[@motorsforthemasses]

Being in the EU and being in Europe are not the same thing.

[@andrewlambert4934]

@@motorsforthemasses yes I know. Europe is a continent.. we will always be in Europe.. but we left the EU.. so they're rules should go out of the window..

[@CaptHollister]

Named after an American race. Not sold in America...

[@motorsforthemasses]

Lol, fair point.