We have to get more people riding motorcycles -could this be the ultimate first bike AJS Bilston 125

[@leslieaustin151]

78 y.o. here. Passed my test in 1963 (I think!). I did have a long time with no bike but came back via a cheap Chinese 125cc bike, similar to this so-called “AJS”. Not a bad little bike either. Totally agree with the message that you don’t need to have a big bike. I have two machines, a 225 Yamaha and a highly modified (by me) 125 Honda, and they’re both great fun and both allow me to bimble round the English and Welsh lanes, as well as take on very occasional longer journeys, with camping gear and all that stuff. If you’re dreaming about a bike, go for small and cheap, do your own servicing (or learn how to..) and have a great time on powered two-wheelers. Les

[@hectorshouse7348]

I’ve got a coat on. Nice to see someone NOT covered in tattoos👍

[@jameskrell4392]

I thought exactly the same think.

[@orcaflotta7867]

BS, my man, BS. Nothing more sexy than a inked biker bishie. Mine, for example, represent many years of fun and cool. I'm 61 now and just got another tat some months ago. Had it made to celebrate my stroke diagnosis. ;)

[@keepitreal1547]

Well said, there's nothing worse & it shows this biker has a mind of her own...love that in this day & age of sheep followers.

[@niallwildwoode7373]

Absolutely!

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

​@@niallwildwoode7373yes!!!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

I have recently returned to motorcycling, having retired, and I am in my mid 60's. I only want 1 bike that will do what I want, and the need for speed has long since gone. I bought myself a 2020 RE Interceptor 650 twin with only 1400 miles on the clock, and I love it. It doesn't do 1 thing exceptionally well but does most things very well. As you say, whatever bike puts a smile on your face, keep it, I love mine 😊😊

[@MrJustsaysean]

Looks nice and beefy for a 125. I like the old style looks on a bike .

[@arnohag1]

My first road bike was a Kawasaki Z200 single. Not fast but made me smile. My first dirt bike was a Suzuki TS185 two stroke. Also fun. Buy what you can handle. Motorcycles always put a smile on your dial.

[@Nooziterp1]

As a 66 year-old who remembers the bikes of the 70s I remember both of these. The Z200 engine was basically half a Z400.

[@nigel8295]

My first was à Z200 too.

[@Nooziterp1]

@@nigel8295 They were a quite popular learner bike in the 1970s.

[@arnohag1]

@@Nooziterp1 the Z400 was underrated. Great bike to ride and handled well.

[@simonchilli2088]

A kick start is a good idea!

[@AdamForeman]

@@simonchilli2088 my bruised right leg is a testimony to my kick start ownership of my early bikes I started with. However, at my age, I'm very glad that electric starters come as standard.

[@Nooziterp1]

I don't think anyone under 40 knows what a kickstart is.

[@rramirrezz]

you´re absolutely right, that fun on a motorcycle does not depend on size, speed and performance. i drive a bonneville T120 and also own a nmax 125 scooter for the city and i love to drive both of them. very glad to hear, that ajs is on the road again with these vintage-look-beauties - this one looks very nice. i would prefer the scrambler models. greetings from vienna.

[@clivecartey]

Just a couple of very very minor points:- (a) the bike has a Centre Stand (necessary for good chain maintenance) and (b) unfortunately, that is not a rear rack on the back - its a pillion grab handle . Overall though, a great initial review and I am very glad you said that a new rider could stick with that bike, there is absolutely no 'need' to go with the lemmings up the cc trail. In fact, people do tour (at their pace) on 125's. Actually, it's a good bike for downsizing too. The definition of a 'Small Bike' or even, ridiculously, 'Starter Bike' with most reviewers now is 400cc+, with all the associated purchase costs . The latter silliness sort of explains why potential riders are put off even thinking about starting to ride a motorcycle. Bluntly, the industry has turned into a bloated Ego Fest - enjoy while you can, because it wont last long.

[@IndigoJo]

It seems to be American and sometimes Australian motorcycle vloggers who tout 400cc as a "starter bike". In parts of Australia bikes like the Honda NX500 are learner legal!

[@logangodofcandy]

400cc is a starter bike for adults. In the US, EVERYTHING is down the highway.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I’m 6’3” I don’t do small. Just for info bigger bikes (more power) gives you the opportunity to be more relaxed. You don’t need to ring the guts out of it to stay ahead oh mumsie in her Range Rover Sport. And two up on a powerful bike, it’s so easy.

[@anthonystevens8683]

OK I confess that I'm an old timer by todays views on bikers but I love that AJS have added (or not deleted depending on your age) the kick start. Back in the day I had big bikes but later also had a small bike for commuting and I can say without any doubt that the commute hoon was the most fun . I loved my old 1990's CG125 that I had along side my CBR600 but although the CBR was a better bike in almost any circumstance my old CG commuter was brilliant. Many thanks for sharing.

[@jameslangston3903]

I am a 60yr old Motorcycle Instructor and the biggest problem in our business is a lack of youngsters. When I started teaching 17 years ago approximately 25% of the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) customers were 16 and now that figure is less than 9%. And the biggest reason is Electric Scooters (Illegal)and Electric Pushbikes (Illegal above a certain speed). Untrained, uninsured kids as young as 11 or 12 are hopping from pavement to road in front of me as I teach and its becoming highly dangerous. They have no road awareness at all and of course with no training (as there is no regulation) never will. At a few 100 quid for these mobile hazards they are an obvious choice for some. As for your little AJS125 unfortunately the Insurance companies do not look kindly on these "cheap" imports compared to the big 4 Japanese makes and therefore the costs (like one of the previous comments) can be prohibitively expensive!!

[@steve00alt70]

Yea the extra steps to get a licence of the A1, A2 mod 1 puts them off and most biker meets are old men. CBT to A licence with mod 2 is all thats needed to get young ppl in.

[@TringmotionCoUk]

It's a bit more nuanced than that. The suppliers with bad parts supply equate to an automatic write off, AJS isn't in that group

[@Norfolkbiker50]

Less than an hour ago I followed one of those so called "peddle assited" electric bicycles, I was doing 40 mph, the maximum speed limit on that road, and he was actually pulling away from me, he also went straight through 2 red lights. The company I work for has a legal responsibility to ensure that all company vehicles are legal and road worthy, clearly this doesn't apply to uber eats or deliveroo?

[@johnmohanmusic]

I never had a 125 but I will say this: My first bike was a Honda XL185S. I loved that bike! It brought me great enjoyment on the trails and on the road. Years later I got my second bike - a Honda 250 Rebel. Again, pure joy for years. Then for nearly 30 years I was bikeless. 😪 Finally, I bought the bike I'd dreamed of since was was a teen - a black Harley Davidson with red logo on the tank (a neighbor had one when I was a kid). It's an FXDL (Dyna Low Rider). I have to admit, the power, torque and acceleration are intoxicating. But that said, if I wasn't older and now able to afford my Harley, I would achieve 99.999% of the enjoyment I currently get from my big-engined Harley riding a 125 cc bike . Just get a bike you can afford and RIDE.

[@SuccessShared]

Great idea. Back in the 70's we rode bikes because they were affordable, fun, and we couldn't afford cars plus bikes were cool and a good few celebs rode and raced them. Plus loads of your mates rode them which made it much more fun! Nowadays, most riders ride for leisure and the 'need to ride' brigade are on scooters delivering grub. Outside work most probably wouldn't chose a proper bike. Folks from my era have generally reduced riding warmer weather and touring, hence the interest in adventure bikes. Also, home maintenance is restricted to older machines as running costs of new bikes are beyond those with a 'leisure' budget. I specified a Mikuni carb on my last new Harley and servicing was affordable. My bud today has a fuel-injected Harley and his 30k mile service quoted from the main dealer was north of £900! For an air-cooled V-twin which is nuts. Good luck with your message!

[@anthunt61]

Love your video ❤ However, the simple truth about the lack of interest in motorcycles is Spiralling Insurance Costs, Motorcycles that are simply too expensive to Run and Maintain, Appalling Road Surface, Successive Summers that have been a total washout and the fact that people have no confidence in the Economy Moving Forward!! Low Wages, High Mortgage Rates, Utility Bills that are 4 times higher than they were Three Years ago, Food Prices a Third Higher - all these things have conspired to the Downturn in Motorcycle Sales, Closure of Dealerships etc and nothing is going to change for the better under the present Government!!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Here in the USA we call that Bidenomics.

[@shuggienus319]

Tump economics is tax cuts for millionaires. Nada for working people. Just look at his record in office. Trump cant run a business never mind a country .​@mikeskidmore6754

[@logangodofcandy]

Europeans and democrats just can't comprehend basic economics. It's all hocus pocus to these people and it pisses me off.

[@rowland5442]

It was the last government that got us here!

[@YiddoHuayi]

Must be a global thing. You've just described New Zealand. Getting a bike saves money on petrol. My commute to work is one-tenth the cost of taking the bus and 1/35 the cost of driving a car (car park fees and petrol). More people should be riding motorbikes!!

[@davidburgis2734]

Absolutely ive got a Himalayan as well as my Tigers and Thunderbird its nice to see everything normal and not a blur all the time 😂

[@SciurusVulgaris1979]

Kick starts improve the longevity AND every off road bike should have a kick start [try bump starting a loaded bike on a dirt track or sanddune!]!

[@raymondduduryn7573]

At the age of 67 I started riding a BSA C10 250, and over the years had all sorts of bikes big and small, and as in the circle of life my favourite bike is a Kawasaki TR250, perfect size. 👍

[@danielbatten1837]

Today we are putting down a deposit for our 18 year old daughter. Snd it's the Bilston we have gone for. Red one. She is very excited and it looks great

[@rwalton159]

Excellent video 👏 You'd be excellent on a prime tv channel reviewing bikes and generally promoting bikes

[@andynotdave]

Bennets just quoted me on this bike. 19 years old. 1st bike. Insurance start date, - 19th November Oxford lock and chain Oxford disk lock Datatag Garaged Rural location Social domestic and pleasure 5000 miles 500 voluntary excess The quote is £6374.59

[@neilhartley2526]

That's crazy. Don't give up, though. Sometimes pricing can differ widely for more obscure brands such as this one. Try other brokers etc.

[@kevindarkstar]

Insurance.... Huge issue and feels like a randomised lottery 😮

[@neilp1885]

That's insane, it's more than twice the cost of the bike! I guess age and experience must be a factor. I know insurance for new car drivers is crazy expensive too. I don't know how young people manage! Sure, insurance for new drivers/riders has always been more expensive, but thinking back to when I started out ("when I were a lad", "back in my day" 😄) and allowing for inflation, it wasn't as much as you've been quoted. See if you can get a better quote elsewhere and hang in there, it will get better as you get older, have more years of experience, and get some no-claims discount too. For reference, I'm in my 50s now and insurance on a (more expensive) Honda is £260, city location, garaged, £100 voluntary excess.

[@thepub245]

One of the big reasons motorcycling looks to be in danger of dying in the future. Younger generations arent taking it up.

[@kevindarkstar]

@@thepub245 at the cost it's not surprising, and compared to the 70s bikes today aren't seen in the most part as every day transport

[@NicTheRip]

Great video, love seeing more people get into riding so the more we can do to help the better!

[@tonyjackman6699]

At 62 and having riden many big bikes over the years since 1979, this would be the perfect bike for me now. However, even at such a low price, I can't afford it sadly.

[@neilhartley2526]

There's a lot to like about this bike and I'd definitely be interested if I was looking for a first bike. Hopefully, it will tempt some people onto two wheels. I got rid of my car a few years ago and now just have bikes.

[@Siddhartha7]

u and itchy boots are totally a role model for female riders

[@davewright8206]

i really like that side bag you have ! really really like it

[@flexywing]

We need more small bike reviews and how good they are. And tests of mid sized bikes too

[@blutey]

Looks very stylish. Wonder what spare part availability and cost is like and also how reliable and robust it is?

[@logangodofcandy]

In America, my first bike was recently a scrambler 1200. I will say that a bike has to do what you want it to do.

[@gusdogbrownlab435]

Been riding since I was 12 some 48 years ago. When I was young I couldn't wait to move up ccs. Went up to 650, 800 rode a 1200 Harley and a Honda CBX 6 back in the day. I've only had a couple of years not riding in that time but I have been finding that I'm enjoying smaller bikes again. I currently ride a 78 Suzuki Sp 370 and it's great. Light,manoeuvrable and quick through the back roads. Small bikes are great fun

[@TheGirlOnABike]

💯 totally agree with you, big bikes are fun but so are little ones also! Its all about balance hehe

[@stefanhansen5882]

Beautiful bike! My gf is getting her license soon. This might to worth a try!

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you Vanessa for this dose of reality. I agree that adequate size, mass and power/torque are good things. I owned a four cylinder diesel 4WD wagon for twenty odd years and it was ideal for my purposes-work and private. The same applies to my 1992/3 mountain bike, purchased new. As a carpenter, I do not buy tools simply because they are bigger/heavier than the next tradesperson’s tools. On the road, extra mass equals extra work in the twisty bits, extra braking and … every motor vehicle will require, at some time, to be pushed instead of driven. You may be the only person available to do that pushing😁.

[@matthewsaxe6383]

Love the video, love the bike. I rode a cb125 back in the day, not as beautiful as the AJS.

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

I've been riding Brit bikes almost fifty years, it's good to see a new bike from local manufacture there in where they used to be, sounds like a good first bike or a riding around the city bike. Well done showcasing, thanks!

[@nickwinn7812]

Local manufacturer? Are you commenting from China? This bike has nothing to do with AJS except the name on the tank. It may well be a good bike, but it isn't a British bike.

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

@@nickwinn7812 Sorry to hear that, I've got four Triumphs built in England, 62, 64 T100's and a 78 Bonnie, and a 72 T140, love them all. Working on three, riding the Bonneville. I've long accepted the foreign bikes, grudgingly.

[@Alan_Anderson]

I was really interested in this video as AJS did play a part in getting me into riding a few years ago. Although I never bought one (as after my CBT, my age meant I could progress straight to direct access and I did not buy a 125) I really liked the look of AJS 125s and this formed part of my decision to learn to rider. I agree that this is another nice looking bike from AJS. Thank you for the review!

[@warvaralynx7955]

Dear Vanessa, I apologize, I did not notice at first that this motorcycle is a small 125 cc. I asked for such a review. At first I thought that you would just talk about proper motorcycle riding. Definitely, this motorcycle is a very interesting machine. I would not refuse to buy one of these motorcycles, even instead of some sportbike or super enduro.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Great value, front fender is a little high off the tire, other than that it is lovely.

[@GazzybearsOrchidAddiction-i7o]

Thanks for a great video on the new AJS 125 its nice the see that name again 😎 I hope it inspires young and older people to get on two wheels and to experience the freedom feeling it brings with it 👍

[@racheltaylor6578]

I had a Herald Cafe as my first bike.I loved it.I used to get lots of compliments about how it looked.

[@Americathebeautiful49]

Nice to see the AJS still out there and that looks like an interesting fun bike for getting around town. I raced motocross in the late 60’s and had an AJS Stormer which was new at the time and if I’m not mistaken was part of Norton motorcycles.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh mega! That is super cool

[@Woody_61]

have you had a look at the Mutt Stravaig 401. Cheap ADV bike which looks great. I'd love to know your thoughts on it. Cheers

[@richieharkness5535]

I never knew until i caught the start of this that 'less and less people riding motorcylces' was a thing , shows how out of touch I am ... I suppose it makes sense , with a new wave of people who are afraid to go outside and who genuinely believe that we are responsible for "destroying the planet" .....ok .. ..she's right ....this absolutely needs to be addressed. Forthwith!

[@fredblogd8448]

Bilston is a town south of Wolverhampton, It had a blast furnace , one of the few profitable when they closed it apparently!, It was within in view of the secondary school I went to. Many of the industries in the region relied on it and its closure in the early eighties made job hunting a bit interesting.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I’ll tell you what will get me riding more - sunshine and warmth…. R1250GS in the garage and all it does is rain and wind all summer. I live in the south! Not even the frozen wastelands of t’north. I had my fill of wind and rain on a Japanese 250 in the 70’s I just want it warm and dry like New Mexico and Arizona…

[@timeaftertime3563]

I have the opposite. I live on a very sunny island. I will be moving to Europe soon. Just can't function anymore in this constant heat. Hopefully there will be enough dry days where I'm going.

[@timhartigan]

"It didn't blow up or anything." So I've got that going for me. Which is nice. :)

[@nickclarkuk]

I absolutely love the styling but then I’m 46. Will the young go for it ?

[@stuarthammond1009]

I really enjoyed that video and your bright, infectious presentation may just help attract a couple of riders to give it ago . Wonderful to see this lovely little machine showing its yam yam heritage * Wolves ay we * yam yam when you know you know!

[@RKmndo]

In the USA, it's hard to beat a used DR650, with all its stock parts included, as a first bike for the mechanically-inclined/interested...after passing a BRC...IMO. - Buy a service manual. - Shave weight off your used DR, like Procycle did. They got one down to around 320lb curb, which is similar to many 250cc street-legal motos. - Get the seat down to around 30" or less (shave seat, factory-lower the suspension, slide the forks up, and install adjustable rear links). - Ride dirt, and practice drills learned in the BRC, before venturing out on public roads with traffic. - Raise/Upgrade the suspension as confidence/skill increases. - Maybe boost power as skill increases. 55+WHP is possible with mighty DRs, which feels quite peppy for a sub-350lb moto. - Boost versatility as skills/wanderlust grow.

[@whatsup9260]

its expansive specially if you live in an area where you 4 seasons with a full cold snowy winter that will bring it down to a few month only. better wages will help and reasonable CC/HP versus gas tank size would be nice, sucks when they barely ride longer than electric in distance.

[@guyanderton]

So have a go on a triumph 995i sprint it will be a bit of a challenge at first but once you get the hang of it its just the ticket. Ajs old classics are nice as well. the flywheel is so much heavier but rigid suspension is surprisingly comfortable 8bhp. so all comparisons are subjective.

[@TimothyCannock]

Good video-review of the Bilston, and some interesting points about aspiration as part of motorcycle-ownership. But most of the 'action footage' was of you off-roading on a different AJS.

[@guyanderton]

Its got 2 wheels and an engine so it must be fun

[@mootpointjones8488]

In the UK, the biggest obstacle is the ridiculous insurance premiums being asked from young people. Add in low wages, student debt and massive rents, few young people have the cash to get into biking.

[@thepub245]

Very tasty, the bikes arent bad either! 😄

[@xvrays]

I’m almost 75 years old and ride an old 1982 Yamaha SR250. I can get 75 mph out of it if I want to. Fast enough for me. 21 BHP again enough horses for me. It’s light 126KG but the best thing I can get well over 80MPG. And it’s fun. Who needs a big 250BHP bike?? 😎

[@jackiewenden7657]

I was a bit confused by the pictures and videos you were cutting to as it seemed to be a different model-the 71 desert scrambler. Is there any difference otherwise between the desert scrambler and the Bilston?

[@roverchap]

I love the look of this bike, but I'm 65! Young people will probably want something more modern looking with tech, because that is what young people expect. When I was a teenager I didn't want to ride something which looked like the bike my grandfather rode.

[@tree-service]

From bike i need 2 wheels, engine and ... Its all;) than more cheap and light the bike, than more wonderful places with him can be destinationed

[@Cabalero24]

+1

[@wattyler6075]

Nothing would get me back on a bike. Did that when I was young,& have the arthritis many bikers suffer from.

[@lilynorthover8378]

This is definitely on my radar as a first bike. I think the initial costs of riding are a big put off for youngsters. I am not young but am unemployed. I have develped a fear of the road element of CBT, so I can ride and do manoeuvres but have yet to go on the road. Each time, it takes me a year to save up for the next try at a CBT. I am small and a bit pathetic but this bike looks very doable. It certainly costs less than a Grom which was my ideal hooligan bike. Oh yes, forgot to mention, I am a hooligan.😂

[@worldofameiso5491]

I had an AJS Tempest as my learner bike. It was okay, rather underpowered if like me you are on the heavy side. The good thing is that physically they are fairly big and robust. They do look good, but you need to keep on top of the maintenance otherwise they start to look scruffy (rusty) pretty quickly.

[@AdamForeman]

I really like the AJS CADWELL. Nice 125cc Café Racer edition

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

In the states, I’ve noticed an increase of low powered motorcycles especially scooters in urban and near suburban areas ridden by young adults . I’m hoping this will be the gateway to the rebirth of the motorcycle industry. I ride a Yamaha Tmax and love the utility (shopping) and long distance capability of this machine vs the cruiser I once owned.

[@juhajuntunen7866]

Friend if mine got his bike at age 50. Its quite expensive hobby, even its just second hand basic Japanese bike. And summer is short, snow comes again soon .

[@johnnyrebel3085]

Got to say the AJS 125 looks cool for a 125. I think if I was starting to learn riding again, it would definitely be an ideal bike for me. Personally Although I have a K6 and 954 Fire blade, I would love to have an AJS to commute around town.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

In the US bicycles were the gateway to motorcycles. Less bicycle riding today leads to fewer motorcycle riders. Plus you can't play with your phone while riding which keep many young people relying on Uber to get around.

[@Michael-hm8cs]

Not being bothered by the small rectangle digital idol is one of the advantages of biking😊

[@Luppy-v8f]

The number one issue i find in young people .is that its so long and drawn out to gain a motorbike full license .

[@dodibenabba525]

AJS need to do a retro version of the Jampot 500

[@PLAYINGAROUND]

Your comments about really nice paninie's and coffee's underline the level the industry is at these days, and that's before we get on to expensive bikes and insurance.. The staggered learning and licensing costs to go up levels is also an issue. My first 125 was £2200. It was a Yamaha TZR 125 with optional fairing and power valve kit (the later for after passing test). That was 1992, and the Bank of England inflation calculator shows that the current sporty Yamaha 125, the R125 is more than double that 1992 price by around £1000. So using this example the bike is more expensive (and slower 😁) than the TZR. Alas I can't remember what my insurance cost back then. P.S. The AJS company now is not the original would be 100 odd year old company.

[@Capt.Leslie.V]

I've had a look at this bike, but I'm struggling to get past how the led headlight looks, I can't tell if it looks out of place or not? Can anyone attest to how it looks in person?

[@skoorbyrret4578]

I sold a 500cc "GreenLaner" four years ago, and I bought a AJS 125 Desert Scrambler {I hit the age of 70, and just got to the stage where the 500 was to big & heavy for me}. I'm guessing that this bike is pretty much the same as my Scrambler, so I can only say that..... Yes , I do miss having 500cc under my arse, but I'm still "GreenLaning" and having fun, at almost 75 yo. ....and the bike does everything I ask of it whilst "Off-Roading". It will do 60 {eventually} on a good road {even with 16st of "fat old bloke" {ie, Me} on board}. OK, so it's Chinese, but it is one of the better quality ones {the engine is a copy of the Yamaha YBR125 {built in the same factory in China, which actually built the engines for Yamaha} ....most of the switchgear seems to be Suzuki and most of the brake parts seem to be Honda based. And, after over 55years of motorcycling, I know how to look after and maintain a bike, so for less than the price of a used Japanese 125 "dirt bike" I got myself a brand new Chinese one. BTW, I also own a Yamaha 650 Dragstar, which I have no problems with weight & size.

[@chrislye8912]

We have a family friend who hasn’t been ‘allowed’ a bike for 10 odd years but he’s a ‘biker’ and does not think I’m a biker with 3 bikes in the shed and 35 years on the road…. It’s funny, because I’ve done the sports bike thing and now like classics and modern classics.

[@homeontherange733]

I have rode motorcycles for 60 years and would never encourage anyone to ride a motorcycle. They are too dangerous. I'm glad my daughter never got the bug. Now if someone by their own admission wants to take it up, i'm glad to show them how to ride.

[@loki1066]

It truly would be a pleasure to ride that.

[@AubreyHill-km3cw]

Dirty dog😉

[@paulharris9309]

I have had a lot of big bikes , but some of the best fun was on my suzuki ap50 and gt 185 .

[@OhSoddit]

I'd had my eye on a Honda XR150L as my first ever motorbike (Australian in my 50's), it's STILL listed on the "learner approved" list, but they'll no longer allow new registrations. If you've got one, all well and good, if you buy one new now you can't get it registered for the road (in Australia).

[@biscuitonabike4425]

My first bike was a Honda Varadero (I'm tall) xl125. It was awesome and I miss that bike. If only L plate 125's were allowed to have say 25hp, I'd have kept it.

[@gregm9230]

The ultimate first bike is a USED bike.

[@Cabalero24]

+1

[@geraldscott4302]

Wow. A girl that isn't absolutely covered in tattoos. Amazing. And wonderful. That deserves a serious compliment. As for the bike, there is just too much black on it. Black engine, black wheels, and black in a lot of other places that should be bright aluminum, chrome, or painted with shiny paint.

[@orcaflotta7867]

There is no thing like Too Much Black in existence! But there is too much chrome coz chrome = cheap and no style. We're bikers, no circus clowns ffs.

[@timeaftertime3563]

I agree on the lack of tattoos, not so much on the black. Much less mantainance this way. Shiny things on such bikes would probably rust very quickly.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@timeaftertime3563 When it comes to buying a bike, over 90% of what I base my decision on is looks. If I don't like the way a bike looks, I won't even consider it. And NOTHING is UGLIER than flat black. If they just wanted to paint something instead of plate it, they could have painted it silver. I have a bike right now (Kawasaki Vulcan 750) with a silver painted engine and wheels. I certainly would not have bought it if they had been painted black.

[@mats3188]

So god of you ,you are amazing love your passion for life and mc riding 🌹🌹🌹

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh thanks so much, that is super kind of you to say

[@ulrich7819]

The main thing is Seathight than weight ,new riders are considering .

[@cb3391]

Unavailable in USA 😕

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Here in the USA there is a small CO making Vintage looking bikes with Honda Clone air cooled Motors. The price is about Double what you quoted the AJS for. I supposed much of that difference might be made in China vs made in the USA mfg costs labor costs high taxes ect.

[@jeffleach5043]

Im 6 ft 4 do you think i could get sway with this ?

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

Unfortunately, younger people are taught to be afraid of absolutely everything. Very afraid! They will never know the freedom of two wheels. Society says safety is more important than individual freedom.

[@richardsimpson3792]

Insurance is the problem. 17 year old lad I know in outer London has been quoted £2k to insure a bike worth £2k for a year. That's him put off for good probably. And as for Bikesure, after decades with Carol Nash, I switched because they quoted me a more competitive price. When the documentation arrived, there was a mistake in it. I pointed this out, and was charged £125 for 'making changes to the policy' (the 'change;' was that they had forgotten to include the aftermarket pannier racks on my old KTM950...said racks only cost £90 to purchase!) So Bikesure can sod right off. I wouldn't insure with them again, and I suggest that no one else does either. My experience suggest that they are a bunch of sharks. AVOID AVOID AVOID.

[@steve00alt70]

I'm quoted £180 only for my 125cc on bikesure in Northern Ireland. Its deffo £1,000 more expensive for insurance in England it seems.

[@kevindarkstar]

Isn't that oil cooler a bit large for a small engine, it looks like a liquid cooled bike due to the rad 🤔

[@albertgjohnston]

My first motorcycle (that I purchased in my adult years) was a Chinese MP 250 scooter. For many reasons, including an unknown medical condition, I wasn't much interested in riding. Four years after I got my first CPAP, I felt confident enough to exercise the 'ol ego. Got the scooter repaired. Now I ride a Ninja 1000 sx, and Versys 300x. Each bike I own scratches a different itch. I expect to ride the Ninja 1000 cross country in a year or two. And I still love the scooter, although it needs and overhaul. As far as riding goes, I think riding skipped a generation. Now the enthusiast seem to be the guys and girls that enjoy the squid bikes (motard-bikes). I call them squid bikes because they accelerate very quickly like a squid. Then they decelerate quickly when off throttle.

[@logangodofcandy]

I got two triumph 1200 twins. Scrambler and bobber. Very different bikes. It's easy to start on a crap bike and move up or I. Our circumstances move sideways to other styles.

[@signorecarpediem4854]

Hon hade talets gåva! She has the good one to bee a preadcer?

[@Sonya_Makepeace]

Nice looking bike. I just want a runabout, so I can stop peddling my mountain bike. I like the Royal Enfield Hunter, too.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

It is an ace bike for just that! Definitely well worth looking into!

[@Norfolkbiker50]

Sorry to piss on your strawberries but a lad I know from the MAG bought one, we all rushed outside expecting to see a classic British icon but instead were greeted by a cheaply built heap of Chinese crap. The dealer had it more than he did as it was constantly breaking down with electrical problems but was never able to rectify the issues and eventually the warranty ran out so one of the other members who owns a bike shop had it in. He inspected it from top to bottom and concluded that it wasn't safe to be on the road, collapsed wheel bearings, leaking fork seals, excessive movement in the swingarm, broken welds on the frame. There was a lot more but this is what I remember and this was a bike with about a thousand miles on it, unable to source parts it sat behind his shed until it got took to the council tip and literally thrown in a skip. I have absolutely no vested interest in this but I would never let my daughter ride one of these dangerous heaps and I would strongly urge anyone else to think very very carefully before parting with your money.

[@zaibkhan5037]

one thing I find a bit off putting about geared motorcycles is the fact that most in the 125cc bracket do not have a gear display ... I have a 2020 honda supercub , semi automatic , many times I forget what gear I'm in and thankfully the cub displays the gear ... I'm looking at the ajs cadwell and must confess that as a new comer to the world of full manual , I'm daunted by the fact that I'll forget what gear I'm in and trying to remember that on top of all the trappings that come with manual .. could be an issue ...

[@richardsimpson3792]

It's not an issue. Just change up or down as required. Once Mike Hailwood was asked what his 900 cc Ducati was revving to in top gear he looked genuinely baffled and said: "I dunno, how many gears has it got?" He'd just won the Isle of Man TT on it!

[@NorthDevonModelSociety]

I've got an AJS Cadwell. In the headlight shell. There's an unused socket. It's for a digital gear indicator. I've fitted one to mine. Under the seat. There's another unused socket. That's for a bike alarm. I've fitted one as well.

[@simpangtiga6053]

Nice bike

[@therollingwheelz]

i'm glad AJS still survive considering they produced great bikes in those times.....

[@shardlake]

They did not survive, this is a Chinese Bike, they bought the name.

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@shardlake I thought AJS was still headquartered in Andover, Hants (whereit has been since the days of NVT). My understanding was that the UK company got Chinese factories to build bikes using unique 'classic British style' tanks and seats on their usual platforms with engines derived from Suzuki/Yamaha etc. A bit like Mash in France.

[@philhawley1219]

@@richardsimpson3792 The AJS name is only a piece of paper in a filing cabinet in an office that is probably nowhere near Britain sadly.

[@therollingwheelz]

@@shardlake not Indian?

[@johnkelly2279]

Where's it made, ?as in where?....

[@clangerbasher]

I am surprised you didn't comment on tank size and its (supposed) economy. Look it up peeps. It can go a long long way........

[@BillySBC]

We need more nice people on bikes and less aholes on bikes ruining the image of motorcycling for the masses.

[@ebinkaraparambil9947]

Hi Could you please review Royal enfield shot gun 650 Thank you I used to ride RE classic 500, thunderbird etc back home India. Now I am in UK and getting my full licence by December. I was looking for used Triumph speed triple 1050 but found Shot gun 650 and 80 year old a motorbike legend( he has 21 vintage motor cycles in his collection) took me for a ride and told me think about RE shot gun 650. Hope you will add a comment on shot gun 650 Thank you Ebin

[@MrBenHaynes]

I think the Honda CB125F is an incredible first bike but it is missing the "cool" factor of the AJS (especially the black and gold pinstripe). If the AJS is within cooee of the Honda pricewise, it would be ripper value!

[@joebloggs1317]

Sorry to disagree, but I don't see affordable 125's having much, if any, effect on motorcyclist numbers. Being slow, and safe isn't a good selling point when it comes to young riders, and it could be argued that it leaves them vulnerable in traffic with very little power to maintain higher cruising speed meaning everything other than another 125 will be overtaking them, anyone remember the terror of being overtaken by HGV's. Nice looking little bike, but probably more suited to being used as a trendy city commuter than out on the open road.

[@Michael-hm8cs]

Yep. My first was a Sym orbit 125 and motorists would drive aggressively right up behind me forcing me into the emergency lane to pass me, even though I was doing the speed limit. So I bought a 2008 KLR650...now they can suck it😂

[@joebloggs1317]

@@Michael-hm8cs When an ex-girlfriend decided to take her test, I taught her to ride near to the centre white line as traffic approached her, make the drivers go wide then slowly pull in as they passed.

[@Jack_Warner]

Has it got fuel injection and some engine management system? I want a simple bike that I can fix with a basic tool kit. I will never buy another car or bike that needs to be plugged into a computer for diagnostics.

[@georgeharrison5362]

Im old..often wondered if im capable of returning to motorcycling. Insurance...bike costs... But worse....would i still have fast enough reactions for the many times cars came at me out of the blue....as it were. Intuition saved me many times. With less money now a car is almost unaffordable...bikes should be booming.