Mini motos have at all times thrived on a easy thought: small, helpful bikes that punch effectively above their weight. What began as post-war utility machines rapidly reworked into farm runabouts after which finally into cult favorites like Honda’s Path sequence in more moderen instances.
Now, these mini motos have created a complete new section of their very own – and for good motive, too. These bikes have by no means been about velocity or the spec sheet; they’re all about approachability, reliability, and going locations you’d suppose twice about tackling on larger bikes.
The AJS Imber 125 is strictly that, and cheaper than probably the most famend mini-moto in the marketplace – the Honda Path 125. Now, AJS isn’t precisely a family title. The bikemaker originates from the UK and dates again to the early 1900s, previously recognized for producing top-quality bikes and successful races. Now, although, the corporate makes a speciality of cheap, approachable, small-displacement bikes.
AJS Bikes
The Imber 125 comes from the identical secure, and as its title suggests, it packs a 125cc air-cooled SOHC engine that produces about 9.2 horsepower (6.91 kW) at 8,000 rpm. That motor comes mated to a four-speed gearbox and semi-automatic centrifugal clutch – no clutch lever, no fuss.
For somebody on the lookout for a substitute for the pricier ~US$4,200 Honda Path 125, that’s music to the ears – an analogous clutch-free, heel-and-toe-shifter sort of expertise for a fraction of the value.
And in case you’re feeling like hauling some stuff round, there’s a giant rear baggage rack that comes as normal, together with a nifty steel rack in entrance of the rider’s seat. There’s additionally some extra cargo house above the spherical headlight on the entrance. Fairly neat!
Floor clearance is at 7.5 inches (190 mm), whereas the seat peak is listed at 31.8 inches (810 mm) at its highest and 30 inches (760 mm) should you go along with the decrease choice.
AJS Bikes
The mini moto additionally sports activities an upswept exhaust and a spoked-wheel setup wrapped in twin sport tires, which appears to counsel you possibly can take the little factor off-road.
Braking is a single-disc setup at each ends, whereas telescopic entrance forks handle entrance suspension and airbag twin rear shocks do the job on the again. You additionally get each an electrical and a kick starter, with LED lighting throughout, plus an LED sprint.
AJS included a middle stand on the Imber 125, which is helpful for upkeep. You get a 2.2-gallon (8.5-liter) gasoline tank, with the entire thing claimed to weigh 254 lb (115 kg) in whole.
The worth is the very best half. The Imber 125 begins at £2,349. That’s about US$3,200. As compared, the Honda Trail125 begins at $4,099 within the US.
AJS Bikes
Whereas there’s most likely no comparability by way of long-term sturdiness, the Imber does provide much better worth. An identical little engine, related off-road credentials, and an analogous take wherever, haul something persona.
In an period the place bikes have gotten heavier, quicker, and dearer, we might actually use extra reasonably priced alternate options in an more and more difficult economic system.
Will the Imber 125 come Stateside? In all probability not. However one can hope. If it doesn’t, you may have the likes of CSC’s Wolf 125, providing an analogous experience for even much less money.
Supply: AJS Motorcycles
