- Water-cooled 125cc single-cylinder with a claimed 13 HP (9.5 kW) and six-speed gearbox
- Upside-down fork, wire-spoke wheels and LED lighting from 3,299 British Pounds (approximately 3,810 Euros / 4,450 US Dollars)
- Currently only available in Great Britain, though Euro 5+ homologation would be in place
AJS Motorcycles is one of England’s oldest motorcycle brands. The company was founded in 1909 in Wolverhampton, where in the early decades of the 20th century race and street machines were built that made waves at events including the Isle of Man TT. Like many British manufacturers, AJS eventually disappeared from the scene, but the brand name survived. Today the company is based in Andover in the county of Hampshire and is run by the Collier family. However, there is no longer any in-house production in England. AJS assembles its range of motorcycles and scooters from 50 to 250 cubic centimeters with the support of Chinese manufacturers. This business model is now widespread in the entry-level segment: a British heritage brand with a global supplier network and modern homologation.
Classic Scrambler Design with Well-Thought-Out Details
The JFT 125 aims to reinterpret the classic scrambler theme without lapsing into pure nostalgia. Wire-spoke wheels with high-strength, anodized aluminum rims and straight-pull spokes meet a round headlight with a protective steel tube guard, clean tank lines and a tidy rear end. The fuel tank is made of sheet steel and holds 14.5 liters, which at a claimed consumption of 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers yields a theoretical range of around 600 kilometers. The exhaust system is made of stainless steel and TIG-welded, and the handlebar is made of tapered aluminum. The padded seat is ergonomically shaped and designed to remain comfortable on longer rides as well. The JFT 125 is available in three color variants: Blazing Orange, Sundown Metallic Red and Classic Black, each with a painted finish.
Water-Cooled DOHC Single-Cylinder with 13 HP
Beneath the retro shell lies a thoroughly modern powertrain. The water-cooled 125cc single-cylinder features dual overhead camshafts and four valves. According to the manufacturer, the engine produces 9.5 kW, which translates to approximately 13 HP (9.5 kW). This puts the JFT 125 about 2 HP below the 15 HP limit that applies in Europe for the A1 license class or the German B196 extension. A balance shaft is said to ensure smooth, low-vibration operation. Shifting is handled by a six-speed gearbox, with power transmitted to the rear wheel via an O-ring chain. For fuel consumption, the manufacturer quotes a figure of 97 mpg on the British market, which corresponds to the 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers mentioned above. With the six-speed gearbox, the estimated top speed is said to be around 100 km/h.
Chassis with Upside-Down Fork and Adjustable Shock
The JFT 125 also shows more ambition in the chassis department than many other 125cc bikes. Up front is an upside-down telescopic fork with robust aluminum triple clamps, while the rear features a single, adjustable central shock absorber on an anodized aluminum swingarm. This combination was long reserved for larger models in the 125cc class. The tires are knobby in typical scrambler fashion, with a 100/90-18 up front and a 130/80-17 at the rear. For the braking system, AJS relies on disc brakes on both wheels combined with a combined braking system (CBS). ABS is not included, but CBS meets the minimum requirement applicable in the European Union for motorcycles up to 125 cubic centimeters.
Weight, Dimensions and Ergonomics
Ready to ride, the AJS JFT 125 reportedly tips the scales at 128 kilograms (approximately 282 lbs). The seat height is 820 millimeters, which is beginner-friendly while still conveying the feel of a full-sized machine. In terms of length, the JFT 125 measures 2,090 millimeters overall, with a width of 870 millimeters, a height of 1,131 millimeters and a wheelbase of 1,436 millimeters. Additional equipment includes adjustable hand levers with detent adjustment, a digital LED display in a classic round housing, and full LED lighting all around. Both a side stand and a center stand are included as standard, which is by no means a given on 125cc bikes.
Price, Availability and Market Positioning
At its market launch in spring 2026, AJS is asking 3,299 British Pounds for the JFT 125 (approximately 3,810 Euros / 4,450 US Dollars). This includes British VAT, delivery to the dealer, pre-delivery inspection, full assembly, the license plate and a 12- or 24-month warranty. Not included are the first registration tax and the vehicle tax. An accessories program with luggage boxes, mud guards, cargo nets and other parts is also available.
For now, the JFT 125 is exclusively available in Great Britain. There is no information about potential distribution in the European Union. However, the formal prerequisites for this would be met with the Euro 5+ homologation and the CBS braking system. Alongside the JFT 125, AJS offers additional 125cc models in retro style, including the Tempest Roadster and Scrambler as well as the ’71 Desert Scrambler.
What Does This Mean for Motorcyclists?
With the JFT 125, AJS expands the already growing range of style-conscious 125cc bikes that no longer want to be seen as mere entry-level machines. Anyone holding an A1 license or using the B196 extension gets a scrambler for the equivalent of roughly 3,810 Euros with equipment features that are not found everywhere in this class: upside-down fork, adjustable shock, adjustable hand levers and center stand as standard. The low weight of 128 kilograms and the moderate seat height of 820 millimeters make the machine easy to handle even for novice riders, while the 14.5-liter tank ensures practical everyday range. However, it remains to be seen whether AJS will expand distribution to the EU. Those interested in Germany, Austria or Switzerland will have to be patient for now or accept the detour via a British dealer. Technically, there would be nothing standing in the way of EU approval thanks to the Euro 5+ homologation and CBS.
