Many RealClassic riders are keen to find a trim and nimble motorcycle with classic credentials. Rowena Hoseason considers the modern AJS range – and talks to actual owners who’ve bought these bikes…
Photos by AJS Motorcycles, KeithM, RC RChive
KeithM’s motorcycling life began in 1955 with his first bike, a Bantam D1. It ‘opened up the opportunity to go to places I had never been.’ Living in Manchester, ‘the Peak District became my playground. In 1956 a group of us on Bantams decided to visit Land’s End. There were no motorways or bypasses in those days. It took us a fortnight but all the bikes ran faultlessly.’
As Keith became interesting in rallying so a T20C Tiger Cub arrived: ‘reasonably powerful and light. I have always had the philosophy that I must be able to pick up a bike, should I fall off.’ More machines came and went over the years, but the Cub was a keeper. Then in 2022 Keith needed a new knee and was told by the surgeon that kickstarting might be out of the question.
‘Horror! No more riding my bikes. I looked at the market for a light, electric start bike, something similar in weight to my Cub. I had to be able to pick it up if it was on its side. I fancied the AJS Tempest Scrambler but there were none available. The Desert Scrambler did not have the footrests in the right place for my dodgy knees. I sat on a Tempest roadster and it instantly felt right so I bought one.
‘After a life of right-foot gear changing, I found the left foot change difficult but eventually I mastered it. I still go for the brake on the left in an emergency, though. I like the Tempest’s appearance and the finish seemed very good. After 18 months the paintwork is still good, the polished aluminium rims are still shiny but the stainless exhaust has discoloured – I have to admit that cleaning has not been high on my list!
‘The engine was tight when I bought it and it was recommended not to exceed 5000rpm for the first few miles. This made riding in the hilly areas where I live tricky. Maximum torque is delivered after 5000rpm so as soon as I changed up, I was out of the torque band. As the engine freed off the performance was better. I now ride between 5000 and 8000rpm. The engine is red lined at 10,000rpm. I have never had so many gears before and find that I lose count as to which gear I am in but keep changing until I reach the end.
‘Performance is not brilliant but it is only a 125cc engine. On a flat A-road it will happily cruise at 50 mph. I am told it will do 60mph but 50 is enough for me. Recently I did a 100 mile VMCC run and was not tired. That run turned out to be 50 miles in torrential rain and the bike never missed a beat… although the rider was soaked.
‘The handling is OK but tight corners give me difficulty. The engine is fuel injected and comes on power suddenly, not like my old carburettor bikes. I find I have to slip the clutch to keep forward motion. At this point I find the steering a bit odd as the front wheel feels as though it wants to turn quicker than I want. It feels as though a slightly bigger front wheel or a slightly altered steering angle would help. This not a huge problem and it has probably more to do with the rider than the bike! I’m also told by other 125 riders that slipping the clutch is normal to keep the torque band.
‘Fuel economy seems to be around 100mpg, and the bike’s centrestand is one of the easiest I have known. Although my first love is still my Tiger Cub, overall I am delighted with the AJS and have to look hard to find faults. I am now 85 and feel that the Tempest will give me a few more years of motorcycling!’
WANT TO KNOW MORE? There’s more details on the different models and further owner feedback in RC234, the Oct23 edition of the monthly magazine
For a limited time only, get your next 3 issues of RealClassic for just a tenner!
