First ride: AJS TN12

Say hello to the new 125cc AJS in town, the TN12…

Adding to their stable of motorcycles and scooters, AJS has launched the TN12 – a 125cc machine with back end styling reminiscent of Italian superbikes and you can pick from three colour schemes – red, blue and black. Although, the name does remind me of the Terminator (T-800) a bit…

ENGINE

Power up the four-stroke, OHV, air-cooled, single cylinder 124cc engine by pressing the electric start and peak power will reach 9.7bhp (7.2kW) @ 8500rpm – being a 125cc it’s suitable for A1 licence holders. The five-speed gearbox will get you up to 60mph easily and it’s a smooth ride for a single thanks to balancer shaft technology.

As with most machines with a choke, the TN12 likes to be warmed up, but the good thing is it gives you the opportunity to spend a while admiring what you’re about to ride. It looks a lot bigger than a 125cc machine – the bulky exhaust and large 12.5 litre fuel tank help add to the illusion.

CHASSIS

With an 820mm seat height, it might not be as low as other 125cc machines on the market, but the benefit is that you can see over the tops of cars for potential gaps whilst out and about. Plus, if you’re working your way up the cc-ladder then its good practice and will get you used to the dimensions of larger capacity machines.

It’s hard not to write about the chassis without mentioning the looks of the machine – again. The front end was chunky and filled with attitude – this machine definitely has road presence.

The indicators are integrated into the front of the fairings to keep the design in check and the LED headlight and taillights are bright to ensure you’re seen.

USD forks and a monoshock on the rear provide the suspension and disc brakes on the front and rear with twin pot calipers provide plenty of stopping power for the 134kg machine.

There is pillion capacity, but it’s not too comfortable as you’re perched up high on a small seat – although that’s the same on quite a number of similarly styled bikes. There are no grab rails either – but that’s, of course, understandable as it would interfere with the curvaceous lines of the aesthetically pleasing machine…

As I can prove with a bruise to my shin, the sidestand pops up with real spite. Where you’d usually put the stand down and then get off, instead you should climb off and then put the stand out.

As with all AJS machines, it comes with a one year parts and labour AJS warranty.

RIDE

I was impressed with the keenness of the TN12. Getting up to 60mph is easy by working your way up the box and the riding position is comfortable. It’s extremely light, so weaving around to get around cars or filtering is easy peasey. I did find that my foot sometimes caught the body work near the footpegs as I ride with my feet quite tucked in.

I really liked the modular dash – you can choose from seven colours – which is split into three. The central section houses the rev counter with the left and right sections providing information such as: fuel gauge, battery charge, clock, mph, gear indicator, trip and odometer.

SPEC:

ENGINE: Four-stroke, OHV, air-cooled, single cylinder 124cc

POWER: 9.7bhp (7.2kW) @ 8500rpm

BRAKES: Front:  disc – with twin pot calipers, Rear:  disc – with twin pot calipers

TYRES: Front: 110/70-17, Rear: 150/60-17

SUSPENSION: Front: USD forks, Rear:  Monoshock

SEAT HEIGHT: 820mm

WET WEIGHT: 134kg

TANK CAPACITY: 12.5 litres

CONTACT: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk

PRICE: £2125

PROS

• 1 year parts and labour AJS warranty
• Full-sized machine

CONS

• Fiddly fuel cap

WE SAY

Great-looking 125cc machine with one year parts and labour warranty.