andy bell AJS’s JFT runs the rules on the 125…
What is this?
AJS has been specializing in the production of budget-friendly low-capacity motorbikes available in many different styles for some time. For 2026 the firm adds the JFT-125 to its line-up along with its timeless Scrambler silhouette.
With so many manufacturers now producing retro-looking machinery, it’s great to see another bike made in a way that’s also accessible to the learner-rider market. Personally, I’m a big fan of retro-looking bikes, as it lets me ride something that looks like something from my past, while also being engineered with modern technology for greater comfort and hopefully added reliability.
talking torque
Let me start with the styling as this should definitely be the main selling point of the JFT to a potential buyer. So many aspects of this bike add up to that retro-Scrambler look and feel that from a few steps away it could resemble a vintage machine.
The classic round headlight in its cage-style housing looks the part, but using modern technology, this bike benefits from LED lighting all around. The digital blue light LED display also sticks to the script by not being oversized and keeping a round shape. There’s not much to see here apart from revs, speed, fuel level and gear indicator, but that’s all you need on a bike like this.
The 125cc water-cooled engine delivers 12.7 bhp, with a balance shaft aiding in a smoother, more confidence-inspiring ride. At the other end of this operation is a simple but quite stunning TIG-welded stainless steel exhaust system.
It is breaking…
Jumping on for the first ride, I was quite pleased with the level of comfort available. The bars and pegs feel set at a height to provide all day comfort. Often I’ve found hard seats in many bikes within this price range, and I had some reservations when I first saw what was being offered with the JFT. At first glance, the long flat seat may seem quite harsh, but I found the padding adequate enough that I refrained from marking it as a negative point.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the sound of the stainless steel exhaust system, which produces quite a deep bark, requiring me to remind myself that this bike is actually a 125cc and not fitted with a larger engine. Acceleration is fairly quick through the lower gears, but I often opted to stay in 5.th On open sections, especially if I was climbing a slope. I clicked on 6th When I found out it was only used for cruising speed as there was not enough torque to accelerate with much enthusiasm in top gear.
A motorbike priced at £3299 could very easily suffer from poor suspension, but it doesn’t feel like that with the heavy-duty looking alloy yoke and upside-down forks with single shock at the rear, which have adjustability for preload. I was most impressed by the level of stability when riding on faster sections of road and the forgiveness it offered on rough, bumpy B-roads.
To keep this review honest, I was slamming on the brakes for most of the ride. The levers felt very wooden, and seemed to lack the stopping power I expected. I later discovered by chance that the JFT has a combined braking system, and when using the foot lever at the same time for heavy braking occasions, there was more than enough power available to bring down speed while feeling balanced and stable.
The wheels look like they’re built quite sturdy with anodized alloy rims and straight spokes wrapped in CST adventure-style tires that hint at off-road capability. The front tire is a 100/90/18 and the rear is a 130/80/17, and they look right for the JFT, not too thin or too fat. I had the opportunity to briefly try out some green lanes and the whole package was pretty confidence-inspiring for what I was doing. I didn’t want to push too hard, since I had this bike on loan for a bit, and I really didn’t want to be the guy who had to call AJS to say I damaged the bike.
There are many small features that may not be noticeable at first glance, but they all play their part in adding to the appeal of this machine. The chrome fuel filler cap is a nice touch, and the handlebar grips have a molded diamond pattern. A bash plate is fitted as standard if a buyer wants to take this bike off road, but even if not, it still looks great.
The center stand allows a decent angle of tilt, which I find to be a good point for a learner-legal bike, as I often had to concentrate so hard to park my first bike, making sure it wasn’t standing too straight. A decent sized plate at the bottom of the stand also comes automatically when parking away from the tarmac. It also has a center stand which is always a bonus for maintenance or when parking on uneven ground, and with a bike weighing only 128 kg it couldn’t be easier to use. The only minor hiccup here, and it’s minor, is that I had to take the side stands out first so the center stand could slide down.
I was lucky enough to get the JFT Loan in “Blazing Orange,” which is my preference among the color options, with “Sundown Metallic Red” and “Classic Black” also available.
Worth a punt?…
It may be obvious that I’m fond of the whole retro scene with motorbikes, but I think this model deserves its place on the market.
With a low seat height of 820 mm, low overall weight, and straps that allow easy maneuverability, it’s a great option for a learner gaining confidence on two wheels. It may also probably appeal to an experienced rider who is looking for an affordable second bike for commuting while also getting a good premium feel. AJS claims 97mpg from this 125, so the 14.5L tank should mean trips to the garage to fill up are minimal.
It felt quite stable whether I was having fun exploring back roads or when I tried it out on some light off-roading. Obviously, I wouldn’t say it’s suitable for MX track, but the option to go from a road bike to a gravel track or green lane is a bonus. Top speed on open roads means I wouldn’t fancy taking it on any motorway journeys, seeing 55-58mph as a top speed on most occasions, climbing briefly to over 60mph at a push.
There are a lot of great features in keeping with the classic Scrambler look, and plus some areas like the switches and display do their job by keeping things minimal, which is quite the attraction for me lately, having a bike that isn’t complicated that I can just hop on and ride.
Power: 12.7bhp
weight 128 kg
Price: £3,299.00
contact: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk
