What are AJS like?

[Mokushi]

My friend, who's been riding a 50cc scooter for a while now, and who I go on rides with very often, has decided to upgrade to a 125cc motorbike. We went into a bike shop the other day, and we saw a Suzuki Marauder, and an AJS bike very similar in looks and specifications to my Yamaha YBR125.

Now, I would recommend my YBR to anyone getting a 125. So with this bike being so similar to mine, I recommended it; however, he's weary about it because neither of us have ever heard of AJS before. The salesman at the shop pointed out that the parts on that bike were actually made by the same person who made the parts on my bike, which makes me trust it more, but he's still weary about it.

So, I'm wondering. What can you guys tell me about AJS? Are they a good, reliable company, or should my friend just go for the Marauder?

[Johnj]

British owned...Chinese made.

[debtman7]

British owned...Chinese made.

The YBR125 is chinese made as well.

To the OP, sorry, don't know anything about them. What's the price difference? Newer YBR's should be fuel injected, is the AJS as well? I'd look them over, compare build quality and see if they seem comparable. If it were me though, unless there is a huge price difference (which is probably unlikely on an inexpensive bike) I'd stick with the Yamaha for better support and parts availability.

[Mokushi]

Hmm... The salesman never did say if it was fuel injected or not... That could be the difference between getting one of those or the Marauder...

The AJS cost roughly the same as my YBR... My YBR was second hand, as was this AJS, so the fact that they're similar priced is a good sign. If only I could remember what model it was...

EDIT: AHA! I found it! It's the AJS NAC12 125. Looking at the website, it's very similar to my YBR, but it doesn't say whether or not it's a fuel injected, or whether it's liquid or air cooled...

Still, I'm a bit weary about them as a company... Does anyone know anything about them?

[HYPERR]

British owned...Chinese made.

Man that's sad when such a historical brand is now made in a country like China.

[fireguzzi]

Any excuse to post a pic. My uncle's AJS. I never even knew they were still making them, well sort of making them...

[HYPERR]

Any excuse to post a pic. My uncle's AJS. I never even knew they were still making them, well sort of making them...

Nice pic Guzzi!

Yeah I didn't know they were still "making" them either. I knew Royal Enfields were still being made in India. As a matter of fact, there is a RE dealer near my house.

Too bad about the original British Motorcyle Industry. Lucas, stubborn management, Lucas, Amal, Lucas, 1969 CB750K0, and Lucas led to its demise. Did I mention Lucas?

[Mokushi]

Oh, so AJS are a legendary (as such) British manufacturer?

This is certainly an interesting development... Thanks for that little tidbit of information

[HYPERR]

Oh, so AJS are a legendary (as such) British manufacturer?

This is certainly an interesting development... Thanks for that little tidbit of information

There were so many legendary bike makers at one time during the reign of the once great British Bike Empire.

One of the funniest names is this one.

http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ ... y_1949.jpg

J.A. Prestwich & Co started to make bikes in England in 1904. I know it wasn't intentional but the japanese symbol even looks oriental somewhat.