The AJS Scrambler 250, an air-cooled single-cylinder engine perfect for the Reiwa era, is the bike to choose now | Test Ride

AJS Scrambler 250…682,000 yen

A simple yet fully equipped 250cc model with all the features you need.

In terms of motorcycle displacement, the 250cc class, which does not require vehicle inspections, offers an excellent balance of running costs, practicality, and performance that can actually be experienced. The 125cc class is economical, but the fact is that if you pursue the appeal of motorcycles, you will want to step up, as you cannot use it on highways and you may feel dissatisfied with its power.

Up until now, AJS has been delivering attractive 125cc neo-classic models to Japan, but now the long-awaited 250cc model has arrived! The first model is the “Scrambler 250,” which follows the styling of the popular 125cc model “’71 Desert Scrambler 125,” and now there is a 250cc model with almost the same looks.

In fact, the Scrambler 250 does not exist in the UK, where AJS is based, and only a reference model was produced for a show in 2022. The vehicle released this time has refined specifications for the Japanese market, and the lineup is focused on the popularity of 250cc bikes in Japan.

The 125cc model was already quite large, so it’s hard to feel the difference even with the 250cc model. While the 1971 Desert Scrambler 125 was powered by a Yamaha YBR125-based engine, the Scrambler 250 was based on a Suzuki Grasstracker-based engine.

Although the exterior looks almost the same, the biggest difference is the muffler. The 125 has an up-type muffler, while the 250 uses a down-type. From a practical standpoint, the exhaust pipe, which generates more heat as the engine displacement increases, passes underneath in a layout that is considerate of the rider and eliminates the risk of heat damage to luggage. If you prefer the look of an up-type muffler, all you need to do is install the optional up-type muffler that is scheduled to be released at a later date.

Another difference between the 125 and 250 is that the meter is now electric and an LCD display has been added. It also has an A/B trip meter, fuel gauge, and gear position indicator, making it highly practical. Another reliable feature of the current model is that it is equipped with ABS. Combined with the FI engine, it can be said that the equipment is functionally comparable to that of domestic 250cc single-cylinder models.

A versatile vehicle with neutral handling and an easy-to-use engine

First of all, before the test ride, when comparing the ’71 Desert Scrambler 125 and the Scrambler 250 side by side, there really isn’t much difference other than the muffler. Since the bikes are the same size, it seems like it would be easy to step up from the 125 to the 250. Looking closely, the 250 also has a headlight guard, but these are details that can be customized freely after purchase. If you want something other than the 250’s down muffler, you can just replace it with the up muffler that will be released at a later date.

Here are my impressions of the Scrambler 250. As a 165cm tall rider, I felt that it had the same volume as a typical Japanese single naked bike. It was easy to reach the ground and the wide handlebars made it easy to handle. The engine is fuel injection, so it started easily even on winter mornings, and started idling smoothly with just one turn of the starter. The riding position is upright, making it a comfortable position that allows you to operate the handlebars without leaning forward. It also looks like it would be easy to ride pillion, so it could be useful as a means of transportation when riding around town.

Once you start driving, you’ll be surprised at how smooth it is. You might expect it to have some “quirks” due to the preconceived notion that it’s an imported car, but the engine and frame are based on overseas Suzuki models, so it performs as expected. There’s no sense of incongruity whatsoever. It has torque even at low speeds, and when you rev ​​it up, it accelerates accordingly and you can easily shift up to 5th gear. It’s not an engine that revs up at high speeds, so the engine feel makes you feel like it would be nice to have a 6th gear as an overdrive when driving on the highway.

After riding for a while, I started to notice the hardness of the seat. It wasn’t so hard that it hurt my butt, but it might be uncomfortable on long-distance tours. This is likely due to the position where your weight is concentrated on the seat, so you can address this by taking frequent breaks or adding some cushioning. Overall, the ride was neutral and easy to handle, and the comprehensive meter display, including the gear position indicator, was very convenient.

I took a short ride on the dirt riverbed for some photos, and I noticed that the ABS worked properly. Even when I squeezed the front brake hard, it didn’t lock up, and it stopped safely in a stable position. It’s a shame that you can’t lock the rear brake and turn while braking, but that’s the fun part of a full-fledged off-road bike. When riding in a standing position, the handlebar position feels low, so on the dirt, I enjoyed the more controllable position of the lightly seated position.

In the world of motorcycles, round naked bikes are a timeless style. Even today, the classic neo-retro style of yesteryear is gaining popularity while still maintaining the performance of current models. The Scrambler 250 is AJS’s answer to that need. If the Scrambler is well-received, a cafe racer model may also be added.

Foot reach check (rider height 165cm)

Detailed explanation

Main specifications

Overall length: 2,060mm Overall

width: 860mm Overall height

: 1,150mm

Seat height: 810mm Seating capacity

: 2 people

Displacement: 249cc

Vehicle weight: 130kg

Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder

Maximum output: 13kW (17.2ps)

Maximum torque: 18Nm

Transmission: 5-speed return type

Fuel tank: 13L

Brakes: Front disc, rear disc

Tire size: Front 100/90-18, rear 130/80-17

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including 10% consumption tax): ¥682,000