Retro bike brand AJS roll out back-to-basics Bilston 125 with a wallet-friendly price tag of £2349

A cheap and cheerful 125 is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with tech-laden and costly bikes – especially when it packs as much old-school charm as the AJS Bilston. 

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Hampshire-based AJS deal solely in 125cc motorcycles and small scooters at the moment, although a 250cc V-twin cruiser is waiting in the wings. 

It’s clear from the off that AJS have aimed for nostalgic appeal and an easy-going riding position with the Chinese-built Bilston taking cues from bikes of yesteryear with upswept handlebars, a low-slung seat, teardrop fuel tank, megaphone exhaust, and plenty of chrome. 

With a retro vibe resembling Triumph’s popular Speed 400 and a wallet-friendly asking price of just £2349 (plus a two-year warranty), the Bilston represents an approachable entry point into the retro market – although it may not win any games of spec sheet Top Trumps. 

The learner-friendly roadster uses a fuel injected four stroke, DOHC, air- and oil-cooled single producing a modest 11.4bhp at 9000rpm. This is used to propel its 132kg (ready to ride weight) to a top speed of 60mph via a five-speed ‘box. 

With 125s spending the majority of their lives at high revs, vibes can be a problem. To cut down on the issue, the Bilston gets a balancer shaft in its engine which should keep things running a little smoother.

While outright performance may not be blistering, in typical 125 fashion the Bilston promises to be frugal, returning a quoted 128mpg, which should be good enough for a 535-mile range from its 19-litre fuel tank, if you take things steady. 

It rolls on 17in tubeless cast wheels front and rear and makes use of a pair of non-adjustable conventional telescopic forks. Out back there’s a classic-looking twinshock set-up, with lock rings to alter preload.  

When it comes to electronics, the Bilston keeps things simple with an LCD unit showing speed, gear position, engine revs, battery voltage and a fuel gauge – no TFT screens, or smartphone connectivity here.  

Despite the old-school feel there is LED lighting and disc brakes all round, as well as combined braking system. Colours are in three flavours, namely, Foundry Black, Ember Red and Steel Blue. 

A reassuringly low seat height should make for a confidence inspiring ride for a range of motorcyclists. At just 780mm, it’s 15mm lower than Yamaha’s ultra popular YBR125 and 35mm less than their XSR125 model. 

Not only does it look good, but there’s also a standard fitment kickstart to back up the electric starter, grab rail and centre stand too – making chain maintenance a doddle. There’s also a classy gold drivechain as standard to add touch of bling. 

Notable rivals come in the form of Yamaha’s considerably more expensive XSR125 – available from £4803, or a more left-field, but more price appropriate option would be Bluroc’s Spirit 125 – which is available from £2999.