The disappearance of the AJS Imber It left British fans wanting to enjoy a simple, robust motorcycle with the ability to venture beyond the asphalt. But now AJS seems to have found a much more sophisticated solution.
Yes, the new one AJS Leten LT190which we already told you about a while ago, already appears in the brand’s portfolio in the UK and is presented as a small adventure machine with a feature that makes it especially unique, it uses a CVT automatic transmission. But, that’s not all. To this we must add a 188 cc single-cylinder engine with around 19 hp of power, and more…
The AJS Leten LT190 It is priced at £3,495 in the UK, a figure that is equivalent to about 4,020 euros. The factory itself indicates that the arrival is scheduled for September of this year, that is, in just a month and that reservations can now be made. By the way, for now, there is no information about a possible official marketing in Spain.
AJS Leten LT190: The alternative to the missing AJS Imber
As we mentioned before, the history of the new Leten LT190 It begins, in a way, with a model that ultimately failed to meet the house’s expectations. The AJS Imber was destined to become a particular alternative to the Honda “Cub” CT125combining a rural and adventurous-inspired aesthetic with simple mechanics and, above all, a very practical configuration.
However, the project ended up being canceled due to problems related to compliance with the homologation and emissions requirements required for its commercialization. AJS It had to return the deposits of the customers who had reserved the motorcycle and find a new formula to cover that space within its catalog.
Now, the proposal has a certain air of the small utility motorcycles that are successful in some Asian markets, but reinterpreted with much more current technology. Instead of a conventional motorcycle with manual transmission, the Leten is committed to the concept «twist and go«: speed up and enjoy.
188 cc, almost 19 hp and CVT automatic transmission
The heart of the Leten LT190 It is a 188 cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine block, liquid-cooled and with 4-valve DOHC distribution. The official power figure is 14 kW at 8,000 rpm, equivalent to about 19 hp. But, as we will not tire of emphasizing, the element that really differentiates this motorcycle is its transmission. The LT190 It uses a CVT automatic system with belt and chain final drive, so, as we all know, the rider does not have to worry about engaging a clutch or selecting gears.
As we can see, it is a particularly interesting configuration for a motorcycle designed to move on simple roads and tracks. The absence of manual transmission can facilitate control in complicated areas and make the experience more accessible for those who are just starting out in the world of two wheels.
AJS also highlights an unusual solution in this segment: piston rings with DLC coating, acronym for “Diamond Like CarbonAccording to the British, this treatment reduces friction and improves wear resistance, a technology that is also used in high-performance applications.
A cycle part designed to leave the asphalt
The Leten LT190 It is built around a double-cradle tubular steel chassis and features 17-inch aluminum wheels on both axles. The tires are tubeless and measure 90/90-17 at the front and 110/70-17 at the rear. We are, therefore, not facing a large trail bike or a motorcycle designed to face extreme terrain, but rather a light and compact machine that seeks to handle itself with ease on secondary roads, paths and tracks of moderate difficulty.
The front suspension uses a conventional fork, while in the rear we find two gas shock absorbers with 5-position adjustment. The set is accompanied by brake discs on both axles with 2-channel ABS and traction control, both systems are switchable. A solution that may make sense when abandoning asphalt, since it allows the electronics to be adapted to surfaces with less grip.
A small motorcycle, but super equipped
One of the strong points of the AJS Leten LT190 It is precisely its equipment. The brand has tried to move away from the image of an economical and basic motorcycle to offer a much more complete equipment. As standard it includes TFT instrumentation, keyless start, USB socket and heated grips. It also includes hand guards and a robust engine protection plate, elements that fit with its orientation towards off-road use.
The passenger seat is another of its most curious details. It can be folded to become a kind of backrest for the driver and, at the same time, leaves a rear luggage rack free to transport luggage. With a weight of 149 kg and a seat height of 790 mm, the Leten LT190 It is located in fairly contained dimensions for an adventure motorcycle. The fuel tank has a capacity of 9 liters and the brand declares a consumption of approximately 3.8 l/100 km.
