Trail Rider Magazine

18 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com 2024 AJP SPR 240 & SPR 240X Comparison 2024 AJP SPR 240 & SPR 240X Comparison By Kurt Flachbart By Kurt Flachbart It's been a number of years since we've had our hands on an AJP. Trail Rider's last feature was in 2017 when Moto Vermont was the importer. Al- though we liked the brand and what they were all about, it seems AJP had gone stagnant for a spell. Thankfully, our friend Mark Berg of Central Pow- ersports Distribu on in Texas has recently added AJP to their product line including Rieju and SWM. Our previous experiences with AJP were posi ve, so much so in fact, one of our crew purchased an AJP and she s ll has it to this day. When Mark Berg called with an offer to do a comparison test with two of their entry-level models, we jumped at the chance. For those unfamiliar with the brand, here's a li le background on the company. Based in Portugal, AJP has been in business now pushing 40 years. Founded by Antonio J. Pinto, a seven- me Portuguese Na on- al Enduro Champion, the first AJP model created was the Arianna 125. During the years 1991 to 2000, AJP par cipated in their na ve Na onal Enduro series, winning the championship five mes in a row from 1996 through 2000. During this me, AJP also raced in their na ve Na onal Off-Road series winning the tle three mes, in 1996, 1997, and 2000. In the early 2000s, AJP applied all their know-how of racing and design into the first PR4 series mod- el using then, a 125 4-stroke engine, an all-steel frame, and progressive linkage rear suspension. The unique traits affiliated with AJP to this day were used on the early PR4 model. Technical de- tails, such as a short wheelbase, fuel tank located under the seat, narrow width, and high-end sus- pension components were present on that very first PR4. In 2007, the latest version of the AJP frame was introduced, a hybrid aluminum-steel structure combining lightweight and low manu- facturing costs in one unit. How do they look and feel, you ask? Well, I'll tell ya, they are unique machines with a combina on of steel and aluminum frames. A en on to detail is striking, the welds are well-strung, and the components are quality. Both models are dressed in top-shelf parts such as Braktec brakes on the base model SPR 240 and Brembo on the 240X. Other notables such as Michelin FIM knobbies, O-ring chains, and Reikon bars and levers. Ergo- nomics are comfortable although as a larger rider, I found the base model a bit cramped and found myself more comfortable on the 240X.

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