Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1513811
20 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com We found both bikes seem to enjoy being pushed and it makes one wonder if the AJPs are play bikes or if they could be a compe tor. They certainly don't look like foo-foo bikes with the base SPR 240 spor ng a 40mm, 10.5" travel fork and progressive linkage rear suspension offering 11.8" of travel. Shorter riders will enjoy the base model's 35" seat height and easy-to-maneuver short wheelbase of 54.5". Another interes ng point of men on is even with a rela vely low seat height, ground clearance is generous for a smaller ride at 13.2". As a bigger guy, the SPR 240X was a be er fit for your editor Kurt. The X model certainly isn't a large bike but with a seat height of 36.2" the leg-to-peg ra o was more comfortable for this 6-foot-tall rider. Fork travel on the 240X is also over an inch longer at 11.8" with rear suspension travel the same as the base model at 11.8". Wheelbase on the X is 2.5" longer at 57". Ground clearance is generous at 14.3". Weight including fuel is quite a bit lighter than most entry-level bikes in this class at approxi- mately 240 lbs. In reality, these bikes feel lighter than they actually are with a lower center of gravity due to the fuel tank placement being in the subframe. With minimal real estate for the ba ery, it's located up high, behind the right tank shroud. A bit more weight could be shaved and no ced, by replacing the rather large Yuasa YTZ7S lead acid ba ery with a Lithium-Ion unit. What's cool is the AJP 240s didn't back down to anything we've thrown at them, climbing the steep- est rocky hills with zero drama or wheelspin, they just get it done and make an average rider look like a hero in the process. The huge bonus is they are affordable with the base model SPR 240 priced at $5495 and the 240X only $500 more at $5995. Trail Rider would also like to say thanks to Zach Shreeves at Moto Milano in Windham, Maine for taking delivery and set-up of these bikes. Zach runs a nice business and knows his cra quite well. Pay him a visit if you're ever in the Lakes Region of Maine!