Andy Bell tries AJS’s Sedona V-twin out for size…
What is it?
A.J.S have been specialising in producing budget friendly low-capacity motorbikes, available in several different styles, for a while now. For 2025, the firm added a 250cc, A2-licence friendly cruiser to their line-up. Although the Sedona 250 is currently the most expensive bike from AJS, the £4,599 asking price is still reasonable when looking at new machinery.
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The Sedona is marketed as a bike that offers performance from its powerful 250cc V-twin engine while also maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency, and is pitched as a motorbike that is comfortable to ride all day while offering high levels of confidence from the riding position.
Talking the torque…
Starting with the increased engine capacity in AJS’s line up, the 75-degree V-twin, air/oil-cooled motor produces a little over 26bhp at 9,000 rpm, which is able to push both bike and rider towards a top speed of around 80 mph. Fuel economy is also impressive as AJS claims it will make 73.5mpg, giving it roughly 290 miles theoretically from a full 18L fuel tank.
This motor is shrouded by chunky bodywork and a blacked-out chassis, which is a conscious decision from the design team to add to the styling of this cruiser… which I feel gives it a clean and premium look. The Sedona comes in two colour options of Red (as I am riding) or Black, with the second option also naturally adding to the blacked-out stealthy look.
The Sedona tops the scales at only 172kg and as this is a cruiser, the centre of gravity is so low that much of this weight is unnoticed especially when moving. The way the cruiser can “hide” weight combined with a low ride height of 750mm are great features for new riders looking for a confidence inspiring bike.
Cracking on…
All too often a value-driven motorbike can find corners have been cut in one way or another with comfort sometimes being the victim of this sacrifice. The Sedona 250 neither looked or felt like this was the case, as sitting astride this low-slung bike with both feet firmly planted flat on the ground, the seat was instantly giving off a feeling that I could sit here all day if needed with its thick padding and a taller shaped support behind. The handlebars also felt to be just the right height for all-day comfort with no real reach for the controls. Having said that and without the opportunity to spend a full day in the saddle, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if a taller rider with longer limbs might actually feel a little cramped, and with myself at 5’11”, the fixed seating position that comes from the shaped padding also means that as comfortable as I was in the present, if I was to travel some distance I would be locked into one position with little wiggle room in the seat.
The feet-forward position from this cruiser was spaced just right for me, also with the footpegs not too far forward, further adding to the growing impression of being able to be relaxed and in control at the same time.
The rhythmic V-twin 250 motor was offering as much performance as expected; this is an A2 licence friendly engine so nothing to rip my arms off, but there was enough power to accelerate with intent smoothly through the gears. If I said I missed a few gear shifts, especially when going from 1st to 2nd gear, I couldn’t really let the Sedona take all the blame, this was in part because I might have been pushing on while also getting to grips with the feet forward arrangement. This did only occur in the early stages of my time with the bike as being more deliberate with my gear changes prevented these slight embarrassments.
Suspension is taken care of by some chunky USD forks upfront and twin shocks at the rear, both of which also have that blacked-out touch mentioned earlier to complete the look. There is no adjustment in the forks, but the rear preload can be altered manually. For the majority of my ride this setup was ok, but when pushing on through some faster bends the experience felt a little too soft and being able to stiffen the ride up a little would have been a benefit. but then if someone else approached me with this issue, I’d probably politely remind them that this is a cruiser built to provide a smooth ride and not aimed for someone looking for sports bike like handling. The fact that AJS are building bikes to be within a certain budget is most likely why adjustable suspension isn’t present as this would add to the final cost to a buyer.
The braking force was decent from the single disc at both ends which is equipped with dual channel ABS. Personally, I would have liked a little more feedback from the front brake lever if I am being a bit picky, but when it came to slowing quickly, this set up was offering as much stopping power as was needed on this cruiser.
A classic round shaped LCD display is tucked neatly behind the headlight to keep in with the uncluttered styling, and the LED lights all-round also do their part to meet the same brief.
Worth a punt?
I have mentioned on several occasions about budgets and value, and I feel this is where the decision to buy/not to buy the Sedona would have the biggest impact. General comfort on offer here does not appear to be a victim of any cost cutting and the performance from the 250cc motor is up with its peers within the same class.
If a rider with an A2 licence was looking for a cruiser styled machine to get to grips with then this could potentially tick a lot boxes. Taller riders would definitely need to try one out for size especially if longer rides are to be expected, but the Sedona feels like it could be a fit for many riders within the targeted corner of the market.
The stuff that matters…
Power: 26bhp @ 9,000 rpm
Weight 172kg
Price: £4,599.00
Contact: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk
