Portuguese trail manufacturer AJP is opening an off-road test ride centre in partnership with Trailworld, the motorcycle adventure tour company that has schools in Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Andalucia in Spain.
Hertfordshire-based Trailworld has a fleet of AJPs for use on its training school circuit. MD Bob Allen believes it’s the only such facility in the UK. “This is a true indicator of the faith we have in these tough little bikes,” said Allen and, referring to future customers, added: “If you try ’em, you’ll buy ’em.”
Test sessions, which cost £60 – refundable against the cost of a bike if you decide to buy one – will be run every Monday from 1 March. Subject to bookings, the ride will last one hour, which Allen says is “more than enough time to assess it for yourself, in suitably testing off-road conditions”.
“No other manufacturer offers such a facility in the UK, at least not at a dealer, where you can buy the very bike you’ve been riding,” said Allen.
AJP has 24 dealers in the UK who will refer customers to Trailworld, and members of the motorcycle trade can claim a 10 per cent discount if booking for themselves. This also applies to trips to Andalucia.
“Andalucia is a fabulous location if dealers can afford to take the time off. More than half of customers return two or three times,” said Craig Whitney, business development manager for AJP, who revealed the company was in negotiations with nine more potential dealers.
“If we can get to the magic 35 dealers – that’s the same as KTM and Aprilia – that would do us nicely.”
All test rides must be pre-booked on a first-come-first-served basis on 01582 842244.
Helmet, gloves, boots, jersey, trousers are available to hire at the same time for a £10 fee which again is refundable on purchase.