Leten’s LT190 Moto Aims for “All-Scenario” Utility with Rider-Friendly Manners

While small-displacement bikes like the Honda Trail 125 might skew more moped than motorcycle in looks, they’re not lacking in mixed-surface capability.

If anything, the underbone design only makes them better for runabout duty. Along with a low standover, the step-through frame makes them light, easy to maneuver and cheap to produce.

Leten

It means that competitors from all over the world have tried to replicate the formula. To that end, the latest promising offering is being distributed by AJS, but it’s actually Chinese in origin and branding.

A rugged runabout

It’s called the Leten LT190, and it first surfaced a few years ago as an exclusive for China. Seeing as the Imber can’t make its UK debut, AJS is importing this little number instead.

Much as that might make it sound like a consolation prize, the LT190 is anything but. Leten bills the bike as an All-scenario Utility Vehicle (AsUV), versatile enough for “back roads, green lanes and weekends away.”

Leten

In practice, this means that the LT190 still wears many of the accouterments you’d expect of a larger adventure bike, even with a small form factor. From the high-mount front fender and the engine bash plate to the knobby tires and hand guards, it’s dressed to hit the dirt.

Moreover, it also features a clever dual-purpose seat. The rear pillion not only serves as passenger accommodations but also flips up to become a backrest and expose a rack for carrying your luggage.

Leten

Small size, big features

That feature alone is enough to inspire some serious wanderlust in yours truly. It only gets better when you consider what the LT190 brings to the table for its size and price point.

After all, what the bike gives up in highway abilities, it more than makes up for in rider-friendliness. Leten claims around 18.8 horsepower from a liquid-cooled 188cc single-cylinder that’s paired with a CVT in a package that tips the scales at a manageable 328 pounds.

Leten

Nevertheless, the bike boasts some impressive features for its class. For instance, AJS says the bike incorporates some superbike tech in Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated piston rings. In addition to reducing friction, the treatment is supposed to improve wear resistance and help heat transfer.

What’s more, Leten has managed to fit the LT190 with some respectable tech. Beyond inclusions like switchable ABS and traction control, it also touts keyless ignition, a full TFT dash and even heated grips.

Leten

Considering more than a few of those features are optional items on far pricier motorcycles, it makes for some pretty compelling standard equipment.

Availability and pricing

At this stage, the Leten LT190 likely isn’t bound for the North American market, as AJS operates out of the United Kingdom. It’s unfortunate, as it’s set to carry an MSRP of £3,495 (~$4,690)

Still, seeing that Honda does offer the Trail 125 here in the States, there’s always a possibility the model could invite further competition.

Leten

Leten LT190

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