Can anyone throw any useful light on what size bike you can ride on a restricted licence? I've read the official gumph, but it's all just figures to me. Bearing in mind I'm into crusiers, I'd like to know what I could hope to ride.

Sorry, it's beyond me although I see to recall mention of 33bhp but I'm not sure.

?Yep that's the bit I do know about, but what does that mean in reality. I'm wondering up to what engine size can be restricted to that spec . . .

No idea although the biggest bike I have heard of being restricted to 33bhp is a 600 so maybe that's the limit. Someone else will be along soon, I hope!

Hi

Not a clue either??? I just thought you could have any bike as long as it was restricted.

Regards Strongbow

It is a minefield out there but how i read it, is:

A1 restricted means upto 125cc under 11kw power "mainly scooters"

A2 restricted means upto 33 bhp any size engine but be carefull no point buying a ZZR1400 and restricting it to 33bhp it wont move haha

You also have to use the right bike for the tests if you plan on using your own bike for the tests you will need to know if it comes under the A1 or A2 listings.

Please click the link to view a page on our website with the a1 and a2 bike lists, http://www.ukmotorbikesalvage.co.uk/A1_A2.html little out of date but gives you an idea.

Great shout James this will be helpful to all those in the early stages of the test

Mmmm my Intruder ain't listed, will have to check this out, a real minefield! Thank you for this anyway.

Seems it's not that straightforward.

Hi Wannabe,
I ride the Harley 883 Sportster, when I took my test 2 yrs ago, another lady rider did her test on the 125 (I think the schools bike, but not 100%) I will try and find out for you asap.
Any way, after passing her test she rode the same bike as I ride.
She had it restricted for the 2 yrs.
Hope this helps?

It appears that you can have any bike but restricted to 33 bhp.
The lady previously mentioned took her test on schools bike as it was 125cc, had hers restricted, restriction comes off next month.
Hope this helps

Hi
Yes that is very helpful info, so from what you're saying you could get a 885 Sportster restricted? I sat on a 1200 Harley last week at George White's in Swindon. Felt very comfy and oddly enough was smaller than the Suzuki Intruder 800 parked next to it, which was a monster of a bike! The only reason I'm doing test on a 125, is because that's what I've got all the experience on and tbh don't think I could manually handle the school's 500. Wish I'd done it years ago before all this came into play!

Who are you doing lessons with?
I took mine with TOM's and the 500 was just as easy as the 125 to handle. (Kawasaki 500)

You can get nearly any bike restricted as long as there is a restricting kit or software available for that bike as not every bike will have one available, it will also need to be fitted by an approved fitter as it will require a certificate once done to prove to insurance company and police that it has been done if they require it.

I do suggest though you seek further advice on restricting larger CC bikes as in all fairness restricting 70+ bhp bikes to 33bhp will do more damage to the engine then good as you will put a lot of strain on the engine pulling alot of weight with only 33 horse's under your bottom so larger bikes are not always the best way.

might be worth checking this website for kits available http://www.fiinternational.com/default.asp

I am too, but had two lessons on a 500 with a different school and didn't get on too well. May be different with Keith of Toms!

Took my test on the 500 and found it so much easier to handle than a 125, so much more stable and balanced the gears easier too, in fact would really recommend you persevere with the 500 if you can.