Every A2 motorcycle

These days the running order goes a little like this:

Motorcycle CBT – Everyone has to do it and it entitles you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc for up to 2-years with L-plates. After two years it expires; retake the CBT or get your full licence.

A1 – If you’re under 19 you take an A1 motorcycle licence if you want to ride up to 125cc with no L-plates.

A2 – Between 19 and 24 you can take your A2 motorcycle licence and ride a motorcycle that akes up to 47bhp.

A – You have a full licence and can ride any motorcycle or any power (providing you can get insured)

Overview of the A2 licence restrictions

You can ride motorbikes with:

• Power output up to 35kW (47bhp)
• Power to weight ratio not more than 0.2kW/kg
• The motorbike must also not be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power (70kW or 95bhp).
• Any motorcycle in the A1 category (125cc)

Motorcycles that make more than 47bhp in standard form are in the (higher) A category. You can ride some motorbikes from category A on an A2 licence as long as they never made more than 95bhp in standard trim.

These 94bhp motorcycles can then be restricted to 47bhp meet A2 requirements. The theory is that when you lose your A2 shackles you can just derestrict your existing motorcycle and unleash those horses, rather than have to buy another bike.

However, most manufacturers make A2-ready motorcycles that make 47bhp as standard and therefore don’t have to be restricted. You can see them all in our table below.

The A2 restriction for dummies

The reality of the above is far simpler than it sounds. You can ride any motorcycle, as long as its original power output is no more than 95bhp. An A2 licence means this 95bhp motorcycle will need to be restricted down to half of its original power (47bhp).

The beauty of this is that it means you can buy a ‘bigger’ bike and ride it in a restricted format, then when you remove your restriction, you can keep the same bike but enjoy it with its intended power output.

Years ago the restriction used to be 33bhp. In theory, you could buy a powerful motorcycle, like a 200bhp Suzuki Hayabusa and restrict it to 33bhp. Those days are now gone.

Fortunately, 47bhp is plenty and you won’t feel like your motorbike or scooter is gutless. In car terms, you’ll easily be able to out-accelerate a Golf GTI and your bike will crack 100mph, so you’ll have plenty of punch.

When can you upgrade from an A2 motorcycle?

Once you have ridden on an A2 licence for the mandatory two-years, you can then take a Progressive Access Route in order to gain your full motorcycle licence (Category A).

You just need to meet these requirements:

• You are aged at least 21 years-old
• You have held your A2 licence for at least two years
• You have passed all related theory tests