Repost - Not All 125's Are Equal

[Efes123]

I did post this in one of the threads, but thought it might be useful to give it more coverage

One thing I've never seen mentioned on this board is that not all 125s are equal. Some are only useful for the A1 (light) rather than the A2 (standard) test.

Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle)
A sub-category A1 motorcycle is a solo motorcycle between 75 and 125 cc.
They have a power output of no more than 11 kilowatts
If you pass your test on a motorcycle in this sub-category you can ride motorcycles up to 125 cc as a full licence holder.

Sub-category A2 (standard motorcycle)
A sub-category A2 motorcycle a solo motorcycle between 121 and 125 cc.
They must be capable of more than 62.5 mph (100 km/h)
If you pass your test on this sub-category of motorcycle you can ride motorcycles with a power output of no more than 25 kilowatts. That's the same as 33 brake horse power. This restriction will last for two years.
After two years the restriction will end automatically. You can then ride a motorcycle of any engine size and power output.

You can check out which bikes fit which category here:
https://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_197021.pdf
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[tbourner]

Also some are shit and some are good.
____________________
Trev, now a biker?
Looking for first big bike.

[Ribenapigeon]

Hmmm Does that mean if I pass my test just using my Yammy wr250x (15HP) then I could get a Kawasaki 250 Ninja for a couple of years. If so this changes my plans as I dread the DAS as a route to getting a bigger bike.

[Teflon-Mike]

There are 3 test options. Tests are the same, only difference is the bike you take them on. (Note Mod 1 & 2 MUST be taken on the SAME class of machine to gain a full licence)

1/ Light-Bike
75-120cc motorcycle, or 125cc motorcycle NOT capable of 62Km/k or not on DSA approved 'Standard-Bike' list.

Passing tests under 'light-bike' rules, you get an A1 group, 'full' licence.

A1 provides FULL Licence entitlement to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc & 11Kw, (as Provisional Entitlement) but you do not have to display L-Plates, MAY carry Pillions, and MAY use Motorways.

2/ standard-Bike
120-125cc machine up to 11Kw power output, vapable of more than 62Km/h and on the DSA approved 'Standard-Bike' list. NOTE that the Aprillia RS125, is on the list with endorsement; 'Must Provide Proof of restriction'. This may apply to other machines that are supplied as standard above 11Kw Learner power limit, that are not on DSA list.

Passing tests under 'Standard Bike' rules, gains you CURRENTLY a FULL A-Froup licence, with two year 25Kw/33bhp power 'probation.

You may ride any capacity machine; carry pillions, use motorways.

BUT bike must be under 33bhp for two years from date of passing test. AFTER that, you may ride any power bike, you do NOT need to take any further test.

3/ Big-Bike / DAS
Rider must be over 21 years old. Machine requirements are I BELIEVE that the bike has to be over 395cc and 33Kw/45bhp... bit hazy on them figures... has to be a 'big-bike' basically, full power GS500 or up.

Pass tests on a Big/DAS bike, you get full A group entitlement, same as passing under 'Standard-Bike' rules, only difference is you DONT have the 2 year power probation.

Re interpreting his post:

[Ribenapigeon]

Sorry i meant if i pass my standard test on my Yammy wr125X then would i be entitiled to use a 250 Ninja as they are rated at less than 33HP

[fatjames]

[Efes123]

[Ribenapigeon]

Cool in that case I will save myself the expense of the DAS and just do my test on my 125. My plan was to just get a 250 for a couple of years anyway after the test.

[Hokum]

It is silly that a non "approved" bike would only net you a light.. I was kind of interested in the Keeway RKV. But there is no point, as it isn't on the list...

They should update the list monthly as new bikes come out. I spied a used Aprilia Tuareg 125 in my area, but again no point in looking as it isn't on the list and is old...
____________________
Sane: To know when you are doing something crazy.

[Ribenapigeon]

My so called smartphone would not open the pdf of approved 125s could someone look up Yamaha WR125X for me and see if its on the list. Mucho appreciation if you can.

[tbourner]

[Ribenapigeon]

Its an A2 but is the Yamaha WR125X on the list of motorcycles approved for doing the test on?

[tbourner]

[Ribenapigeon]

Ah ok, I was under the impression there was a list of specific bikes that could be used.

[tbourner]

[Ribenapigeon]

Cool, thanks for looking up the list for me.

[Teflon-Mike]

OK, low down on 'THE-LIST'.

The 'standards' for a 125 Test bike to get Restricted A-Group licence are laid down in statutes 'somehwere' dont ask me which one.

'The List', is merely the DSA's published 'guide' for bikes they categorically 'accept' as being eligible.

Like the 33bhp restriction, you choose to use a bike that the manufacturers claim to be 33bhp compliment, up to YOU to make it compliant with your licence entitlement, and prove it to be so.

So, if you turn up on a Lexmoto-Vixan, lexmoto's own published specs say is only capable of 55mph.... then they examiner COULD challenge you, over it...

You could try Rogers argument that that quoted spec if from the manufacturers declared data, to meet Chinese regs... and they are actually a bit faster, because they are only 'boarder-line'....

OR you could try a bit of blarney, and suggest that your mate, did some 'tuning' and fitted a race ignition unit off e-bay, and polished the ports, and you have raised the gearing.....

How you might 'prove' it was capable of more than 62mph, I don't know...

Run what y'brung Timing sheet? Be fun, puttin a Vixen up the strip!

Might be fun just for the crack? What would the ET be does any one reckon? Maybe we could have a sweep-stakes!

Other side the list; if you were to turn up on a non listed bike, like I dont know, rare italian exotic, like an old Gilera CX... not on the list, would be capable of more than 62mph, easy to show that offering a manufacturers OE spec sheet with a claimed power of something like 26bhp.... so they would then ask for proof or restriction.

If Yam WR125 isn't listed... you take Dealer Brochure with power stats with you in case any-one asks.

If its a KTM, you take brochure and proof or restriction, a dyno-chart or something.

BASICALLY, it doesn't HAVE to be on the list, but it DOES have to meet the specs. List is just the 'safe bets'.

Anything else, up to you to have answer if you are challenged.

If you are aware of that, and prepared, AND prepared to possibly loose £75 and your slot.... its just one more 'risk' in the many that could stop you getting a licence on that attempt.

We dont have many reports of people being refused tests for not being on DSA listed bikes, we have more issues of them being refused for turning up inapropriately dressed, not having legal L-Plates, bot displaying Tax discs or having machines the examiner does not believe to be in aproprioate 'road-worthy' condition.

So, for guidance JUST becouse a bike is not on teh DSA's list DOESN'T mean they wont test you.... but even if it IS its no garantee....

APPLY COMMON SENSE.
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'