A2 compliant vs restricted

MB3710 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Apr 2018 Karma :

Looked back through the posts and couldn't find any reasoning why a big bike is better than an A2 compliant other than power until KGM's last post regarding build quality (Which seems specific to KTM?) helpful either way.

I don't mind being told buy a bigger bike, I just want to know why. How does it work out cheaper? Is there a quality difference? Is an MT03 as good as an MT07 only less powerful. Is quality just a problem for KTM.

I have no preference over what the bike is other than runs as well as my previous ER6 and price which from a dealership I was finding that an A2 compliant was cheaper than a similarly aged restricted bike on top of insurance and tax being lower.

I will look at this again to see if I can find a cheaper bigger bike that costs the same as a 400 to insure.

If I were to redo my tests it would be done properly as I'm of the opinion that I will be the one that gets caught.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

I like little bikes, but aside from the fun factor they offer chucking them about but if I could only have one bike it would be something 600+ most likely.

I just think that there's better value in used bigger bikes as compared to a new or nearly new A2. There is a little bit of premium attached to 125s and A2 bikes (in terms of overall value rather than cost). Also, they are generally cheaper as that's one of the selling points which means that corners are cut and the build quality just isn't quite so good generally as a larger bike. Suspension components, etc. will also be more budget orientated generally.

That doesn't mean there aren't good A2 bikes around. The CB500x is probably what I would buy if I was stuck with A2.

I'm not though, and I like the flexibility full A gives me, even if I do have the odd smaller bike in the garage. It comes down to you at the end of the day and what you prefer. A2 can offer good fuel economy, etc. But I reckon there's better overall value in many bigger bikes. If money is an issue there's no point spending money to save money. With many bikes being lightly used only in good weather age isn't really an indication of condition and IMO a better quality, slightly older bigger bike which offers more performance all round is more appealing than a new A2 bike. Nothing wrong with finding a good used one of course.

MB3710 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Apr 2018 Karma :

Side note, ER6 or MT07?

Loui5D · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 Sep 2014 Karma :

I'd take the MT07 over the ER6 any day.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

ScottT · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Sep 2014 Karma :

el_oso · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

check my sig for the bikes that I've had.

My current riding is 99% congested city centre, so the duke is hard to fault. Small, cheap and light.

If there was an element of A road or motorways it certainly wouldn't be my only bike or maybe not in a garage with other bikes.

There are so many more bikes above the A2 restriction that are not 200hp crotch rockets. Do your big test and have the freedom to choose something better than a er5 or duke 390.
____________________
Duke 390
Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L