A2 category reduced to 250cc

[Keithy]

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/simplifying-driving-licence-upgrade-and-motorcycle-test-rules/outcome/simplifying-driving-licence-upgrade-and-motorcycle-test-rules-response-to-consultation

I’d missed that!

[Easy-X]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Nobby the Bastard]

Am I right in thinking that its actually the minimum cc to take the test rather than lowering the cc that you can ride as a full license holder?
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Keithy]

[Easy-X]

For the UK (and probably Europe AFAIK) there won't be many bikes over 125cc and under 250cc. 250cc to 400cc range has way more models, nice to see them get some love.

TBH the whole cubic capacity thing is archaic and it should just be on power.
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Bhud]

You have to ask yourself why now, all of a sudden, they're throwing a bone to the driving and riding instructors. Maybe it's to catch a new sector of A2 electric bikes. Or hand out A1 licence entitlements without a test to holders of cat B, as most EU countries are wont to do. One or the other. Who knows. (Or something more nefarious, going by their recent record, but I'm not getting into that.)

That said, it's a good thing they're doing this.

If all someone wants to do is ride a 250cc bike, they should be able to go ahead and take a test on a 250cc bike. Probably a boring commuter bike or scooter, just as a means of getting to work. I don't get why someone would be that uninspired by life and by the world of possibilities offered by cc- and hp-unlimited bikes as to want to do that, but each to their own. Modern 250s are cheap, efficient and reliable ways of getting around - nobody can deny that. It's going to seem a bit unambitious and less of a stepping-stone approach to getting a full cat A licence, but if all a guy or girl wants is a 250, then who are we to argue. It keeps up with the national speed limit.

There's another angle to this thing. People shouldn't feel compelled to get a Z900 or something as a first bike just because they're over 24. It shouldn't be regarded as a high water mark, getting a first bike which is way more capable than the newbie rider, while at the moment it probably is seen that way, I mean, as a high water mark. The trend towards people getting themselves Enfields is indicative that it's not about the power figures so much as how a bike produces that power, i.e. the feeling it gives you. If you're doing 40mph to 70mph on country roads then less is usually more. Much more. Again, not really a concern for the new rider, but the pressure to take on something big just to be seen as more grown-up should be alleviated somewhat by this welcome change.

She wants to get to work cheaply, and is tired of congestion. She's too young for a full cat A, and might even feel big bikes are a bit too much for her, or even finds them offputting or frightening. No problem, the local training school keeps a fleet of Burgman 250s (I'm not familiar with the latest scoots, but you get the picture). She can try out one of those, take a CBT on one and then go for her A2 licence. Now she won't be late for her shift. She's not into bikes, as such, and that's all she'll ever need.

Oh and Deliveroo and Ubereats stop the proles from revolting, don't they. 250s are more usable for deliveries. Just a thought.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[ThatDippyTwat]

[Bhud]

I take your point that the Enfields may very well be an old man thing. I just whizz about on my ancient Kawasaki twin and I think, how can anyone not want this, or a close facsimile? But if these old guys are just going for mid-sized singles and twins because they find bigger bikes too unwieldy, then fair enough. Although I think there's something to be said for a really responsive throttle and an engine that feels sprightly. Big performance bikes demand more discipline more of the time.

[deadbat]

I'm thinking about Interceptor as my first bike simply because as a complete newbie I feel like 650 will be more forgiving.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[deadbat]