33bhp or restricted bigger bike?

[eli_74]

Hi all,
I just passed my restricted test a few weeks ago, and i'm contemplating my next bike (as we all do i'm sure )

I've read up about the restrictions etc, and it all seems a bit of a grey area regarding the law, i.e how they regulate who's riding what...

Anyhoo, do I go for a bike that is under 33bhp, or do I go for a larger engine and have it restricted for 2 years?

Would a larger bike, being restricted, feel right? I mean, would it be too heavy a bike to manage at only 33bhp?

How do I know which bikes are under 33bhp? as most just advertise the engine size?

I'm not a knee-down type, I like cruisers, and i've been looking at the dragstar 450, as this is just under 33bhp, but I believe it's an import and a bit like rocking horse teeth?

There just seems to be so many options, yet no definitive guidline, if that makes sense?

I'd be buying second hand probably, and don't mind older machines, as long as they're sound.

Any thoughts or advice appreciated

[dodsi]

Get a more common bike and then restrict it, this means parts servicing and even getting a good example of the bike is easier and cheaper.

Then you allways have the option of de-restricting it.

Most bikes feel Ok restricted so long as you dont get a really powerfull bike or a 600 sports for instance that makes all its power high up.

[JodieWodie]

I concur with Dodsi....

Get a mainstream 600, and restrict it down.
Don't limit yourself to hunting far and wide for 33bhp and under..you are just limiting your choice, and making a rod for your own back.
You will miss out on a lot.
You can then de-restrict it after 2 years.. the time will go fast, trust me !! It has been almost a year since I passed my test and it only feels like yesterday.

I started out on an 04 CG125..but now ride a Yammy FZR600, and it is restricted.
It indeed feels 'right' and my Fiance (who is owned by a Firestorm 1000) has ridden my bike and likes the feel of it
You can still get good speed out of a restricted bike, I have done 100mph on mine. I won't do more. It will probably only do 102 anyway
You do of course have to get used to the HUGE weight difference between a 125 and a 600 bike (I dropped mine on Sunday)
But that comes in time.

The police can't really regulate all bikes and riders...now and again they may stop someone. I have never been stopped, but I am legal anyway.
The main thing with restriction is your insurance. If you have a bad accident, and it is found that you did NOT have a restriction kit fitted at that time, your insurance will be null and void.

Get a bike and get the restriction kit fitted by a qualified garage who will get you a certificate of fitting for it. V important to keep !!!!!
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Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow"

[MattShill]

Bear in mind that most insurers charge the same whether or not it's restricted, so a 600 sports might end up being more expensive than you'd think. It depends on your circumstances of course, but at 17 I'm looking at nothing bigger than a 400.
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Living life in the second overtaking lane!

'98 Kwak ER-5

[eli_74]

Thanks for the tips,

I think I will be heading towards another cruiser (build those arm muscles up!) my insurance shouldn't be too bad, as i'm a woman over 30, and quotes i've got before have been ok.

is there a big difference in a 400 and a 600? I've never ridden a bigger bike than my eliminator