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A2 Native bikes?

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S1417
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 30 Apr 2014
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PostPosted: 17:07 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: A2 Native bikes? Reply with quote
Looking at sorting a bike for when I turn 19 to do my A2 and looking for some opinions. I'm looking for something that I wouldn't have to restrict. I'm also going to use the bike to do my test on so needs to be over 395cc (rules out KTM 390, MT-03(300cc) etc) .

Options at the moment seem to be:
DRZ400SM
MT03 (660cc)
CB500 (any of the 3 forms, bit boring?)

Bikes are pretty much purely a toy to me so not going to be relying on commuting on it or anything. Do all my maintenance myself so that shouldn't be an issue either.

So yeah anyone who has ridden any of these I'd be interested on your thoughts. Also if I missed any bikes out I'm still looking for more suggestions Thumbs Up
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 17:40 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sub-category A2 motorcycles used for tests must:

be a solo motorcycle
be at least 395cc
be between 20kW and 35kW engine power
have a power to weight ratio no more than 0.2kW/kg

So keeping within that, Bandit would be ok but who buys them. SV would be ok.
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Loui5D
Brolly Dolly



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PostPosted: 17:41 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
ER5's can be bought for nothing, will last a long time as well.

Very likely you'll be on one for the test/training as well.
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S1417
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PostPosted: 17:53 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Looking to avoid restricting if possible.

Also won't be going through a school, will be using my own bike for the test
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redeem ouzzer
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Joined: 06 Oct 2015
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PostPosted: 18:24 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
RD400.
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RhynoCZ
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PostPosted: 19:39 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm gonna leave this here: https://a2bikes.co.uk/browse Thumbs Up
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S1417
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PostPosted: 20:01 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Cheers for that, will have browse!

In terms of the DRZ and the MT could anyone shed some light on how they compare?
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DRZ4Hunned
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PostPosted: 20:13 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
I've ridden both, used the MT03 for my A2 licence and currently own a DRZ.

MT03 is far better suited to road riding, but it depends what you want. The DRZ is more versatile as you can put a set of knobblies on it and go offroading.

If you don't plan on going off road then get the MT03.
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Rogerborg
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Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 20:42 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
GS500, but if you're looking at newer bikes that's probably a bit pov spec.

BMW G650GS.

Honda NC700S/X.

Royal Enfield 500s. Wink
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RhynoCZ
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PostPosted: 20:47 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
Royal Enfield 500s. Wink


Royal Enfield: Making mechanics out of riders since 1910. Laughing
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S1417
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PostPosted: 20:59 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
DRZ4Hunned wrote:
I've ridden both, used the MT03 for my A2 licence and currently own a DRZ.

MT03 is far better suited to road riding, but it depends what you want. The DRZ is more versatile as you can put a set of knobblies on it and go offroading.

If you don't plan on going off road then get the MT03.


Is that the MT-03 being more fun on the road or just the better bike?

Rogerborg wrote:
Royal Enfield 500s. Wink


Briefly looked into that route Laughing
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DRZ4Hunned
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PostPosted: 21:05 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Shields17 wrote:
Is that the MT-03 being more fun on the road or just the better bike?


Well I was under constant supervision (apart from the 5 minutes I lost my instructor) so I couldn't fully test its capabilities, but I'd definitely say it was more fun than my DRZ on the road, much more power and generally a more capable road bike. Although my DRZ is geared low for greenlaning I think it would struggle over 70mph even with higher gearing.

+the MT03 was restricted so that gives you an idea of the comparison.
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 21:07 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
RhynoCZ wrote:
Rogerborg wrote:
Royal Enfield 500s. Wink

Royal Enfield: Making men out of foggits since 1910. Laughing

FTFY.

What's your budget?
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S1417
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PostPosted: 21:11 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
What's your budget?


Around the £3k mark
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RhynoCZ
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PostPosted: 23:31 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Shields17 wrote:
Rogerborg wrote:
What's your budget?


Around the £3k mark


Do you already own a helmet and some essential motorcycle gear? If not, reduce your budget to £2,000.
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DRZ4Hunned
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PostPosted: 23:38 - 19 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
RhynoCZ wrote:
Do you already own a helmet and some essential motorcycle gear? If not, reduce your budget to £2,000.


Unless of course, you've heard of eBay. Wink
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adam277
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Joined: 29 Jul 2012
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PostPosted: 00:54 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
DRZ4Hunned wrote:
RhynoCZ wrote:
Do you already own a helmet and some essential motorcycle gear? If not, reduce your budget to £2,000.


Unless of course, you've heard of eBay. Wink


£1000 for motorcycle gear?
Maybe £100.

I have a motorbike helmet going for cheap, previous owner doesn't need it anymore due to motorbike accident. Only dropped once. Laughing Laughing Laughing
Seriously though, do not go spending silly money on gear until you pass your test and you are comfortable on the bike, cheap ones as just as good and your less likely to care if you damage them.

Also if you decide bikes aren't for you then you don't have to flog £1000 gear for £200 on fleabay like many other people do. As people, generally do not like pre-owned leathers.
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S1417
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PostPosted: 02:48 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
RhynoCZ wrote:
Do you already own a helmet and some essential motorcycle gear? If not, reduce your budget to £2,000.


Yep, been riding for 3 years hence happy to spend a bit more on a bike

Last edited by S1417 on 03:15 - 20 Feb 2016; edited 2 times in total
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talkToTheHat
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PostPosted: 03:05 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
I agree restriction is a pain in the ass. Don't touch anyhting that needs restrictors welding into the exhaust. The xv535 was annoying in this respect. Newer stuff that restricts by an engine management dongle might be a really good choice, later sv650s did this i think, so presumably the gladys as well.
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P.addy
Red Rocket



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PostPosted: 08:45 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
I don't know why you wouldn't get a restricted bike. Saves time and hassle when you come to upgrade to a real licence and just means a 30 minute change.
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M.C
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PostPosted: 09:04 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Loui5D wrote:
ER5's can be bought for nothing, will last a long time as well.

...unfortunately. Until I rode one I assumed all bikes were fun, how wrong I was Smile

I do like my MT-03, it's just not very practical (90ish miles to a tank), and can be a pain in traffic (heavy clutch, standard fueling's quite jerky). Normally I have a blast riding to work, and then coming home tired wish I had something smoother and gentler Smile

If you do get one don't spend anywhere near 3k. It's one of those bikes people (mainly dealers) ask stupid money for. You can get a low mileage/good condition bike for under 2k, I paid £2350 nearly 2 years ago.
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RhynoCZ
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PostPosted: 09:23 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
adam277 wrote:
£1000 for motorcycle gear?
Maybe £100.

I have a motorbike helmet going for cheap, previous owner doesn't need it anymore due to motorbike accident. Only dropped once. Laughing Laughing Laughing
Seriously though, do not go spending silly money on gear until you pass your test and you are comfortable on the bike, cheap ones as just as good and your less likely to care if you damage them.

Also if you decide bikes aren't for you then you don't have to flog £1000 gear for £200 on fleabay like many other people do. As people, generally do not like pre-owned leathers.


And then, in the pub, he rolls up to the table in his wheelchair telling us stories about motorcycles and how he got helmet, jacket, gloves and boots for only 100 quid. Can't walk now, but in his head, he's still the L-plate warrior he used to be. Laughing

Anyway, what does £100 get you these days?
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S1417
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 30 Apr 2014
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PostPosted: 10:51 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Paddy. wrote:
I don't know why you wouldn't get a restricted bike. Saves time and hassle when you come to upgrade to a real licence and just means a 30 minute change.


Just don't fancy having half it's power missing. I might be wrong but surely theres more fun to be had on bikes designed to be under the limit?


ZX-7R wrote:


The 'E' version is A2 license compliant.

Great looking bike that is a proper 'big bike'.

Go on,up your budget a bit. Very Happy


Whilst it is tempting it's not going to happen unfortuanately Laughing
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P.addy
Red Rocket



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PostPosted: 11:15 - 20 Feb 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Infinitely cheaper to get one with more power and restrict than buy underpowered bike then replace once test is passed.
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