XJ900 on an A2 licence....terrible idea?

alex965 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Karma :

Hi all,

After trawling through ebay/gumtree for hours I have found a 1997 XJ900 Diversion very near to me and in good nick.

I like the styling/seating position/size etc. but there's one thing holding me back - I would obviously need to restrict the bike to 47bhp.

I'm concerned that, if restricted, the bike will go like an asthmatic donkey - has anyone got any experience with a bike of this size being restricted? I don't care about super acceleration or being able to get the wrong side of 100mph, I just like to know that what I'm driving has a bit of power in reserve.

Also - I've heard mixed opinions on riding without a restrictor kit fitted. What does the collective wisdom of BCF have to say about whether to bother fitting a restrictor? I know some say it's more important to have a certificate to show plod - although I generally drive calmly and haven't been pulled over in the eight years I've been driving.

EDIT: In case anyone cares - I'd be using it for commuting (A roads and motorways) and, if I can be bothered, some ~400 mile round trips to Wales etc.
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Passed A2 licence 19th Dec '14.

M.C · Super Spammer Joined: 29 Sep 2015 Karma :

Get something which doesn't weigh the same as a small moon.

Kentol750 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 May 2016 Karma :

If you've had an a2 since 14, Why not consider getting full licence and then don't worry any more about restriction?
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Some bikes.

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

alex965 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Karma :

Kentol750 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 May 2016 Karma :

If you can get a bike to test centre, it's only £90.50 for both tests. You've done it all before, just another hoop to jump through.
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Some bikes.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

I love those old 900's. Shaft drive and a pretty torquey engine. Thumbs Up

How they restrict, I have no idea. How would you restrict it? Well, I'd get my printer out and print 'This is certified to be restricted to 47KW or whatever it has to be.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Shaft · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Karma :

Mawsley · Traffic Copper Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Karma :

I've had an XJ900F, two 900Ss and currently have a 900S in the garage.

Don't do it.

While I clearly like the bike, it's lardy as fuck and carries the weight high. The only advantages are that it had shaft, was comfy, and went on for years.

As soon as you trim some of the mediocre power from it, you'll be left with a barge that has no poke to keep it afloat.

On top of this - amazingly - spares are becoming a real problem, even though it's only be phased out recently.

Seriously, look elsewhere.