Should I get an A2 licence at my age?

Tastevodka · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2016 Karma :

I've just turned 22 last month and have been debating on doing my full licence for about 5 months. Do you guys think it's worth waiting almost 2 full years for an unrestricted?

I've looked into a few things and I think I'd definitely be going with like a restricted 600 rather than a 250-500 47hp bike. Although the 660cc MT03 looks like a good 45hp choice because I commute a lot on my bike(all year round, through everything including storms Very Happy

)

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

DRZ4Hunned · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Apr 2014 Karma :

Personally, I don't think it's worth it at 22 for the cost of doing the tests. (£850 for me). If you were 19, like I was when I did mine, then probably yes.
____________________
DRZ400-SM
FZS600

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

pig hog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 24 Jul 2014 Karma :

Depends on whether or not you actually want to get on a big bike or not.

If you're not that bothered then perhaps it won't seem worthwhile but I did my A2 when I was 22, knowing that I didn't want a 125 on L-plates and would definitely make the same choice again.

If it were two months then that's a different story entirely but two years is a long enough time to be waiting around and wishing, instead of gaining valuable riding experience.
____________________
A2 Licence: 18/10/2013
A Licence: 01/12/2015
~~'13 Yamaha XJ6N~~ '15 Daytona 675R / ~~'16 MT-07~~ dead / ~~'17 MT-07~~ / '18 MT-10

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

Also gets your new driver act 2 years counting down, assuming you haven't already passed any tests.

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

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Yes, stop fannying around on a 125 and a CBT and get A2. Because...

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

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Tastevodka · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2016 Karma :

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I'm probably going to go with RogerBorg; I think it might save me more money in the long run and I really cba with a 125 anymore I mean it is fun and it can get up to 60 just like any other bike but commuting is awful sometimes bc I have to already go 15minutes out of my way by not going on the motorway to get to work lol... And near me there's loads of boy racers always wanting to race me bc I filter to the front and they get pissed (I live near Bradford)

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

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

Don't forget:
Changes to category A from 2018
From the end of 2018:

the power output will change to at least 50 kW
a minimum kerb weight of 180 kg will apply
Motorcycles affected by this change are shown on the list as A*. They won’t be able to be used for test from the end of 2018. This change is still subject to EU approval.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

OK, but most 595cc+ bikes are already over that power and weight. It's just Brussels pissing in the punchbowl for the sake of it.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

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

Well it's 30 bikes on the DVSA's list (so more in reality). Worth being aware of.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Fair point. Mostly foggit cruisers and commuters and the KTM 690 Enduro R? Oh, too light.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

It will save us from ourselves though. There's empirical evidence that those that pass their tests on machines that have fewer horsepower and fewer kilograms than Brussels now suggests are necessary have already died in a big fireball.

I'm surprised I'm not dead yet, as I did mine on a GS500 with only 38kw and weighing only 170kg. And they didn't make me push it backwards into a cone garage either.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

HN125-8 with about 10hp and 125kg (dry).

I did the cones though, which is the only reason that I'm still alive today.

That and my faith in Rainpal® preserves me.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

biker7 · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Karma :

Can't understand why anyone would want to ride a 125 a moment longer than necessary. With a headwind, going uphill, you'll be overtaken by grannies in city cars! Bigger bike asap. In my day you passed your test on a 49cc and were immediately qualified to ride 1000cc! The World's gone soft!
____________________
Swansea area
Fat Bob (2019)

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

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

Problem with 125's the 50-60 mph time. Even the quickest 125s struggle: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/group-tests/teenage-dreams---sports-125-shootout

Personally that's why I found A Roads terrifying, getting to 50 wasn't a problem, not having the power to get away from cars at those speeds was. Also if you like overtaking (around town) you need more power Smile

biker7 · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Karma :

Tamsin · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :

I have to say, around town I find the 125 far easier to manage than the 600. Smaller, lighter and a bit more nimble....

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

I'd not do A2 if I was 22 and could take an A test in two years. I don't buy the do it now cos life is too short in some ways, as I'd want defined targets, and plans for certain things at certain times, because I want to be in control and not be a flitter with things keep changing my mind and plans all the time.

If I wanted a Golf Gti for example at age 26, I'd be saving up for years before and passing my test maybe two years before and insuring a shit heap for my NCB. If you live long enough to make all these goals at certain ages then it's all candy. If you don't then you won't miss what you never had too.

I also have a hatred for A2 and this stupid modern euro licencing business, and I'm a stubborn fucker too. There isn't one A2 bike I'd be happy with in std trim, and I believe even less in restricting an over 600cc bike, as I don't want to ride one that's not as good or better than a std bike.

So in your position I'd do:

1, sit on hands and say fuck bikes for two years until I can have and insure what I realistically want and realistically afford at the time.

2, if you have a car already, then spend two years on that enjoying it and maybe getting something nice you want, with the idea that if you enjoy your car phase now, you might want to sell at 24 to fund a nice bike and try two wheels for a bit.

3, if your loaded, and could do with a 2nd form of transport or for city use, then buy a new 125cc scooter. If it don't get nicked, you'll get a good resale on it after two years, and will have benefited from some useful cheap city transport. A 125cc scooter can still be fun, it's the roads and scenery that make the fun, not the bike.

Or if you only want a bike for fun, weekends and for riding on your days off etc, I'd go out and buy a pinnacle 125 that's a bit exotic and special, and enjoy thrashing it and getting you some bike experience too.

A2 wouldn't figure anywhere in my plans, but then again if the bike was going to be a daily beater and you needed a big bike, then I do reluctantly understand why some would.