Buying your first big bike: MCN's guide to the best A2 friendly motorbikes in 2025

A2 motorbikes may exist to fulfil a licence category, but they can also be a lightweight, simple and budget-friendly option for any level of rider – and great fun to ride, too.

Once you’ve passed your A2 motorcycle test, you have two options; pick an A2 motorbike that makes 47bhp or less or restrict something more powerful that makes no more than 94bhp.

To start off with, we’ve taken a look at the best motorbikes that satisfy A2 licence rules straight out of the crate but you can see which A2 restrictable bikes we recommend further down the page.

2025’s best A2 motorbike

See Joe Wright and Micheal Neeves put the latest crop of A2 bikes to the test and find out which one they would pick:

Jump to:

Best A2 all-rounders in 2025:

• Yamaha MT-07
• Kawasaki Ninja 650
• Suzuki GSX-8S
• Honda CB750 Hornet
• Triumph Trident 660
• Aprilia RS457
• Kawasaki Ninja 500
• Kawasaki Z500
• Honda CBR500R
• Honda CB500F
• KTM RC390
• KTM 390 Duke
• CFMoto 450SR-S
• Husqvarna Svartpilin 401
• Yamaha R3
• Yamaha MT-03
• BMW G310R

Best A2 Adventure bikes:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
• Honda NX 500
• CFMoto 450 MT
• Honda CRF300 Rally
• KTM 390 Adventure
• Benelli TRK 502X

Head-turning A2 retro bikes:

• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
• Royal Enfield HNTR 350
• Triumph Speed 400
• BSA Gold Star 650

Plus:

Best A2 sportsbike

Best A2 bikes that don’t need restricting:

Best A2 bikes on a budget:

• Honourable mentions
• Best motorbikes that are A2 Restrictable
• FAQs

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Sporty A2 motorcycles:

Best A2 all-rounders in 2025

There are now more motorcycle defining categories than ever, previously exclusive niches are now broader and some bikes easily fit into more than one definition.

So, to make things simple – this group of all-rounder A2 bikes are great across the board without leaning too heavily on a single party trick, and would be equally at home in the hands of a city commuter or a weekend warrior. If you aren’t sure on what A2 bike to choose, these are a safe bet and it’s likely at least one of them will suit you.

2025-on Yamaha MT-07

• Highlights: Impressive ride by wire electronics / Stiffer frame and improved suspension / Very competitively priced
• Specs: Engine size 690cc / Power 72bhp (requires restriction to 47bhp) / Weight 182kg / Seat height 805mm
• Price: £7700 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Yamaha MT-07 review
• Review snapshot: “It’s officially Yamaha’s best selling model with it’s latest range of changes include all new ride by wire electronics, new styling, stiffer chassis and better suspension. The result is a super easy bike to ride that has the uncanny ability to be novice friendly yet still lots of fun and rewarding for more experienced riders.”

Interested in this bike? Find a Yamaha MT-07 for sale.

2024-on Aprilia RS457

Specs: Engine size 451cc / Power 45bhp / Weight 172kg / Seat height 785mm 

Price: £5400 (used) – £6500 (new) | buy from here

The 2024 Aprilia RS457 is a lightweight, sport-oriented motorcycle designed for both novice and experienced riders. Powered by a 457cc twin-cylinder engine, it delivers an impressive balance of power and agility. Its advanced electronics package, including ride-by-wire and multiple riding modes, enhances control and safety. The bike features a sleek, aerodynamic design inspired by Aprilia’s racing heritage, offering both style and performance. With its approachable price point and high-quality components, the RS457 stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a thrilling yet manageable ride.

Interested in this bike? Find Aprilia RS457 for sale

2024-on Kawasaki Ninja 500

Specs: Engine size 451cc / Power 45bhp / Weight 172kg / Seat height 785mm 

Price: £5300 – £6000 (used) – £6499 (new) | buy from here

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 may have sportsbike styling cues but it’s actually got quite a well designed riding position. The frame is derived from the original 250 bike, and has a very accessible 785mm seat height, with the option of a 30mm higher seat for taller riders. It’s a little down on out right power compared to some of the others in this list but its revvy little parallel-twin engine has bags of character. Complimenting the low weight, the complete package, feels ‘right-sized’ rather than a throttled back heavyweight bike.

The bike also has enough tech on board to keep most riders happy, smartphone connectivity and a TFT screen, whilst looking sharp and typically Kawasaki with its green paint jobs. The Ninja allows you to lean on the handling and for the A2 ranges of motorcycles, it feels very composed and knee down and track day fun is definitely achievable for a confident rider.

Interested in this bike? Find Kawasaki Ninja 500 for sale

2024-on Kawasaki Z500

• Related: Check out MCN’s top pick of sports bike kit here

Specs: Engine size 451cc / Power 45bhp / Weight 168kg / Seat height 785mm 

Price: £4700 – £5800 (used) – £6049 (new) | buy from here

The Kawasaki Z500 is the naked roadster version of the Ninja above. A distinct new face with LED headlights, a sharp styling linking to its bigger sibling the Z H2. Being a dedicated bike for the category rather than a bigger bike like the Z650 and throttled back, it results in a well rounded, likeable ride which will keep both new and experienced bikers entertained. Similar seat height as the Ninja 500, and a very accessible upright riding position, with flat bars taking the weight off the front end the Z500 then becomes very approachable for many riders. Predictable feedback and tipping into the corners with confidence, you will always know what’s going on under the tyres.

Interested in this bike? Find Kawasaki Z500 for sale

2022-on Honda CBR500R

Specs: Engine size 471cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 192kg / Seat height 785mm 

Price: £3900 – £5100 (used) – £6699 (new) | buy from here

The Honda CBR500R is an excellent bike for those stepping into their A2 era, due to its manageable 471cc parallel-twin engine, providing ample power without overwhelming riders. Its comfortable, sporty riding position helps build confidence and control, making it suitable for both city commutes and longer rides as when riding you are not in a full race position when compared to the Aprilia or the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The bike features an effortless clutch, which smoothens shifts and reduces the chances of stalling, essential for those still mastering clutch control. Its lightweight chassis and low seat height offer excellent manoeuvrability and ease of handling. The CBR500R comes equipped with ABS as standard, and an LCD dash, which can now fall short of some of the connective TFT dashes out there. However, its modern, aggressive styling not only looks great but also provides good aerodynamics, making the riding experience more enjoyable. Honda’s reputation for reliability and the CBR500R’s affordable maintenance costs make it a practical and dependable choice for beginners.

Interested in this bike? Find Honda CBR500R for sale

2022-on Honda CB500F

• Related: Get the best helmet for your ride. Check out MCN’s best performing sports bike helmets here.

Specs: Engine size 471cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 189kg / Seat height 785mm 

Price: £4000 – £5200 (used) – £5849 (new) | buy from here

Like its fully faired sibling above the Honda CB500F offers very similar benefits albeit in an upright position. The rider ergonomics are more relaxed and a low seat height help to make the CB more accessible to riders. With flat bars the bike is easier to manoeuvre especially at lower speeds which is welcoming for those commuting in cities and tighter urban spaces who are still gathering experience.
A very fuel efficient bike with both the CBR and the CB claiming high 60s to 70mpg. Honda’s reputation for reliability and the CB’s low maintenance requirements ensure more time can be spent riding then tinkering.

Interested in this bike? Find Honda CB500F for sale

2022-on KTM RC390

Specs: Engine size 373cc / Power 44bhp / Weight 155kg / Seat height 824mm 

Price: £3500 – £4400 (used) – N/A (new) | buy from here

The KTM RC390 is the sportsbike variant of the Austrian firm’s 373cc parallel-twin platform and – in keeping with KTM’s ‘ready to race’ motto – it’s a genuinely sporty offering. The low weight and capable chassis componentry make up for the 44bhp power output for a finished product that’s an absolute hoot to ride.

You don’t need masses of power to have fun and the KTM proves that, lighter wheels boosting the agility and increased frame flex gives more feel. Allowing a confident rider to keep up with other machinery it definitely cuts the mustard well. Utilising a decent array of tech to do so, cornering ABS and traction control come with the bike and make for great value for money when compared to rivals.

From a reliability standpoint, our KTM RC390 owners’ reviews show nothing too concerning, but we only have one at time of writing. We’d recommend reading reviews of sister bikes the 390 Adventure and 390 Duke…

Interested in this bike? Find KTM RC390 for sale

2024-on KTM 390 Duke

Specs: Engine size 399cc / Power 44bhp / Weight 165kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £3900 – £4800 (used) – £5699 (new) | buy from here

The updated-for-2024 KTM 390 Duke is the supermoto-inspired roadster of the family and so has wide bars and an upright riding position. The best value Duke of the range, you get lean sensitive rider aids , quality brakes, tyres, suspension, colour dash, backlit switches and full LEDs all round. It’s a great package and hard to beat compared to rivals in the same A2 category. Sharing its engine and other components with RC390 above, the upright riding position can be more appealing than the RC390 to those looking to step up onto a bigger bike without wanting to compromise on comfort.

Interested in this bike? Find KTM 390 Duke for sale

CFMoto 450SR-S

Specs: Engine size 399cc / Power 44bhp / Weight 165kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £5000 (used) –  £6199 (new) | buy from here

The CFMoto 450SR-S was designed to knock the market leading Kawasaki Ninja 400 off its top spot, and CFMoto’s second attempt has pretty much done that. A classy, stylish and refined A2 sportsbike it is hard to not give this bike the attention it deserves. It isn’t a light weight mash up of parts to meet the A2 criteria. It is a well built, spec’d and made bike, which has an overall big bike feel to it. With winglets designed by ex-Ducati and MV Agusta Design Director it stands out from the crop of other A2 fully faired bikes. Being light and agile, aided by its chro-moly steel tube frame it makes an extremely good ride with added stability and keen precision turning. It does have a sportier riding position compared to that of is rivals, with clip-ons below the top yokes and high foot pegs, it is a more purposeful ride. Catering for all riders, it has optional seats to suit a taller rider (815mm) and a shorter rider (785mm) to help aid with comfort and fit. See how it faired in the group test video above.

Interested in this bike? Find CFMoto 450SR-S for sale

2024-on Husqvarna Svartpelin 401

Specs: Engine size 399cc / Power 44bhp / Weight 159kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £3800 – £4000 (used) – £5599 (new) | buy from here

Updated for 2024, the Svartpilen 401 here and the roadster sibling the Vitpilen received new trellis chassis, updated styling and lean sensitive electronics. The Svartpelin is pitched as the more rugged of the two with an upright riding position from its flat bars compared to the Vitpilens clip ons. Being a single it does bark and clatter along, but loves to be revved, aided by a standard fit up and down quickshifter along with two rider modes, switchable traction control, and cornering ABS. Its a great package for a rider to step up to and learn the ropes on an engaging bigger bike.

Interested in this bike? Find Husqvarna Svartpelin 401 for sale

2019-on Yamaha R3

Specs: Engine size 321cc / Power 41bhp / Weight 169kg / Seat height 780mm 

Price: £4000 – £5700 (used) – £6400 (new) | buy from here

The Yamaha R3 is a supersport style A2 model that apes the look of the R6 Race, R7, R1 and even M1 MotoGP bike for a pocket rocket with genuine street cred. It’s not the cheapest option on this list but the performance and spec level speaks for itself.

It’s available in a range of colours but in our opinion, the 60th Anniversary Edition makes the R3 one of the most desirable A2 bikes in this list.

Our Yamaha R3 owners’ reviews don’t show anything too concerning. While Honda enjoys the plaudits when it comes to reliability, Yamaha does a fantastic job when it comes to build quality too.

Interested in this bike? Find Yamaha R3 for sale

2020-on Yamaha MT-03

Specs: Engine size 321cc / Power 41bhp / Weight 168kg / Seat height 780mm 

Price: £4000 – £5000 (used) – £5,300 (new) | buy from here

The Yamaha MT-03 is the naked roadster version of the R3 above. MT stands for ‘Maximum Torque’ and all the models in the range have an emphasis on fun and low-down grunt to unlock your inner hooligan.

Initially launched in 2016, the MT-03 is effectively a naked version of the Yamaha YZF-R3 – the Japanese firm’s A2 sportsbike – and while this is no bad thing at all (especially considering Yamaha race the R3 on the world scene) the issue is that the bike it is based upon is also, well, a bit budget if we are being brutally honest.

Our Yamaha MT-03 owners’ reviews echo the above. We also spent a year with the MT-03 for a long-term test when it was launched in 2016.

Interested in this bike? Find Yamaha MT-03 for sale

2021-on BMW G310R

Specs: Engine size 313cc / Power 34bhp / Weight 158kg / Seat height 785mm

Price: £3200 – £3500 (used) – £4970 (new) | buy from here

Having received a slight update allowing the BMW G310R to meet the Euro 5 regulations, essentially a ride by wire throttle and self-boosting anti-hopper clutch however it still makes the same power and torque. A perfect city bike with a low seat height making manoeuvres a doddle. With span adjustment added to the levers, BMW have made small updates to the model making it a better ergonomic fit for a variety of rider

Interested in this bike? Find BMW G310R for sale

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Take a look at these A2 ready adventure machines:

2024-on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Specs: Engine size 452cc / Power 40bhp / Weight 196kg / Seat height 825mm 

Price: £3300 – £5200 (used) – £5750 (new) | buy from here

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 marks a new era for Royal Enfield, the Himalayan had big boots to fill following on from its predecessor the 410cc air cooled version, which has garnered a cult following. The new Himalayan 450 is Royal Enfield’s first step into a water cooled engine, generating a leap in performance for the firm and the bike now produces 40bhp and 29.5ft/lb torque. Better quality suspension, switchable abs and improved ergonomics, along with that single cylinder thumping chorus make this enfield an attractive bike for returning and new adventurers alike. With great miles per gallon a 250mile tank range, and very reasonable servicing costs, you can safely say this bike will win the hearts of many. A great accomplice for any A2 rider with a plethora of accessories and replaceable parts that can be used to customise and update the bike to suit the needs of the individual.

Interested in this bike? Find Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for sale

2024-on Honda NX500

• Related: Get kitted up for your next adventure with out best adventure gear here.

Specs: Engine size 471cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 196kg / Seat height 830mm 

Price: £5900 (used) – £6799 (new) | buy from here

The Honda NX500 gets a new name and new frock for what was the well established Honda CB500X platform. A TFT dash with connectivity, lighter wheels, tweaked suspension and traction control including some ECU tweaks for that added bit of pep to the acceleration. Already the established benchmark of the class, with its predecessor the Honda CB500x winning many awards, a bike that has won the Best A2-legal bike category in the MCN Awards a remarkable five times in succession) these updates should be enough to keep new and returning riders happy. An easy bike ergonomically to ride, with medium to low weight and height and added slimness. The engine, produces the max amount, 47bhp for the category, but delivers a peppy mid range punch driving through corners and engaging the rider. A strong contender for any A2 licence holder looking at adventure mentions with also a long pedigree of second hand models about to nab a bargain.

Interested in this bike? Find Honda NX500 for sale

2024-on CFMoto 450 MT

Specs: Engine size 449cc / Power 42bhp / Weight 175kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: N/A (used) – £5699 (new) | buy from here

Its been hailed as the mini Ténéré, and has gained lots of interest quickly from the adventure crowd. The CFMoto 450 MT is a more focused adventure machine with some real dirt riding credentials. With fully adjustable KYB suspension, switchable ABS and traction control, and a 270-degree crank phasing giving it a unique position in the class of A2 bikes. Though it might be a bit leisurley and seemingly take some effort to push past 70mph, the bike is more geared for a dirt exploration than a motorway mile smash, although it will do it. With a great ground clearance, and off road wheels, 21″ upfront and 18″ at the back, the bikes is still at an accessible seat height of 820mm or 32.3″ compared to some of the other bikes that have similar components and purposes.

Interested in this bike? Find CFMoto 450 MT for sale

2021-on Honda CRF300 Rally

Specs: Engine size 286cc / Power 27bhp / Weight 153kg / Seat height 885mm 

Price: £4900 – £6000 (used) – £6039 (new) | buy from here

The Honda CRF300 Rally is by far and away the most capable off roader in this list but should probably be avoided if you do a lot of road riding. Its long travel suspension and 27bhp power output make it hard work for long spells on the tarmac but it’s the ideal weapon for a weekend of green-laning or an off road camping trip.

Our Honda CRF300 Rally owners’ reviews indicate most buyers are thrilled with their bikes, enjoying that legendary Honda reliability. The only adverse comment involves corrosion on bolts, which as the user rightly remarks, can be solved with a liberal application of ACF50 or similar.

Interested in this bike? Find Honda CRF300 Rally for sale

2020-on KTM 390 Adventure

Specs: Engine size 373cc / Power 44bhp / Weight 158kg / Seat height 855mm 

Price: £3000 – £5000 (used) – £5499 (new) | buy from here

The first of a trio of orange bikes on the list, the KTM 390 Adventure is the off road variant. Unlike the TRK above, the 390 Adventure can handle a bit of  the dirty stuff and it’s got more power than the CRF300 Rally for road riding, too.

In performance terms, there’s enough on offer to serve up a decent road ride and its easy-going nature will make commuters or the less experienced grin from ear to ear.

If you want to cover some decent distance, it’ll also oblige, although wind blast and vibrations will take their toll eventually. Being a KTM, it’s also not afraid to get its hands dirty – capable of tackling a light trail when the mood takes you, but slightly let down by its road bike ergonomics.

In reliability terms, our KTM 390 Adventure owners’ reviews show some fairly major problems for some buyers. It’s worth taking a read before taking the plunge.

Interested in this bike? Find KTM 390 Adventure for sale

2017-on Benelli TRK 502

Specs: Engine size 499cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 235kg / Seat height 840mm 

Price: £3000 – £5000 (used) – £5999 (new) | buy from here

The Benelli TRK 502 is a Chinese-built motorbike that draws on the famous heritage of its Italian badge. Like a few of the bikes in this list, the TRK has adventure bike styling but isn’t really designed to do any off roading.

In its native (sort of) Italy, the TRK regularly tops the sales charts, representing an affordable way to own a proper grown up bike with Italian heritage in its name.

Our Benelli TRK 502 owners’ reviews indicate this is a popular bike but also that it isn’t without reliability issues. Specific comments involve a lack of underbody protection and some electric gremlins.

Interested in this bike? Find Benelli TRK 502 for sale

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Retro inspired A2 machines:

2018-on Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Specs: Engine size 648cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 202kg / Seat height 806mm 

Price: £3200 – £5400 (used) – £5500 (new) | buy from here

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 took the biking world by storm when it was released in 2018 alongside its sister bike, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. The bikes were cheap, charming, simple and easy to ride and came along at a time when modern retros were much less common in the marketplace.

A read through our Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 owners’ reviews would be a great idea if you’re looking to buy a used bike. There are some tales of poor quality, and while you can make allowances for a bike built down to such a low price, it might prove a thorny used proposition. We’d recommend having a good read through, and also checking out our various maintenance guides to learn the best way to keep your bike in tip-top condition.

Interested in this bike? Find Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 for sale

2022-on Royal Enfield HNTR 350

Specs: Engine size 349cc / Power 20bhp / Weight 181kg / Seat height 800mm 

Price: £3000 – £3600 (used) – £3899 (new) | buy from here

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a robust and stylish upgrade for riders moving up from a 125cc bike. Its 349cc engine delivers a smooth and responsive single cylinder performance, meaning you get a grea soundtrack for city commuting and B road blasts. However, we use the term blast loosely, it is only 20bhp, and while it will get you to 70mph it wont be with any immediate urgency and longer motorway or dual carriageway rides may be a stretch too far for the little engine. The bike’s lightweight frame and agile handling provide an easy and confident ride for those accustomed to smaller bikes. It features a classic design with modern touches, appealing to both traditional and contemporary riders. With its combination of reliability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, the Hunter 350 is an excellent choice for those looking to step up to a mid-sized motorcycle on a budget and with urban riding in mind.

Interested in this bike? Find Royal Enfield HNTR 350 for sale

2024-on Triumph Speed 400

• Related: Complete that retro look, with our round up of best retro gear.

Specs: Engine size 398cc / Power 40bhp / Weight 170kg / Seat height 790mm 

Price: £4300 – £4700 (used) – £4995 (new) | buy from here

With a new engine and new chassis the Triumph Speed 400 and Triumph Scrambler 400X are paving a new era for Triumph. With exquisite finish and proper big bike feel, you would be fooled into thinking it is something far grander than the price tag suggests.

With a low seat height, low overall weight and great rider ergonomics it makes for an easy and accessible step up into the A2 world. Coupled with an engaging single cylinder thumping motor, it makes light work of city riding and A road blasts. The bike is equipped with traction control and a part LCD part analogue dash with ample technology with user friendly interfaces. Its a premium bike for a competitive price that for some will serve their riding career long after the chance to upgrade a license comes.

Interested in this bike? Find Triumph Speed 400 for sale

2022-on BSA GOLD STAR 650

Specs: Engine size 652cc / Power 45bhp / Weight 213kg / Seat height 780mm 

Price: £4300 – £6000 (used) – £6800 (new) | buy from here

The BSA Gold Star 650 is the first bike from the revived iconic brand, and it is dripping in old school detailing. Design to deliver the simple pleasure of riding, the Gold Star isn’t heavily laden with tech and doesn’t punch out a hefty brake horse power figure. Its ample 45 bhp keeps it well within the A2 category, and coupled with its impressive Brembo brakes up front it stops quickly. The bike however, is of a more leisurely nature, pushed hard some of its flaws catch up with itself, the suspension has to work hard to deal with the weight of the bike when traversing rough roads, and the steering tends to want to flop into corners. Not all bad, as the Gold Star’s upright riding position and natural spacious feel even for taller amongst us but can also accommodate shorter riders too with a 780mm seat height.

Interested in this bike? Find BSA GOLD STAR 650 for sale

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Honourable mentions – A2 Maxi Scooters

There are a few maxi-scooters that fit in the A2 licence category, too. The Yamaha TMAX 560 makes 47bhp (more than some of the bikes in the list) and is equipped to a spec level that puts some flagship superbikes to shame.

The Suzuki Burgman 400 also fits the bill with its 29bhp engine but it’s harder to justify its £6999 price tag given its lesser spec level.

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Best motorbikes that can be restricted to A2

Perhaps, you want to plan ahead, and buy that dream bike now, and start your journey on it but it has to much horsepower for the A2 class. Well its worth investigating whether it can be restricted to 47bhp to meet the requirements, as long as the bike originally makes no more than 94bhp. The UK government states that you cannot restrict a bike below half its original power. This does open the doors to a lot more bikes that can be purchased, and then later in your riding career when you meet the requirements you can look to get it de-restricted and enjoy the bike on a new level all over again. Below we have listed our top pics of bikes that can be restricted:

2012-on Aprilia Tuono 660

Engine size 659cc / Power 47 (94)bhp / Weight 183kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £5300 – £7500 (used) – £9700 (new) | buy from here

The Aprilia Tuono 660 takes the excellent RS660 sportsbike platform and strips away the front fairing and clip-ons in favour of wide bars and an upright riding position. We’re big fans of the middleweight Aprilia’s light weight and excellent handling.

Interested in this bike? Find Aprilia Tuono 660 for sale

2021-on Ducati Monster (depowered)

Specs: Engine size 937cc / Power 47bhp / Weight 166kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £7500 – £9500 (used) – £11,295 (new) | buy from here

A slightly different approach, but if Italian red machines are your vice, it might be worth looking at. The Ducati Monster makes 109bhp in standard trim, which is obviously above the threshold for A2 restriction. To get around the problem, Ducati make a lower power version of the bike so that it can be legally restricted. The disadvantage of this is that you don’t get a full-power Monster when you remove the restriction and it’s a very expensive model to buy in restricted form.

What you do get is a pretty, lightweight, beautiful-handling sporty roadster that’ll make you smile every time you open the garage.

Other Ducati models available in special restricted versions:

• Ducati Multistrada V2
• Ducati SuperSport 950
• Ducati Hypermotard 950
• Ducati Scrambler

Interested in this bike? Find Ducati Monster for sale

2022-on Harley-Davidson Nightster

Specs: Engine size 975cc / Power 89bhp / Weight 218kg / Seat height 705mm 

Price: £8000 – £11,000 (used) – £14,495 (new) | buy from here

The Harley-Davidson Nightster may have almost a litre of displacement but in standard trim it makes just 89bhp, putting it well into the A2 licence category once restricted. The Nightster replaced the Sportster 883 as Harley’s entry-level model and if you were inspired to get biking by watching Sons of Anarchy, it may be the option for you. As first big bikes go, it’s not the cheapest though.

Also worth considering Harley’s other latest smaller models the Street Rod 750 which can be restricted.

Interested in this bike? Find Harley-Davidson Nightster for sale

2022-on Kawasaki Z650RS

Specs: Engine size 649cc / Power 47 (67)bhp / Weight 187kg / Seat height 820mm 

Price: £5400 – £7100 (used) – £7700 (new) | buy from here

The Kawasaki Z650RS is a modern retro built on the Japanese firm’s 650 platform. As with the 400s above, there are several different bikes built around the same basic chassis and engine combination and the RS is styled to look like a baby version of the popular Z900RS.

Other models on Kawaaski’s 650 platform:

• Kawasaki Versys 650
• Kawasaki Ninja 650

Interested in this bike? Find Kawasaki Z650RS for sale

2023-on KTM 790 Adventure

Specs: Engine size: 799cc / Power: 47 (94)bhp / Weight 218kg/  Seat height 860mm 

Price: £6800 – £8800 (used) – £9999 (new) | buy from here

The KTM 790 Adventure was superseded by the 890 Adventure but for 2023, the model was reintroduced to the line-up with one slight difference – it’s now built in China. The good news is that the resultant model is cheaper than the new bike and there doesn’t seem to have been a drop in build quality. The Austrian firm have also done a similar trick with the KTM 790 Duke, offering a cheaper and A2 restrictable Chinese-built alternative to the 890 version.

Interested in this bike? Find KTM 790 Adventure for sale

2021-on Moto Guzzi V7 Stone

Specs: Engine size 853cc / Power 47 (64)bhp / Weight 233kg / Seat height 780mm 

Price: N/A (used) – £8750 (new) | buy from here

The Moto Guzzi V7 Stone is a plod-along retro roadster that’s brimming with charm and character. Perfect for A2 licence holders that aren’t bothered about performance and aggression or full licence holders looking for a fun bike to bimble to the pub on, the Guzzi is sometimes an overlooked model. If you fancied something in the same ball park with more of an adventure bike feel, the excellent Moto Guzzi V85 TT is also available in A2 form.

Interested in this bike? Find Moto Guzzi V7 Stone for sale

2022-on Moto Morini X-Cape

Specs: Engine size 649cc / Power 47 (59)bhp / Weight 232kg / Seat height 845mm 

Price: N/A (used) – £6995 (new) | buy from here

The Moto Morini X-Cape is another Italian/Chinese collaboration that combines a modest old parallel-twin (with the DNA of an ER-6 motor) with a capable chassis and good looks. The X-Cape won’t be winning the Dakar any time soon but it’s a fun bike to ride all the same.

Interested in this bike? Find Moto Morini X-Cape for sale

2022-on Triumph Tiger Sport 660

Specs: Engine size 660cc / Power 47 (80)bhp / Weight 206kg / Seat height 835mm 

Price: £5900 – £8200 (used) – £8945 (new) | buy from here

The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 has more cylinders than any other bike on this list thanks to its triple configuration. That also makes it smoother than the rest with slightly more to give at the top of its rev range. The Tiger Sport is a basic model that offers an affordable entry point to Triumph’s generally more premium model line-up but is a joy to ride and still very well put-together. If the Tiger’s styling isn’t for you, the retro-infused Triumph Trident 660 uses the same engine and frame in a roadster format.

Interested in this bike? Find Triumph Tiger Sport 660 for sale

2021-on Yamaha MT-07

Specs: Engine size 689cc / Power 47 (72)bhp / Weight 184kg / Seat height 805mm 

Price: £5500 – £7200 (used) – £7500 (new) | buy from here

The Yamaha MT-07 may have been left behind a little in the middleweight naked arms race but we still absolutely love it. A peach of an engine, smile-inducing riding experience and propensity to send its front wheel skyward at the drop of a hat make it a hoot to ride. If you want a slightly sportier version, the Yamaha R7 shares much of the same architecture but in a sportsbike package.

Interested in this bike? Find Yamaha MT-07 for sale

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How does restriction work?

If you opt for restricting a more powerful bike then you can simply convert it to full power once you have the appropriate licence. They cost more up front but often have more grunt low down than smaller bikes and you don’t have to sell up or trade in to get more power down the line.

Back in the days of carburettors, restrictions were achieved by putting a washer into the inlet manifold to restrict the air flow into the combustion chamber. These days, it’s usually done with software or a revised throttle map by a dealer and can be put in place or removed quickly and easily for a small fee.

FAQs: Buying your first big bike, A2 or otherwise

• What is the most powerful A2 motorbike? Regardless of anything else, an A2 bike will need to be restricted to 47bhp. This means it’s better to compare weights and torque output to find the highest performance A2 bike.
• Is an R6 A2 legal? The Yamaha R6 has 116bhp and as such, no, you cannot restrict one and ride it legally on an A2 motorbike licence. We’d urge you to consider why you’re asking this question, because the R6 isn’t a brilliant learner bike anyway. An R3 would be a far better bet for someone looking for a sporty road bike.