want to buy one of these, what do i do?

beasty6 · 2 Feb 2014 at 16:41

hey guys,

im 20 atm and looking to get myself on a bike for my 21st, ive decided i want a WR250X for my work commuter and because i like the riding position, its a 250cc with 30bhp. the reason i want a small bike is because i would rather pay less to run it and build up experience before jumping to a 400-600 etc, would rather take my time

what tests do i need to do to ride one of these and what can i do to reduce insurance costs?

thankyou

TripleT · 2 Feb 2014 at 18:28

The rules have changed so I believe you have to do the A2 test which is like the full test but on a bike between 33 BHP AND 47bhp. You can't ride anything bigger for 2years and then you have to redo the test on a bigger bike to get your full licence.

Even though the bike you want is smaller you'll still need this test. Other option would be just get a 125cc and just do your cbt.

I believe this is correct but being over 24 myself and the rules changing recently I may be wrong!

ttaskmaster · 3 Feb 2014 at 17:54

Worth noting that 400cc bikes mostly tend to have exactly 33BHP, which works nicely for those on restricted licences...

eddie101 · 5 Feb 2014 at 09:25

TripleT said:
The rules have changed so I believe you have to do the A2 test which is like the full test but on a bike between 33 BHP AND 47bhp. You can't ride anything bigger for 2years and then you have to redo the test on a bigger bike to get your full licence.

Even though the bike you want is smaller you'll still need this test. Other option would be just get a 125cc and just do your cbt.

I believe this is correct but being over 24 myself and the rules changing recently I may be wrong!

I think you're right. OP if i were you i'd stick to a 125 for now and gain you're road experience on that then go straight for your A license.

But that's just me, I don't see the point in doing the test twice :/

Rich1988 · 5 Feb 2014 at 15:15

You have to redo the test now on a bigger bike?! ridiculous! glad I passed mine before that came in!

BattFink · 5 Feb 2014 at 15:39

Rich1988 said:
You have to redo the test now on a bigger bike?! ridiculous! glad I passed mine before that came in!

Yeah it's a joke, it's pretty much the EU's attempt at stamping out motorcycles, by making them so difficult to get a licence for that most people won't bother

ttaskmaster · 5 Feb 2014 at 17:28

BattFink said:
Yeah it's a joke, it's pretty much the EU's attempt at stamping out motorcycles, by making them so difficult to get a licence for that most people won't bother

That's fine... I'm sure they'll LOVE it when *I* am forced off my two wheels and into a tank!! :eek:

TripleT · 5 Feb 2014 at 20:17

That's only for under 24y/o's so don't think it's so bad to get experience etc. Over 24's can go straight to proper bikes.

I did my CBT last summer. Only use it for commuting and love it and to be honest I'm not hankering that much to go any bigger. Come July 2015 when I'll have to redo my CBT I'll probably take my full test as I imagine I wouldn't need too much to get me up to scratch with 2years riding and 14k miles by then at this rate.

At the minute £15 to go 330miles is great and 14miles each way through town in rush hour I don't really need anything bigger. And like I said I've never been out for just a ride on weekends or anything.

Wyvern971 · 6 Feb 2014 at 12:24

ttaskmaster said:
Worth noting that 400cc bikes mostly tend to have exactly 33BHP, which works nicely for those on restricted licences...

That's not correct.

My sisters VFR400 (NC30) and a friends' CBR400RR both required restricting to 33BHP. (washers in the inlets).

Without the restriction they are closer to 55-60BHP

ttaskmaster · 7 Feb 2014 at 11:58

Wyvern971 said:
That's not correct.
My sisters VFR400 (NC30) and a friends' CBR400RR both required restricting to 33BHP. (washers in the inlets).
Without the restriction they are closer to 55-60BHP

Worth noting that 400cc bikes mostly tend to have exactly 33BHP,

Here are 'some' 400cc bikes ≤33bhp you 'could' consider:

Honda Bros 400
Honda CB400
Honda FT500
Honda GB400TT
Honda NV400C
Honda Steed 400
Honda VRX400
Honda XL500R
Honda XL500S
Suzuki Desperado 400
Suzuki DR400S
Suzuki Intruder 400
Suzuki LS400 Savage
Suzuki LS400 Tempter
Suzuki LS650F
Suzuki LS650P
Suzuki SP400
Suzuki VS400
Yamaha Drag Star 400
Yamaha SR400
Yamaha SR500
Yamaha SR500
Yamaha SRX400

mufc802 · 7 Feb 2014 at 17:57

I think the new CBR500R 2013 is within the 47bhp limit for the A2 licence.

TripleT · 7 Feb 2014 at 23:26

Gonna say the power levels have changed now so many bikes you mentioned that are sub 33bhp are pointless as you need an A2 license to ride them but that lets you ride up to 47bhp. You can't even do the test on some as it has to have at least 33bhp.