De-restricting Mopeds

Learner Legal Bikes

33 Bhp restricted bikes

De-restricting Mopeds

To be fair, we have a lot of sympathy with those 16 yr-olds who de-restrict their Moped. After all, since CBT was introduced, they're all trained and only being capable of 31mph can itself be dangerous!

However, legally, a Moped is defined as up to 50 cc and with a design speed not exceeding 50 kph (31 mph). So, de-restricted and doing 45 mph, how easy are you to spot ? A rather easy "pull" for your local copper.

Get caught doing 45, then it's not a Moped (group P) it's a Motorcycle (group A), do you have a licence for that ? That's followed by a ticket to produce your documents, what's your insurance ? You can get an awful lot of points very quickly. Remember that Provisionals (and the first 2 yrs. Full licence) get banned at only 6 points.

And it can be expensive, Insurance Companies can be wrigglers. Stack your de-restricted bike and the assessor might just tell you "what insurance". Oz
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Learner Legal Bikes

Don't assume that, because it's a 125, it's OK to ride it on L Plates. The legal definition of a learner m/c is up to 125cc and power up to 11kW (14.6 Bhp).

Nowadays, even some 125cc rockets are over that. For example, the Aprilia RS125 rates 33 Bhp and that's the max. after an A2 test ! (and loads of fun too). Oz
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33 Bhp restricted bikes

For Direct access, you take your test on a machine of over 46 Bhp and that's most of the bikes out there nowadays.

For those taking their test on a 125 cc bike for the restricted (A2) licence, they have to stay at or below 33 Bhp for the first 2 years. Now, 33 Bhp is over 100 mph, how fast do you want to go ?
There's nothing wrong with the A2 route to a full bike licence and, on most roads, a good rider will keep right up on a 33 Bhp machine. It just won't get up to speed as quickly, that's all. So, if it won't accelerate as briskly, why not take an Advanced course and not slow down so much !

For 33 Bhp, you have a choice. Buy a bike of 33 Bhp or less, or get a bigger bike restricted.

Most of the bigger bikes can be restricted but do check before you buy. Your Dealer can check that out for you. Always make sure you get the certificate that you might have to show the Police officer !

Although nearly all bikes can be restricted, not all seem to like being "choked". I'm told the Bandit 600 runs beautifully in restricted mode but doubt a Blade would. It's best to ask around for someone who's tried a particular bike, again, your dealer is the first step.

For those who'd prefer to have a stock bike, here's a list of bikes understood to be 33 Bhp or less, including some of the older bikes for the second-hand market :-

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