Best motorbikes for A2 licence holders
Ten brilliant A2-compliant motorbikes, whether you want speed, style or a sensible first ride.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 12 August 2026 | 6 mins read
Passing your CBT and then your A2 test is one of those proper “welcome to biking” moments. You’re no longer stuck on a restricted 125, but you’re not quite free to jump on a full-power superbike either. It’s a brilliant middle ground to be in, and one that happens to be packed with some genuinely excellent motorcycles.
The A2 licence caps you at 47bhp, which sounds restrictive on paper but is plenty of bike in practice, whether you’re after something for commuting, your first proper adventure bike, or a taste of sports bike thrills on a Sunday morning. If you’re coming to this after sorting your provisional driving licence for four wheels too, or you’re a car driver curious about life on two, we’ve rounded up ten of the best A2-legal motorbikes around, along with everything else you need to know about the licence itself.
What is an A2 motorcycle licence?
The A2 is the middle tier of the UK’s motorcycle licence system, sitting between the entry-level A1 (for 125cc machines) and the full, unrestricted category A. To apply, you need to be at least 19 years old, and you’ll need to have completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and passed your motorcycle theory test before booking your Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests. According to the official rules set out in the Highway Code, A2 licence holders are limited to motorcycles producing no more than 35kW, which works out at 47bhp, with a power-to-weight ratio that can’t exceed 0.2kW per kilogram of the bike’s weight.
That combination matters, because it stops manufacturers simply bolting a 47bhp engine into a featherweight frame and calling it compliant; the ratio rule keeps things sensible. In practice, it means you’ll find A2-legal bikes ranging from small, torquey singles all the way up to detuned versions of proper 650-750cc machines, giving you a surprising amount of choice for what’s essentially a learner-adjacent licence.
Naturally-compliant bikes vs restricted bikes
There are two ways a motorbike ends up being legal for A2 riders. Some engines are simply built to produce 47bhp or less from the factory, so there’s nothing to restrict; you just ride them as they come. Others are bigger, more powerful machines that have had a restrictor kit fitted, physically limiting the power output down to the legal maximum.
Restricted bikes have one big advantage: once you pass your full category A test, many can be de-restricted by a dealer or qualified mechanic, unlocking their full performance without you needing to buy a new bike. It’s worth checking with the manufacturer or a specialist before you buy, though, since not every model can be legally de-restricted, and older used bikes registered before January 2013 fall under a different rule that requires the restricted engine to produce no more than half its unrestricted power.
The best motorbikes for A2 licence holders
From punchy naked bikes to proper adventure machines, here are ten of the best options for A2 riders right now, covering a genuine mix of budgets and riding styles.
1. Honda CB500 range — the sensible all-rounder, three ways
Honda’s CB500 family might be the smartest starting point on this list, mostly because it isn’t really one bike; it’s three. The CB500F is a friendly, upright naked bike, the CBR500R adds a fairing and a sportier riding position, and the CB500X leans into adventure-bike styling with a bit more ground clearance. All three share the same easy-going 471cc parallel-twin engine, producing a naturally A2-legal 47bhp, so there’s no restrictor kit or compromise involved. It’s an unintimidating, well-built machine that’s just as happy pottering round town as it is on a longer weekend ride.
2. Kawasaki Z650 / Ninja 650 — a proper middleweight twin
If you want something with a bit more presence, the Kawasaki Z650 (naked) and Ninja 650 (faired) share a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 67bhp in unrestricted form. Fitted with Kawasaki’s restrictor kit, that drops to the A2-legal 47bhp, but you still get the underlying chassis and brakes of a genuinely capable middleweight bike. It’s a sensible choice if you’re planning to go for your full licence eventually, since a lot of that performance is simply waiting to be unlocked later.
3. Yamaha MT-07 — the enthusiast’s favourite
Few bikes are recommended to new riders as consistently as the Yamaha MT-07. Its 689cc CP2 twin-cylinder engine is famous for its broad, torquey character, and while it produces around 73bhp in standard form, a straightforward restrictor kit brings it down to 47bhp for A2 riders. What makes it so popular is how much of that engine’s charm survives the restriction; it still feels lively and eager rather than strangled. The same platform underpins the Tracer 7 (a sportier tourer) and the Ténéré 700 (an adventure bike), so there’s a version to suit different tastes.
4. KTM 390 Duke / RC390 — the sporty option
For riders who want something that feels genuinely quick and eager without needing a restrictor, KTM’s 390 Duke (naked) and RC390 (fully-faired) are hard to beat. Their 399cc single-cylinder engine produces a naturally A2-compliant output, paired with a light overall weight that makes both bikes feel far punchier than the figures suggest. They’re also fitted with genuinely good suspension and brakes rather than cost-cut components, which isn’t always a given at this end of the market.
5. Triumph Trident 660 — British style with a genuine engine note
The Trident 660 is Triumph’s take on the accessible middleweight naked bike, and it brings something the class doesn’t always have: character. Its 660cc triple-cylinder engine, restricted to the A2-legal 47bhp, has a distinctive growl that most twins simply can’t match, and the handling is composed and confidence-inspiring for newer riders. Triumph also offers an A2 version of the Street Triple for those after a sportier riding position.
6. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — the affordable adventure bike
Adventure bikes have a habit of being either huge and heavy or watered-down and unconvincing, but the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 avoids both traps. Its 452cc single produces a naturally A2-legal 40bhp, and the bike itself is genuinely capable off-road, with long-travel suspension and a comfortable, upright riding position. It’s also one of the more affordable bikes on this list, making it a great option if you want adventure-bike looks and capability without adventure-bike money.
7. Suzuki SV650 / SV650X — the reliable classic
The Suzuki SV650 has been a go-to recommendation for new riders for decades, and the current version continues that reputation. Its 645cc V-twin makes around 75bhp unrestricted, dropping to 47bhp with a restrictor kit fitted. The SV650X adds retro café-racer styling and clip-on bars if you fancy a bit more visual flair, while the standard SV650 keeps things simple and upright. Either way, it’s a forgiving, well-balanced bike that a lot of riders end up keeping long after passing their full test.
8. Honda CMX500 Rebel — the low, laid-back cruiser
If naked and sports bikes aren’t your thing, the Honda CMX500 Rebel offers a proper cruiser alternative. It shares its 471cc twin-cylinder engine with the CB500 range, producing a naturally A2-legal 45bhp, but wraps it in a low-slung, relaxed cruiser body with a notably low seat height. That makes it a particularly good option for shorter riders who find some of the taller naked and adventure bikes on this list a stretch.
9. BMW G310R / G310GS — premium build, sensible power
BMW’s G310R (naked) and G310GS (adventure-styled) share a 313cc single-cylinder engine that produces a naturally A2-legal output, so there’s no restrictor to worry about. What you’re really paying for here is BMW’s build quality and equipment levels; both bikes come with a level of finish and reliability reputation that punches above their class. The G310GS in particular has become a popular choice for riders who fancy the adventure-bike look without the weight and bulk of a larger machine.
10. Triumph Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X — the modern retro pick
Triumph’s newest small-capacity singles bring genuine road presence to the A2 class. The Speed 400 is a classically-styled roadster, while the Scrambler 400X adds off-road-inspired styling and slightly taller suspension. Both use a 398cc single that produces a naturally A2-compliant output, and both benefit from Triumph’s typically excellent build quality and switchgear, which isn’t always guaranteed at this price point.
Buying a used A2 bike: what to check
If you’re buying used rather than new, there are a few extra things worth checking beyond the usual service history and MOT record. With restricted bikes, make sure the restrictor kit has been fitted correctly and, ideally, that there’s paperwork showing it was done by an authorised dealer; an incorrectly restricted bike can cause problems with your insurer if you’re ever involved in a claim. It’s also worth confirming the bike’s power output actually complies with current A2 rules, since older used bikes registered before January 2013 fall under that different “half power” rule mentioned above. A specialist dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service team can usually confirm whether a particular used bike is compliant.
It’s also worth shopping around on insurance once you’ve found the bike you want. A lot of the same principles that keep car insurance premiums down, like building up no-claims history and comparing quotes at renewal rather than auto-renewing, apply just as well to bikes; our guide to cutting the cost of your insurance is a good starting point if you’re new to any of that.
Progressing from your A2 licence
The A2 licence isn’t meant to be permanent, and most riders eventually move on to a full category A licence. If you hold your A2 for two years without any serious licence issues, you can upgrade to full category A at age 21 or over without taking another practical test; you simply apply to the DVLA. Alternatively, if you’re 24 or over, you can skip the A2 licence altogether and go straight for the Direct Access route, which involves a further Module 1 and Module 2 test but gives you immediate access to unrestricted motorcycles. Either way, plenty of the bikes on this list can be de-restricted once you’ve made the jump, so it’s worth checking that before you buy if you know you’ll want the extra performance eventually.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between A1, A2 and full category A licences?
A1 licences let you ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power of 11kW, from age 17. A2 licences, available from age 19, allow bikes producing up to 35kW (47bhp), with the power-to-weight limit mentioned above. A full category A licence has no power restrictions and is available from age 24, or from 21 if you’ve held an A2 licence for two years.
Can I ride a 650cc motorbike on an A2 licence?
Yes, as long as it’s fitted with a manufacturer-approved restrictor kit that brings its power output down to 47bhp or less, and it meets the power-to-weight ratio rule. Several bikes on this list, including the Kawasaki Z650, Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki SV650, are 650-750cc machines restricted for A2 use.
Do restrictor kits affect a motorbike’s resale value or insurance?
Not usually, provided the restrictor has been fitted properly and documented. Insurers generally treat correctly-restricted bikes the same as any other A2-legal machine, though it’s always worth declaring the restriction when you take out a policy. Resale value tends to hold up well too, since plenty of buyers are specifically looking for A2-compliant bikes.
Is a naturally A2-compliant bike better than a restricted one?
Not necessarily; it depends on what you want long-term. Naturally-compliant bikes, like the KTM 390 Duke or Honda CB500 range, are often lighter and simpler, while restricted bikes usually have more performance to unlock once you pass your full test. Both approaches are fully legal and reliable ways of getting your first proper motorbike.
Whichever bike you go for, the A2 licence is a genuinely enjoyable stepping stone rather than a compromise, and the ten bikes above prove there’s real variety on offer even within a 47bhp limit. And if you’re splitting your time between two wheels and four, whether that’s for family duties, bad weather, or simply the days you don’t fancy riding, search our full range of used cars to find something to keep in the garage alongside the bike.