To restirct or not restrict!?
Discussion
Hi All,
Just returned from a 10 day drip to the pyrenees and all over france for that matter! Seen some amazing sights and done most of the big tour de france big climbs! I was a pillion rider for the full ten days (as i don't have a bike/ liscence) and shared between a K1600GT and a Multistrada 1200s. Anway, after looking in more detail at licensing system (I'm 20), I can have a bike no more than 46hp on a A2 license, and then a fully unrestricted license in two years from now.
Turns out you get still get some pretty nice bikes that fall into that power category from stock such as the honda cbr500x, nc700 or bmw G650GS etc.. and restrict some nice bikes too like the ninja 650 or duke690. I would like a machine that could to a bit of touring.. what would people recommend with regards to buying a bike that already falls into the A2 category or restricting one the doesn't ? also what bikes in particular would people recommend ?
Cheers for the help!
Just returned from a 10 day drip to the pyrenees and all over france for that matter! Seen some amazing sights and done most of the big tour de france big climbs! I was a pillion rider for the full ten days (as i don't have a bike/ liscence) and shared between a K1600GT and a Multistrada 1200s. Anway, after looking in more detail at licensing system (I'm 20), I can have a bike no more than 46hp on a A2 license, and then a fully unrestricted license in two years from now.
Turns out you get still get some pretty nice bikes that fall into that power category from stock such as the honda cbr500x, nc700 or bmw G650GS etc.. and restrict some nice bikes too like the ninja 650 or duke690. I would like a machine that could to a bit of touring.. what would people recommend with regards to buying a bike that already falls into the A2 category or restricting one the doesn't ? also what bikes in particular would people recommend ?
Cheers for the help!
BritishRacinGrin said:
Are you really likely to want to keep the same bike for much more than two years? I'd say buy a bike which fits in the bracket and upgrade when you have your A1 and feel like upgrading.
I'm planing on doing a 3 or 4 day course which covers your A1 and A2 license, using the test centers bikes. So the first bike i buy will hopefully be a 46hp bike! (A2 is above the A1 btw!). Judging from my car owning experience I do get bored quickly though haha! currently looking at somthing to replace my ST.. but thats another story.
Mr Floyd said:
When I passed my restriced access test several years ago I bought a Thundercat and had it restriceted to 33bhp (from 100bhp). The garage that fitted the restrictor kit said I would barely notice the difference, and they were largely correct. Sure it wouldn't do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds (more like 5 seconds perhaps) but it would hit 100mph (maximum restricted speed, versus 160mph stock) without breaking a sweat and I felt this was more than enough power whilst I honed my skills 
Since I removed the restrictor it is more of a beast, I can't deny that, but unless you plan to ride it like a tw*t I can't say that you'll notice too much difference. The slight loss of top speed and acceleration may prove a Godsend whilst you get some experience under your belt.
As for touring, the Thundercat may be a bit long in the tooth now but it is reliable and comfortable, not quite a tourer, not quite a supersport, kind of a nice compromise between the two. Lots of useable power (unlike modern 600s where the power seems to be at the top end and not the midrange) and it won't give your Nobby Stiles grief after an hour in the saddle
Most of the guys here will probably slate me for my opinion but hey, it's still a blast and perhaps just a bit more user-friendly until you build experience.
Hope this helps - salutations from Mr Floyd
Some good info thanks! How was this bike actually restricted.. I know some modern KTM's are just a re-map which means they cant really be de restricted easily if you feel like it haha. Was is a throttle stop in the thundercat ?Since I removed the restrictor it is more of a beast, I can't deny that, but unless you plan to ride it like a tw*t I can't say that you'll notice too much difference. The slight loss of top speed and acceleration may prove a Godsend whilst you get some experience under your belt.
As for touring, the Thundercat may be a bit long in the tooth now but it is reliable and comfortable, not quite a tourer, not quite a supersport, kind of a nice compromise between the two. Lots of useable power (unlike modern 600s where the power seems to be at the top end and not the midrange) and it won't give your Nobby Stiles grief after an hour in the saddle
Most of the guys here will probably slate me for my opinion but hey, it's still a blast and perhaps just a bit more user-friendly until you build experience.
Hope this helps - salutations from Mr Floyd
Mr Floyd said:
4 steel discs with holes cut in them to restict the amount of air entering the carbs via the inlet manifold. The mechanic that fits the kit and provides the necessary certificate will (hopefully) ensure the carbs do not run rich as a result of this (!) - the factory inlets are a fair bit bigger in diameter than a 50 pence piece and the holes in the restrictor discs are more like a 1 pence piece. Simple yet effective. Also simple to remove when you decide to, whenever that may be
Lets say someone who has a full unrestricted wants to use the bike at full power.. would removing the restrictor be a job that can be done at home ? (this is typical me, wanting to run before i can walk)! Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff