The A2 Licence: Best Motorcycles and How to Legally Restrict Power
The A2 licence is the most popular way into the world of motorcycles, yet its rules trip up even seasoned drivers. Here we explain the power limits, the restriction rule, and the models genuinely worth considering.
What an A2 licence actually allows
You can take the A2 licence from the age of 18, and it is the real first step onto a bigger motorcycle. Two hard limits apply: maximum power is 35 kW (47 hp), and the power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.2 kW/kg. Both conditions have to be met at the same time.
Crucially, the rules do not limit engine capacity. You can legally ride a single-cylinder 700, a twin-cylinder 650, or even a larger engine, as long as the power and the power-to-weight ratio stay within the limits. That is why on an A2 you will find both light 400s and full-size machines.
The 0.2 kW/kg limit leads to a practical rule of thumb: a motorcycle making the full 35 kW must weigh at least around 175 kg ready to ride. Lighter builds can also be legal, but then their power must be correspondingly lower so the ratio still adds up.
Restricting a stronger motorcycle: the double-power rule
On an A2 you may ride not only factory-weaker models but also more powerful machines legally restricted to 35 kW. There is one key condition: the motorcycle must not be derived from a version whose original power exceeded double the limit. In practice this means the base, unrestricted output cannot be higher than 70 kW (about 95 hp).
So a popular mid-range motorcycle making 70 hp can be legally restricted for the A2, but a supersport or large roadster with 120 hp cannot, even if its power could in theory be reduced. The regulation simply does not allow it. This is the first thing to check before you fall for a particular bike.
The restriction itself is usually done with an intake restrictor, a modified throttle body, or an electronic adjustment, always using the solution the manufacturer provides for that model. The restriction should be documented and visible at the technical inspection, and once you hold the full category A, the bike can legally be returned to full power.
The best A2 models: safe bets for beginners
Among natural, factory A2 versions, the 650 twin class reigns: the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650, the Honda CB650R, and the Yamaha MT-07 in its 35 kW variant. These bikes do not get boring after the first season, have a civilised power delivery, and hold their value well. Ideal if you want one motorcycle for several years.
On the lighter, cheaper-to-run side, the 400 class works brilliantly: the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Z400, the Honda CB500F, CBR500R, and NX500. They are light, forgiving, and stress-free in the city, a good choice for your first year and for learning smooth riding.
If you are already thinking about a future category A, a sensible move is a model that offers a full 70-plus hp once the restrictor comes off, such as the Yamaha MT-07 or Honda CB650R. You buy one motorcycle, ride it safely in A2 form, and unlock its full potential after upgrading your licence without changing the bike.
What to avoid and watch out for when buying
The biggest trap is a motorcycle sold or stickered as A2 that is actually derived from a version making more than 70 kW. Such a machine is not A2-legal, even if someone insists it is restricted. Always check the model's original factory power, not just its current state.
The second issue is paperwork. A power restriction should be confirmed, with a trace in the documents, a certificate for the restrictor kit, or the appropriate entry. An undocumented restriction can mean trouble at the technical inspection, during a roadside check, and, most painfully, in the event of a claim and payout.
Be wary too of light, powerful machines that fail the 0.2 kW/kg test, and of bikes with amateur tinkering in the electronics. It is safer to choose a model with a known, factory restriction solution than to fight later with a makeshift modification of unknown origin.
The A2 licence and importing a motorcycle
Motorcycles from the UK and Western European markets are often better maintained and better equipped, and the choice of A2 versions there is usually wider than in Poland. That is a real chance to find exactly the model and variant you want to ride, instead of compromising with whatever happens to be available locally.
When importing, it is essential that the power output and the method of restriction are clearly documented and compliant with Polish type-approval requirements. A version described somewhere as A2 will not always pass a Polish inspection automatically, which is why documents confirming the power and any restriction matter just as much as the mechanical condition.
At ApexMoto we specialise in importing verified motorcycles from the UK and Europe to Poland, and soon to Portugal too. We help you choose a model suited to the A2 licence and make sure its power and paperwork are in order, so your first motorcycle is a source of fun rather than trouble.