34 NEW RIDER
GET ON TWO WHEELS Want to know exactly where to start your journey into becoming a biker? Or how to move up the ‘cc-ladder’? Here’s our quick guide to motorcycle licence categories and which bikes you can ride at each stage.
Best new 2017 bikes for beginners If you’re planning to buy a new bike in 2017, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are our favourites for each licence category…
AM At 16 years old (or above) you can ride a moped with L-plates after completing your CBT, or if you want you could opt for the new AM licence by taking your theory test and then a practical test. This will allow you to ride a moped up to 50cc with a top speed of 45 km/h (around 28mph) without L-plates, and to carry a passenger.
At 16 you could ride: WK VS50, £799, wkbikes.com
A1 licence You need to be at least 17 years old to get your A1 licence. Before taking the practical test for the A1 licence you’ll need a valid CBT certificate and you’ll need to have passed your theory test. The practical test consists of Modules 1 (at a training facility) and 2 (on road). The A1 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 11Kw (14.8bhp) with a power-toweight ratio that does not exceed 0.1kW (0.13bhp) per kg – these are usually 125cc bikes. For scooter lovers: Kawasaki J125, £3799, kawasaki.co.uk
Limited edition Trophy Rieju 2.0 In 2016 the limited run of 500 Rieju MRT50 SM Trophy mopeds were sold out, so the Spanish manufacturer has decided to launch a new limited edition machine for 2017 called the Trophy 2.0. A total of 1000 units will be available for European market. The new model will be
Aprilia RS 125 Aprilia’s 125cc bikes are some of the fastest in the class, so the RS 125 sports bike will make a great tool for any petrolheads on an A1 licence. Aprilia has updated the bike for 2017, making it compliant with Euro4. There are no power figures yet, but if the current model is anything to go by the 125cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine is a lively one. The RS 125 is estimated to cost around £4699. For further information: aprilia.com
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 The Versys-X 300 is Kawasaki’s take on the mini-adventurer concept. The bike is powered by a 296cc water-cooled parallel twin engine, and tuned for low and mid-range power, but figures are still to be confirmed. A large windshield, low seat height and wide handlebars help with manoeuvrability, and Kawasaki claims it will do more than 250 miles from a tankful. The Versys-X 300 is expected to be available in April, with prices starting from £5149. For further information: kaw wasaki.co.uk
A2 licence At age 19 you’re able to get your A2 licence. You need a valid CBT certificate and theory test, then after completing the practical test Modules 1 and 2 (same as for A1 licence but on a bigger bike) you can ride motorcycles up to 35kW (46.9bhp) with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW (0.27bhp) per kg, including bigger bikes modified to R t Retro-cool l option: ti Ducati D ti S Scrambler bl Si Sixty2, t 2 £6450 £6450, produce less power. scramblerducati.com
Full A licence Once you’re 21 you’ll be able to get a full unrestricted licence if you’ve held your A2 licence for two years or more. Alternatively, if you’re 24 you can take the Direct Access route, which will give you a full licence straight away. In order to do this you will need to pass your CBT and theory test, plus your Module 1 and British style: Triumph Thruxton 1200 R, £11,700, Module 2 test. triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
available in two colour options (white or black) with the following changes: fuel cap with a lock, hand protectors, black exhaust header, and a short front fender. The MRT50 SM Trophy 2.0 is priced at £3099. For further information: riejumoto.com
Triumph Street Scrambler The new Triumph Street Scrambler features the existing Street Twin 900cc Bonneville high torque engine, but the chassis has been revamped to give the bike more of a scrambler feel; it includes longer rear shocks, wider handlebars, a 19-inch front wheel, dual purpose Metzeler Tourance tyres, uprated brakes and switchable ABS.
Definitely the most striiking element of the bik ke is the new high-level twin exhaust in brushed sta ainless steel. Prices for the e new Triumph are yet to be confirmed. For further information: triu umphmotorcycles.co.uk