Bikes on a restricted license... what to do?

[jarl]

Passed my test recently, but I'm 18, so limited to 33bhp and 0.16kw/kg. This seems a bit of a pain to achieve with a road legal enduro, as most bikes are so light they fall well foul of 0.16kw/kg, even with quite low power. I was thinking of a dr350, as that seems to just sneak in under the limit. A yamaha wr250x would be awesome, but I don't have enough money...

However.

A local bike shop has a honda cb-1 (400cc inline 4) which makes 60 horsies, and so would need to be restricted. However, I really do like the idea of a 400cc inline 4, and it's only £550 (providing there's nothing big time wrong with it, of course!); budget is a big issue, I have about £1000, £1200 max for this.

So yeah, what to do? Is the 0.16kw/kg rule ever enforced? I'm worried about crashing and having my insurers turn round and say "not ensured, your bike falls foul of 0.16kw/kg".


Of course, alternatively I could stick with my sweeeet (*ahem*) 125 for a while, save up, and buy a 600 supermoto when my time is up.....

Thoughts? Anyone been in this position themselves?

[barkingbiker]

That CB-1 sounds like a good option and a steal if it's not a scab.

Have you looked into restrictior kits? We were going to help lad no. 2 and found that the cost of a kit and a dealer fitting it will be £200 no matter how you look at it. If you fit the kit yourself the boys in blue won't recognise it. We found it best to start by looking for a ready-restricted bike.

A 600 bandit is always a favourite for restricted riders and not too spendy.

Risking riding a bike that's not strictly legal is purely personal matter. Most bikes have something that could be pointed at as illegal - my greenlaner has dozen things that plod would frown on if he knew what he was looking at.

Good luck and congrats on passing the test. Keep your skill levels up and you'll enjoy riding all the more. Bikesafe comes highly recommended.

BB

[cookingfat]

I have a used set of restrictors (two washers) for a 600 transalp with the paper work of a bike. My understanding of the law is the bike must be restricted to below the limit, the monopoloy of F1 is in my opinion a rip off.

Simplish fit if you can remove the carbs you can fit these. If anyone wants them contact me throught this forum.

UP THE WORKERS!

[Les666]

you may be sorted but I work in a bike shop in Haywards heath just north of Brighton, we have a restricted kawa ER5 which is going on the market soon...easy to de-restrict as well.. give me a call if interested 07801 689888 Les

[AlanH]

The CB-1 is a superb bike. I've had two of them. 60bhp is a bit optimistic and around 50 would be more like it. Make sure the gearbox is fine as they can kill second gear if they are abused.

FI International 33hp restrictor kits are available for the CB-1 for around £170. They consist of a set of (bloomin expensive) washers that go between the carbs and the engine.

A Bros 400 is a great alternative as it is naturally 33hp so the motor doesn't feel restricted and asthmatic.

Is the 0.16kw/kg rule ever enforced? I'm worried about crashing and having my insurers turn round and say "not ensured, your bike falls foul of 0.16kw/kg"

You can be confident that if an insurer has grounds to refuse to pay out, they will do. You may be fine but if something happens and your insurance is invalid, you will be personally liable and could end up paying for the rest of your life if you injure somebody.

[Charlie]

I was in a similar position as you about a year and half a go. Passed my test had got bored of my 125 and wanted something bigger. After much searching for suitable bikes (I didn't really want to get a 600 and restrict it) I decided on my 250 hornet, which is restricted too.

I'd go for that cb-1, my brother has it and loves it, don't worry about the restriction washers, after a bit of searching on the internet me and my Dad found the dimensions for the cb-1, went to the local engineering place and fitted our own set of washers. We are pretty sure they bike is now at 33bhp or under. Brother seems happy with it too.

Clued up traffic cops aren't unheard of and I have read a couple of posts on forums where people have got busted for under 33bhp bikes. For the sake of 2 years I think it is hardly worth it. Plus riding a lesser powerful bike fast, takes a lot more skill than a more powerful bike at the same time

[jarl]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm most likely going to go for the CB-1 (test ride next saturday, I'll make sure to give second gear a going over!) and restrict it. Don't suppose you know the size of the washers charlie? I've got a calculated size, and I've got a size from the internet, but confirmation would be nice

[Mervinh]

take it too someone with a dyno test it and get a print out and you then have proof of the bikes output
Merv

[Charlie]

Erm I will give my Dad a pm on here as he might actually remember. We did just like you did by the sounds of it; found them out on the internet.

When I bought my hornet we weren't sure if it was restricted or not. Took it to the dyno and £25 later I have a nice print out showing the power my bike makes (28.2bhp was peak). You will enjoy the cb-1, the noise the gear driven cams make is lovely.

[winxp-master]

Most bikes have something that could be pointed at as illegal

Have they?

Can't speak for anyone else but i know mine is fully legal...