Total Motorcycle Community Forums

For a learner in the UK it used to be 250cc and now, I gather, it is a horsepower restriction…I think 33hp. Being restricted to 250cc didn’t harm me. In fact it probably saved me. Mind you some guys did borrow a small bike take their test and then jump on a 750 H2 Kwacker all within weeks of their first ride. There were no requirements regarding time spent on two wheels. I don’t know if that has changed.

Here in Canada, I think it is inevitable that there will be restrictions imposed on beginners, after all legislators like to legislate and beginner riders like race replicas. I’m not against the idea as long as it is well thought out. Legislators must be made to realize it’s not the veteran on a Busa that’s the problem but the sprog on a 600 Gixxer or equivalent.

Insurance in Manitoba will go up another 12% next riding season and by looking at the figures I suspect this is a political thing as the provincial govt runs the automotive insurance show (Monopoly). Snowmobiles and ATVs get a rate decrease. Bikes get an increase. The $ amount lost from the sleds and ATVs has been foisted off onto the bikes. There are far more Snowmobilers and ATVers than bikers so the prov govt looks good. Snowmobilers seem to be pretty good at killing themselves.

Snowmobilers seem to be pretty good at killing themselves.

its like that up here in alaska as well. people ride down at the base of the mountains after a heavy snow screaming "powder!!!!" and then they cause an avalanch, and ether we never find their body, or they barely make it screaming "$h!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!t!" darwinian theory messed up when it came to snow machines, because its always the better riders that go with the newbs that make sure the newbs get out alive, and they usualy are the ones to pay the newbs price. shame realy

Pongo wrote:For a learner in the UK it used to be 250cc and now, I gather, it is a horsepower restriction…I think 33hp.

How do they verify that the bike makes only 33hp? Do the manufacturers have to pay a hefty homolgation fee before they can certify their bikes for newbs? I really don't think it is viable to do it in Canada let alone Alberta due to the market size....

instead of focusing on which bikes ARENT legal to ride with a 250cc regulation... they should focus on every model that IS. the list will be much more effective that way. nevermind its not an effective system for such a large area anyway.

I actually like having the graduated licensing system in place in Ontario. I think it at least forces people to treat thier vehicle with respect while they're getting used to it.

But restrictions on engine displacement and HP are a little too big brotherish for my liking. I think the government should have a role in securing the safety of its citizens (especialy in a country where everyone pays for everyone's health care), but there must be a balance. There is such a thing as over-regulating people.

High_Side wrote:

Pongo wrote:For a learner in the UK it used to be 250cc and now, I gather, it is a horsepower restriction…I think 33hp.

How do they verify that the bike makes only 33hp? Do the manufacturers have to pay a hefty homolgation fee before they can certify their bikes for newbs? I really don't think it is viable to do it in Canada let alone Alberta due to the market size....

Can't say for sure as I moved Canada before the change to horsepower restriction. My guess would be along the lines that a given make and model is rated at whatever horsepower. Restrictors are a different kettle of fish though.

@ canuckerjay.
I agree Re: over-regulating people.