Top 10: A2 motorbikes 2023

1

Triumph Street Twin

Price - £8100

Triumph is riding high in the sales charts and it’s easy to see why when they make bikes like the Street Twin. Forget for a moment that it’s an A2 licence-happy bike when fitted with a restrictor kit and just look at it. This is a gorgeous machine that any rider would be happy to fire up and ride away on, regardless of experience. That makes it all the more appealing for this A2 class and it now comes with more power.

To help riders graduating to a bigger bike, the Street Twin now boasts Road and Rain riding modes better brakes and improved suspension. There’s also a tyre pressure monitoring system as an added extra, so you can make the most of the nimble handling and powerful motor without any worries.

3

Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

Price - £6750

If the Ducati Scrambler’s retro styling has made you fall in love with bikes, but you’re not quite ready to go for the full-fat, 803cc version – fear not. Ducati offers a 399cc version with a less intimidating 41HP, which is compliant with A2 licence rules, yet has all of the attitude and looks you could hope for.

It still has the same air-cooled, L-Twin character of the bigger bike though, just with a lower power output. The only problem with the Sixty2 is its price – at £6750 it’s one of the more expensive models in our list and it’s not all that much cheaper than the full-power Scrambler. Even so, this is a very stylish way to move up the motorcycling ladder and will hold its value or be reasonable to lease.

5

Suzuki V-Strom 650

Price - £7599

We could have plumped for the Suzuki V-Strom 250 that would save you the thick end of £3000 over its 650 big brother. However, we reckon spending the extra on the 650 is money well spent as the more powerful model delivers in every area. With a restrictor kit, it will see you through the A2 licence period with its smooth power delivery aided by traction control and able handling, helped by the engine now being positioned lower in the chassis.

The high-riding adventure style of the V-Strom is perfect for giving great confidence to riders as they progress up the licence ladder. It’s also capable of some mild green-laning and off-road work, plus the pillion seat is comfortable for your chosen plus-one.

>> Read our full review

7

Yamaha MT-03

Price - £4999

Effectively a naked version of the R3, the MT-03 has a characterful engine and impressive handling, but it’s also comfortable enough to be used for town riding, thanks to its upright riding position. This makes it a very different experience to the R3 and ideal for those who spend most of their time riding in and around town.

As a jumping off point into the MT range it’s great – with far more sensible and manageable dynamics. The more powerful MT-07 is also available in A2 compliant form, but it requires a restrictor kit. For someone who plans to immediately move up to a more potent bike after their two years on an A2 licence it’s probably a more sensible buy – but it is rather more unhinged than the MT-03. 

9

KTM 390 Duke

Price - £4699

Exceptionally light, the KTM 390 Duke is as nimble and as easy to manage as a 125cc bike, but with a whole lot more punch. That means it’s a genuinely exciting machine with a really fizzy, fun personality. However, it has a relatively upright riding position which, paired to its agility, makes it great for zipping around town.

If you’re more interested in fun than riding every day, there is an RC390 that uses the same engine. It’s a real sportsbike though, with exciting handling and a less comfortable riding position. For most riders, we reckon the Duke is the better choice as it’s such a barrel of laughs to ride in the city and out in the countryside.