Is it possible to restrict a motorcycle to 125cc?

[talksr]

Hi there,

I have a CBT (which needs renewing soon).

It would seem I have some spare time coming up, so I am thinking of going for the full test. Almost two years ago when I took the CBT, the chap I went out on a drive with said I was very good and he was quite sure I would not need any extra lessons if I wanted to do the full bike test.

My question is, does anyone know if it is possible to purchase a motorcycle now which is more powerful than 125cc, but could be restricted down to 125cc, so I could use it now as I am licenced to drive up to 125cc and then have it de-restricted once I am on a full licence?

Thanks in advance.

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

Hi there,

I have a CBT (which needs renewing soon).

It would seem I have some spare time coming up, so I am thinking of going for the full test. Almost two years ago when I took the CBT, the chap I went out on a drive with said I was very good and he was quite sure I would not need any extra lessons if I wanted to do the full bike test.

My question is, does anyone know if it is possible to purchase a motorcycle now which is more powerful than 125cc, but could be restricted down to 125cc, so I could use it now as I am licenced to drive up to 125cc and then have it de-restricted once I am on a full licence?

Thanks in advance.

 

I won't claim any knowledge of the current regs as I learnt to ride back in the Dark Ages - but whilst you can restrict the power output of bikes you can't change their actual engine capacity. I'd buy a second hand Japanese 125 to use for the time being. Look after it and you will get your money back when you are ready for something bigger.

[Slowside]

Your CBT allows you to ride a 125 with a power output not exceeding 15bhp.

Unfortunately, restricting a larger capacity bike is not permitted, or indeed possible in any practical sense.

If your CBT is nearly up and you are confident, then a very short DAS course is the way to go so you can get your full license as cheaply as possible.

[mas101]

It might be possible with an electric bike - zero or something but not with a conventional engine

[dynax]

This where they have by the short and curly's regarding the licensing, a 125cc bike is just that, you can restrict the power output, but you cannot physically reduce the engine size, and as the CBT and A1 restricts you on both the engine size and power output that is what we have to abide by

[geofferz]

Buy a used 125 privately then resell it privately when you pass - I lost £200 on mine over a year.