Restricting a bigger bike for a learner ??

Question

How do you restrict a bigger bike (e.g 600cc) so it can be used by a learner; and is this expensive?

I'd rather buy a bike i wanted to keep and have it temporarily restricted until i pass my test in March, than have to buy a bike now and another larger bike in March.

Can this be done, is it practicle and what are the costs involved.

* Were talking about a normal bike (600cc) not a zooped-up super / hyper bike.




.

* It's the law that learners can only ride a bike with a certain Bhp (something like 14.2Bhp); therefore full 600cc bikes are illegal to ride if unrestricted.

Restriction involves placing a "restrictor" in one of the exhaust manifold ports, thereby restricting the asperation of the bike and limiting its performance.

I know it can be done, just not sure it can be done down to learner level.

Answer 1

john is most likely in austrailia, new zealand, or another country that requires this. some countries require beginners to only have a certain sized engine for the first 1 or 2 years after being licenced.

john, not sure how the law works there on weather or not the bike must be certified. i would suggest having a dealer do the work. that way, u'd be pretty much guarenteed that it would be to standards. would be easier to get it done right the first time than for the inspector to say 'nope. not good enough. try again'.
when the more restrictive mufflers are put on, the carb/ecm has to be calibrated so that the bike wont run too rich; they'll most likely add a smaller air cleaner; less air, less fuel='s less power.

i can understand the reasoning u have. after ur proby license time is up, u can get it unrestricted, and not have to buy another bike.

Answer 2

The restriction on most bikes is a plate fitted between the carbs and the cylinder head restricting the inlet flow from for example 40mm to 10mm in diameter which restricts the power, even if you do restrict a large CC bike you can not legally ride it as a learner unless accompanied by a qualified motor cycle instructor, if your under 21 you will have to ride a 33bhp restricted bike to after passing your test but over 21 you can ride what you want after passing. If your only 17 you can only ride a 125 or lower cc restricting a larger bike to 15 bhp isn't an option.
I rode a ZX6r that had been restricted to 33bhp and was the worst bike I ever rode it actually made it slower than a RG125 F.U.N because of the weight. I really don't think it would be possible to restrict a 600 to 15bhp you would be losing best part of 100 bhp on most modern 600cc bikes

Answer 3

Hi there,
You can, as the previous answer said, put a restrictor plate in the exhaust manifold but that could cause problems as the temperature of the exhaust gasses would erode the plate eventually, and your BHP would slowly increase. Its a very complicated process for a single cylinder bike but a nightmare for a multicylinder bike. But Its best put between the carb and the inlet manifold. Then you have to take it to a licensed garage or specialist that has a rolling road and get the machines BHP tested and measured and a certificate granted that the DLV would accept. But if you think about it if, you have a machine that weighs as much as a 600cc bike with only 14 BHP the acceleration and top speed will be aw full. Even a 50cc moped will beat you away from the lights. Your best bet would be to bite the bullet and get a small cc bike and sell it on when you pass the test. Food for thought !!!!! Enjoy yourself.

Answer 4

I guess the law regarding beginners and bike size must be specific to your state, because I've never heard of it. In TN you can get a motorcycle license at age 15, but they limit you to 175cc I think. If you are older, then there is no size limit, regardless of your riding experience.

If I were you this is what I would do, if they really require you to limit the size or require a limiter, then borrow a small bike from someone, and go get your license.

Then buy the 600cc bike, since you aren't getting a crotch-rocket, then as long as you don't twist the throttle all the way around the first time you take off, you aren't going to have to waste the time and money to put a restrictor on it. Take it out to a big parking lot somewhere and get used to it. Spend time stopping and taking off to learn how to use the clutch and throttle together for smooth take offs. Learn to shift it, and maneuver, and voila, you are all set. A non-sport bike isn't going to shoot out from underneath you or anything, and you sound like a cautious person, so just take it easy, and have fun!

Now just remember one VERY IMPORTANT thing. When you drive on the road--either:

A) You are invisible to people driving cars.

B) People in cars are actively trying to kill you.

I stick to 'B' and am pleasantly surprised when someone doesn't actually get into my lane, or pull out in front of me.

Use common sense, and always wear a helmet.

Answer 5

The only way is to have a kit fitted and I believe this has to be done at a dealers because you need a certificate to prove that its been done.
Might be easier to check the small adds and buy one with the kit already fitted.
Added this

I think we are talking about different things here

1) Normally all 125 or less bikes make the correct power as standard to ride as a learner. Hence are restricted, you can buy unrestricted bikes but you need a full licence to ride them.

2) After you pass your test (If under 21) you may only ride a bike of 33bhp so restrictor kits are available for larger bikes.

I believe these kits are expensive

Try here http://www.nukb.co.uk/Motorcycle%20License%20Details.htm

Answer 6

I would think your best option would be to not waste money on a restriction kit, but either buy one already done or one that is less than 33bhp as standard, when you've done with it there will be plenty of other learners who will take it off your hands.
Also experience tells me that as you ride fro the first year or so you are likely to have a few spills i.e not getting balance right when pulling up etc and so I would suggest some thing cheap to buy and repair (IE little or no plastic fairings)then if you hurt it its not so bad.

Answer 7

It depends on your age.

If you are between 17 and 21, you will be restricted to a bike of no more than 33bhp for two years after passing your test anyway.

If you are over 21, you can pass your test on a full-bhp machine, so restricting it is not neccesary.

Answer 8

Don't know much about bikes but Honda's are supposed to be good.Ya know Ronda rides a Honda...Arghhhhhhhhh school days.

Answer 9

I fail to understand why a restriction would be necessary. You control how fast you go with throttle control. I'm sure there is a way to restrict power, but I'm sure the price wouldn't be worth it. Remember to respect the motorcycle at all times. It's fun, but it's dangerous fun. Good luck and stay away from wreckless riders.

Answer 10

why not start on something smaller? you do not have anything
to prove.get a gs500 that will be fast enough for you. keep it
for a year or two.you really don' want to wreck a bike that you
want to keep for awhile.