Hello, I own an A limited license (good for 35 kW) and would like to buy a Triumph Street Triple. The 2008 model (which I am interested in) has a power of 80 kW.
I know that in the EU with the A2 license, it is not possible to restrict a motorcycle with more than double the limit (35 kW * 2 = 70 kW). The new Street Triple are also sold on a 70 kW variant to accommodate for this rule.
My question is: would it be possible to restrict an 80 kW motorcycle to 35 kw and use it with an A limited license? I searched in Triumph's website and couldn't find any info regarding a 35 kw kit for this particular bike.
I know for certain that with the old rules, there was no such limit on power and saw lots of big bikes restricted to 25 kW, such as the Kawasaki Z800 and ninja 636. On Kawasaki's website, I also found this page which lists the available bikes to restrict on the A limited license. The list includes the Ninja ZX-6R 636, which has an unrestricted power of 96,4 kW. Does this mean that in Switzerland there is no such rule about the maximum unrestricted power, and it would be possible to restrict the bike from 80 to 35 kW?
"Kat A beschränkt auf 35 kW: Ein Motorrad ohne Seitenwagen mit einer Motorleistung von höchstens 35kW, max. 0.20 kW/kg Leistungsgewicht und zwei Sitzplätzen, ausgenommen Motorräder der Unterkategorie A1."
A motorcycle without a sidecar with an engine output of no more than 35 kW, a maximum of 0.20 kW / kg power-to-weight ratio and two seats, excluding motorcycles in sub-category A1
maybe someone more knowledgeable will come, or, you can solve it with a quick call or email to your StVA
Yes, I agree. The speed trip is not a lightweight, at 200-odd kilos wet, but with the standard power it's lively and fun, including at low engine revs thanks to the grunty 3 cylinder motor. Taking it down to less than half the power doesn't just limit it's overall speed, but lower torque throughout the rev range will make it quite an effort (i.e. high revs and good clutch control) to get moving, easy to stall and overall a bit of a dog to ride.
My first 'big' bike, an XT500, back in 1978, had less power than that (and less weight as well), but it's a mistake to compare something simply on power/weight ratios and conclude that it will be powerful enough. The gearing and handling appropriate to a big single 40 years ago are completely different from a big street cruiser these days. Even changing the final drive gearing, which I think would be a necessity, won't overcome all of this.
Quite. It doesn't mean you immediately need to go for a superbike (sorry, '70s/80s terminology creeping in with the memories), and if you're concerned about something with a lot of power remember that you don't need to move the throttle all the way...
Edit: OK, now I've spotted that this was a 5 year old question too. Oh well.