33bhp, do you agree with it?

passed my test @12 years ago in the army when I was 18 i think we were restricted to the 33bph thing but I never bought a bike till now, so ive never needed to be restricted, and im not having any bother(motorbikes are just like pushbikes YOU NEVER FORGET), its not really the bike but the riders attitude, if you want to do dumb stuff you will, restricted or not..

Passed mine aged 19 and did two years restricted to 33bhp. I mostly like the law the way it is because it's the balance between mature and responsible people who can sensibly decide when to ignore the speed limit (because, lets be fair, that's pretty much the only difference between < and > 33bhp) and idiots who need their hand held.

Like others have said, it needs a similar restriction for older riders who pass their test later in life. Being an adult doesn't stop you from being an idiot when introduced to something new, sexy and exciting that you've not experienced before. I don't think we need a car equivalent because cars are intrinsically much safer than bikes with a hugely lower mortality rate as a result.

Like all laws, it's compromise between mildly infringing the liberties of the majority to protect the vulnerable minority, which is essential. I can't help but think those of you arguing against 33bhp would likewise have argued against compulsory helmet laws if you were around back then. Thank god libertarianism is dead in the UK.

I think its a good idea but used in the wrong way.
1 years restriction should be plenty as by that point you should be able to ride your bike and your either going to be sensible or a tosser of a driver anyways.

I passed my test when I was 22, however I did it on a 125, because it was easier for me!

I only ridden for 4 months following passing before I had to sell my bike. My rescrition is up on 17th August and then I can jump on whatever I want! Now to me that sounds more dangours. Espiscally when sat at home is a 955i that drew is happy to put me on the insurance off!

The 33bhp seemed fine to me, however I understand that I wasn't riding for to long. Had I been riding for the full 2 years, I more than likely would of got bored.

The problem is also the jump from 125 to 33bhp! While the bike felt more stable etc and not as light as the 125 I learnt it, it was fooking scary! To within a week, go from never riding (but being pillion) to then riding a 650cc bike with a stop gap of a 125 for 3 days!

I like to think of myself of being mature etc but even at the age of 22 I jump on that SV the afternoon after my test and within 2 hours a mate was picking it up off me! We both talked about it and both said I was asking for it that day, and was lucky it was just at a junction and not on the country roads we had been on! While it knocked my confidence it also had showed me what the bike could do even with 33bhp, and got me to treat it with more respect than I had!

Drew let me ride the Daytona on the weekend as he needed to check the backwheel was on correct after we had taken it off, I only rode it on the clutch at a crawl pace, and even then you could feel the pull of it wanting to go.

I think it should be maybe given to everybody, Drew passed a year before me, and did DAS so could jump on anything he wanted! Ok it was a 650, but he could of gone out and got a 1000cc plus!

Yes i also think there should be a limit on cars and for people who do DAS, just cus they are over 21 doesn't mean they can ride a bike.

We are all talking about power restriction,would it not be easier to have a speed restrictor[70mph is the legal max] in a similar manner as applies to trucks with a seal.
If the seal is broken it is an offence,doesn't matter what speed,its a visual check for the police and easy to enforce.The seal could only be fitted by an approved speedometer centre and the speedo calibrated to +/- 1% at time of fitting
Doing this would allow you to ride/pose on any bike and probably be fairer with regard to the insurance premiums and bike value.
Trying to think of a constructive answer to the problem which could be easily done
but no doubt it will be a wrong solution for some who wish to flaunt the law

I disagree with it. I see no real benefit of it...if someone is going to be a lunatic and throw themselves into the scenery, they will do it at whatever speed they can get to.

...most people who agree with it probably have never actually been restricted to 33bhp.

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

We are all talking about power restriction,would it not be easier to have a speed restrictor[70mph is the legal max] in a similar manner as applies to trucks with a seal.
If the seal is broken it is an offence,doesn't matter what speed,its a visual check for the police and easy to enforce.The seal could only be fitted by an approved speedometer centre and the speedo calibrated to +/- 1% at time of fitting
Doing this would allow you to ride/pose on any bike and probably be fairer with regard to the insurance premiums and bike value.
Trying to think of a constructive answer to the problem which could be easily done
but no doubt it will be a wrong solution for some who wish to flaunt the law

ummmmm no thanks

Originally Posted by lily

I only ridden for 4 months following passing before I had to sell my bike. My rescrition is up on 17th August and then I can jump on whatever I want! Now to me that sounds more dangours. Espiscally when sat at home is a 955i that drew is happy to put me on the insurance off!

thats a good point, there is nothing sttopping anyone passing on restricted. wait 2 years then go buy a new blade 10R R1 etc etc.

that alone highlights the stupidity of this law and that it wont stop people with no or little experiance getting the latest superbike.

I think some sort of restriction is a good idea. I come to this conclusion after instructing whilst I was in the Army. Probably around 50% of those I instructed to pass the test, on completion of test, then went directly to the nearest super bike shop and bought a high powered motorcycle and within weeks came off with the result of broken bones, written off motorcycles and worse. This was before the restriction process was introduced.

I think the current restriction rules are stupid. A good example of this is my good lady. Her restriction is about to end. Over that period of time she has probably completed no more than 2000 miles on her bike. She hasn't ridden for a few months and by her own admission, is a bit scared of going out on it. Two years is a long time to build up good road craft and experience riding around on a motorcycle with considerable more power than a 125 and good preparation for a bigger bike. But only if they are riding the miles required to gain that experience.

I think the rules should be changed. If you opt to go the restricted licence route, then another test should be introduced which you need to take and pass to ride a higher horse power bike. You should be able to take the test when ever you like after you have passed the restricted test but the test should come with a series of 'advanced type' lessons prior to taking the test.

Overseas to qualify for a car licence you have to have completed a number of hours behind the wheel or have completed a number of lessons. Similiar I guess to pilots having completed flying hours. Maybe this is something that should be considered for bike licences. I don't know. I think the general idea of a restricted licence is a good one and was introduced for good reason. I just don't think the current system works. There needs to be some re-thinking.