The A2 “Light” Adventure Bike Problem…

Summary

This video explores the limitations of the A2 motorcycle license system in the EU, which restricts power and weight for certain bikes. The narrator argues that while many assume A2 compliance forces motorcycles to be underpowered or heavy, many popular bikes actually have room for more power and less weight without exceeding the limits. By examining popular models like the CF Moto 450MT and KTM 390 Adventure R, the video reveals how manufacturers could easily create lighter, more powerful bikes while staying within A2 regulations. It also suggests that the true limiting factor for adventure bikes is often price, not the A2 system itself.

Takeaways

• 😀 A perfect adventure bike would have around 50-60 horsepower, good low-end torque, and a weight around 140-150 kilos, but it wouldn’t fit within the A2 license system.
• 😀 The A2 license system restricts riders to motorcycles with a maximum of 35 kW (48 horsepower) and a specific power-to-weight ratio, which limits the performance of many motorcycles.
• 😀 The A2 system is designed for license holders, not manufacturers, limiting the power and weight of bikes that new riders can operate until they reach a full license at age 24 or after holding the A2 license for two years.
• 😀 The key factors for A2 compliance are power-to-weight ratio (max 0.2 kW/kg) and the maximum power output of 35 kW.
• 😀 Some bikes, like the CF Moto 450MT and KTM 390 Adventure R, are not truly limited by the A2 system. They could have more power or be lighter and still meet the criteria.
• 😀 The BMW F450GS is an example where the A2 system seems to limit its potential, with its power-to-weight ratio getting too close to the A2 limit.
• 😀 A2 compliance is a balancing act between weight and power, with every kilowatt of power adding around 5 kg to the bike's weight.
• 😀 Some manufacturers, like KTM, use engine restrictions or different versions of the same model to comply with the A2 regulations without compromising too much on performance.
• 😀 A loophole exists where the power-to-weight ratio is calculated based on the fully fueled weight of a bike, not the dry weight, potentially allowing manufacturers to build lighter bikes with bigger fuel tanks that still meet the A2 criteria.
• 😀 While A2 may seem restrictive, it ensures that younger, less experienced riders are on machines that are less likely to cause harm due to their manageable power, promoting safer riding conditions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is discussing the challenges faced by manufacturers in creating motorcycles that are both powerful and compliant with the A2 license system in the European Union. It explores the limitations imposed by A2 regulations and suggests potential solutions, including a loophole in how motorcycles' weight and power ratio are measured.

What are the three main criteria for A2 license compliance in the EU?

The three main criteria for A2 compliance in the EU are: 1) the motorcycle must not exceed 35 kW (approximately 48 horsepower), 2) the power-to-weight ratio must be lower than 0.2 kW per kilogram, and 3) the motorcycle must not be derived from a model with more than double the power.

How does the power-to-weight ratio affect A2-compliant motorcycles?

The power-to-weight ratio directly impacts the compliance with A2 regulations. The lighter the bike, the less power it can have to stay within the ratio limit of 0.2 kW per kilogram. Conversely, heavier bikes can accommodate more power without exceeding the limit, which creates a balancing act for manufacturers.

How do motorcycles like the CF Moto 450MT and KTM 390 Adventure fit within the A2 limits?

Both the CF Moto 450MT and KTM 390 Adventure technically fit within the A2 limits, with power outputs and weight distributions that could support slightly higher power outputs or lighter weights while remaining compliant. For example, the CF Moto 450MT has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.1675, which is well below the A2 limit, and the KTM 390 Adventure R could have more power and less weight without exceeding the limit.

What is the loophole discussed in the video regarding A2 compliance?

The loophole discussed in the video involves the calculation of power-to-weight ratio using the 'wet weight' (fully fueled) of the motorcycle. This means that manufacturers can build motorcycles with lower dry weights, as the weight of the fuel is counted in the power-to-weight ratio, allowing for potentially lighter and more powerful motorcycles within the A2 limit.

What are the engineering challenges in implementing this loophole?

The engineering challenges would include designing motorcycles with very lightweight components while ensuring they still offer enough durability, safety, and performance. This also involves designing large underlung fuel tanks to manage weight distribution while maintaining fuel capacity.

How do manufacturers typically restrict bikes to meet A2 regulations without degrading performance?

Manufacturers can restrict a bike's power output using methods like throttle stops or engine mapping adjustments. However, restricting a motorcycle’s engine can sometimes degrade its performance, especially if it makes most of its power at higher revs. Ensuring the restricted bike still performs well is a key concern for manufacturers.

Why is the A2 license system seen as beneficial, according to the script?

The A2 license system is seen as beneficial because it prevents inexperienced or young riders from riding high-powered motorcycles that could be dangerous. By limiting the power of motorcycles for younger riders, A2 ensures that they gain experience on machines that are more forgiving of mistakes, which improves overall road safety.

How does the A2 license system affect motorcycle pricing and design?

The A2 license system can influence motorcycle pricing and design, as manufacturers must balance power and weight while adhering to the strict limits. This can result in bikes that are either underpowered or heavier than desired. Manufacturers often aim to meet the A2 requirements while also keeping costs low, which can affect the overall design and performance of the motorcycles.

Why might the 'unicorn' motorcycle that the script describes not exist yet?

The 'unicorn' motorcycle, which would have a good balance of power, weight, and fuel efficiency while staying A2-compliant, may not exist yet due to engineering challenges and cost constraints. Developing such a bike would require high manufacturing costs, which might make it less commercially viable despite the potential performance benefits.