At a glance
- An A2 motorcycle is limited to 35 kW (47.5 hp) by European law, with a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg.
- The best-seller remains the Yamaha MT-07 at 8 699 euros, ideal for a first purchase.
- Factory-restricted bikes (MT-07, CB500F, Z650) cost on average 800 to 1 500 euros less than bikes needing an external restriction kit.
The A2 licence concerns over 80 000 French riders each year who start motorcycling after the test. For 2 mandatory years, you can only ride bikes limited to 47.5 hp. To sort through the wide offer, we ranked the 10 best A2 motorcycles in 2026, with the objective criteria that matter: price, weight, seat height, versatility and value.
Top 10 A2 motorcycles in 2026
| Rank | Model | A2 power | Weight | Seat height | 2026 price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ⭐ | Yamaha MT-07 A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 184 kg | 805 mm | 8 699 € |
| 2 | Kawasaki Z650 A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 189 kg | 790 mm | 8 399 € |
| 3 | Honda CB500F (A2 direct) | 35 kW (47 hp) | 190 kg | 789 mm | 7 199 € |
| 4 | Yamaha Ténéré 700 A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 204 kg | 875 mm | 11 199 € |
| 5 | Suzuki SV650 A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 197 kg | 785 mm | 7 899 € |
| 6 | KTM 390 Duke (A2 direct) | 33.5 kW (45 hp) | 165 kg | 830 mm | 6 199 € |
| 7 | Honda NC750X A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 224 kg | 800 mm | 9 299 € |
| 8 | Kawasaki Ninja 650 A2 | 35 kW (47 hp) | 196 kg | 790 mm | 8 599 € |
| 9 | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (A2 direct) | 29 kW (39 hp) | 196 kg | 825 mm | 5 990 € |
| 10 | BMW G 310 R (A2 direct) | 25 kW (34 hp) | 164 kg | 785 mm | 6 190 € |
1. Yamaha MT-07, the uncontested best-seller
The Yamaha MT-07 is France’s best-selling A2 motorcycle since 2015. Reason for success: playful 689 cc CP2 twin, natural ergonomics, simple factory restriction, affordable unrestricting after 2 years. Seat at 805 mm accessible from 1.65 m, contained weight at 184 kg.
2026 new price: 8 699 euros. Unrestricting kit after A2 at official Yamaha: 250 euros. The hardest to beat in terms of value.
2. Kawasaki Z650, the natural rival
Direct competitor to the MT-07, the Kawasaki Z650 offers a more linear 649 cc twin. Slightly lower seat (790 mm), more aggressive design, slightly higher equipment.
New price: 8 399 euros, i.e. 300 euros less than MT-07. Excellent alternative.
3. Honda CB500F, the value for money
The CB500F is the cheapest A2 motorcycle in the top 5 at just 7 199 euros. Its 471 cc twin in A2 direct (no external restriction needed) delivers 47.5 hp right at the legal limit.
4. Yamaha Ténéré 700, the versatile trail
Same CP2 engine as the MT-07, dressed in trail body for adventure. Ténéré 700 A2 limited to 47 hp, weighs 204 kg, needs a seat height of 875 mm.
Price: 11 199 euros. Ideal choice for travelling in A2. See also our best adventure motorcycle selection.
5. Suzuki SV650, proven mechanics
25 years of career, the SV650 remains a reference thanks to its 645 cc V-twin. Smooth, reliable, pleasant.
6. KTM 390 Duke, the lightweight
165 kg only, the lightest in the top 10. The 399 cc single delivers 45 hp in A2 direct.
7. Honda NC750X, the urban tourer
An original 745 cc crossover: low-revving engine, 22-litre storage under tank.
8. Kawasaki Ninja 650, the accessible sport
Faired version of the Z650. Good aerodynamic protection.
9. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the simple adventurer
A2 direct at 39 hp, long travel suspension, adventure style.
10. BMW G 310 R, the little German
313 cc single in A2 direct (34 hp), 164 kg only, BMW finish at contained price.
How to choose your A2 motorcycle
Weight and seat height
For a first purchase, prefer a bike under 190 kg with an accessible seat (both feet flat).
Factory restriction vs external kit
Factory restriction: MT-07, Z650, SV650, Ténéré 700. Simpler, official certification, easy unrestriction. A2 direct (no restriction): CB500F, NC750X, KTM 390.
5-year versatility
If you want to keep the bike long-term, pick a model that stays interesting once unrestricted. MT-07 at full power (73 hp) stays excellent, CB500F at native version stays limited to 47 hp even after 2 years.
Insurance
Expect:
- A2-restricted 500-650 cc: 600 to 800 €/year full cover for young rider
- A2-restricted 750+ cc: 700 to 1 000 €/year full cover
Maintenance cost
Single (KTM 390, Himalayan, G 310 R): cheapest, 200 to 300 €/year. Twin (MT-07, Z650, CB500F): 350 to 500 €/year. Triple or 4-cylinder: 500 to 700 €/year.
The real 3-year budget for an A2 motorcycle
Estimate over 3 years and 24 000 km for 3 representative bikes.
| Item | Honda CB500F | Yamaha MT-07 | Yamaha Ténéré 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | 7 199 € ⭐ | 8 699 € | 11 199 € |
| New rider gear | 1 200 € | 1 200 € | 1 200 € |
| 3-year insurance | 1 800 € ⭐ | 1 950 € | 2 400 € |
| Fuel (24 000 km) | 1 400 € ⭐ | 1 500 € | 1 850 € |
| Maintenance + tyres | 1 100 € ⭐ | 1 200 € | 1 700 € |
| 3-year depreciation (60% residual) | -4 319 € | -5 219 € ⭐ | -6 719 € |
| Total cost | 8 380 € ⭐ | 9 330 € | 11 630 € |
Practical tips for first purchase
Avoid classic young rider pitfalls
- Don’t aim too big or too powerful even restricted
- Prefer new or recent used (under 3 years, under 20 000 km)
- Mandatory dealer test ride
Rider gear, a budget to plan
For safe riding, count 1 000 to 1 500 extra euros for complete gear.
See our MT-07 vs MT-09 comparison for detailed analysis of the Yamaha family.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best A2 motorcycle to start?
The Yamaha MT-07 remains the best versatile choice: accessible ergonomics, smooth engine, simple factory restriction. For tight budget, the Honda CB500F at 7 199 euros is an excellent alternative.
Can I ride an A2 motorcycle with B licence + 125?
No. The B licence + 7-hour training allows riding a maximum 125 cc (15 hp). For an A2 bike (47 hp, 500-750 cc), the A2 licence is mandatory via exam.
How much does motorcycle restriction cost?
Factory restriction is included in the new bike price (MT-07, Z650, Ténéré 700). Unrestricting after 2 years costs 250 to 400 euros parts + labour.
Which A2 motorcycle for travel?
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 A2 is the trail/travel reference in A2. Alternative lower seat: the Honda NC750X in A2 version.
How much insurance for an A2 motorcycle?
For a young A2 rider 18-25, third-party + theft + damage: 600 to 900 euros per year on an MT-07 or Z650.
MT-07 or MT-09 in A2?
MT-07 A2 stays more relevant. See our detailed MT-07 vs MT-09 comparison: MT-09 restricted loses 60% of its power.
How long do you stay in A2?
2 years minimum from A2 licence date. After this period, follow a 7-hour training to upgrade to A licence without exam.