Some people can be a bit sniffy about A2 motorbikes, because they are limited to a maximum of ‘only’ 47bhp, but the truth is that they can be perfect for a serious adventure bike. They’ve enough performance to keep up with (and lead out) most traffic, yet A2 bikes are usually pretty light, simple and inexpensive – three qualities which you’ll find to be very important when you’re looking for a robust, go anywhere type of machine.
After all, serious adventurers ride on all terrains, where tumbles will inevitably happen, and they’ll often be in the wilderness and away from main dealers. A bike which can handle being dropped and which can be repaired easily is a godsend to those who are not afraid to head off the beaten track.
And, anyway, do you really need 100bhp? For many, lighter and more manageable brings out the very essence of adventure riding. And this selection fits the bill perfectly in our opinion.
Recognising this, there are numerous options out there for keen adventurers – whatever licence they have – and while the A2 category was designed to give novice riders experience before graduating to bigger bikes, we feel these plucky machines have plenty to offer any riders.
In no particular order, here are five of our favourite adventure bikes which you can be ridden on an A2 licence…
Triumph Scrambler 400XC
New (although definitely not all-new) this summer is the Triumph Scrambler 400XC.
Based very closely on the best-selling Scrambler 400X, the XC adds spoked wheels, a sturdy bash plate and a high level mudguard to make this willing little machine even more capable when it comes to handling the rough stuff.
As the Scrambler name alludes to, the Triumph is quite retro in its styling – but the technology is thoroughly modern, as is the riding experience.
Everything that’s good about the 400X remains with the XC, but we think it looks better and those wheels (replacing the cast alloy units of the X) and various off-road orientated parts should stand up to more abuse on the trails. The single cylinder engine does get a touch buzzy at motorway speeds but, on the whole, it’s a cracking little bike that’s really manageable, which is such a key quality in an adventure bike.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Himmy is a real mountain goat that’s quickly garnered a cult following for its simplicity, so when it was reinvented a few years back with Royal Enfield’s new water cooled ‘Sherpa’ engine, there were many who worried it might lose its charm and basic nature.
Thankfully that wasn’t the case. The 40bhp motor gives the latest Himalayan enough performance for the real world (the old model was rather asthmatic with around half that output) but it ticks the same boxes, being strong and simple, with tall suspension and plenty of ground clearance.
The height might be a little intimidating for some riders, but it’s the long travel that makes it so competent when it comes to tackling tough terrain.
This latest generation model might not be as inexpensive as the one it replaced, but it is still one of the most affordable bikes in the category and it remains popular for a very good reason.
Honda NX500
At the more ‘road’ end of the adventure bike market lies Honda’s NX500, a fairly recent development of the super-popular CB500X.
Honda’s CB500 range was built to be optimised for A2 licence regulations, meaning it delivers right on the category’s 47bhp power limit. That’s a tick in the box for many would be owners straight away.
With long-ish travel suspension, a 19” front wheel and classic adventure bike styling and ergonomics, the NX is an A2 licence machine in the style of the standard BMW R 1300 GS or one of the GT versions in Triumph’s Tiger range, making it accessible to more riders than, for example, the tall Royal Enfield Himalayan we mentioned earlier.
It’s a brilliant all-rounder and the twin cylinder engine is a bit smoother than the singles we’ve mentioned up to now. Honda have refined the package over the years, with brakes and suspension, in particular, much improved over the earlier CB500X. As a daily ride it’s a very competent machine, regardless of the licence category you hold, and its versatility makes for a motorcycle with a very broad appeal.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally (with restriction kit)
From our most accessible choice to a tall motorcycle that won’t be for everyone, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally is a big beast of a machine. And you can ride one on an A2 licence, as long as you carry out one important modification.
A2 licence bikes have to make less than 47bhp but they don’t always have to leave the factory that way.
As long as they make 94bhp or less as standard, and the restriction is not more than half the homologated horsepower, a bike can be modified to be ridden by A2 riders. That opens up a whole list of brilliant bigger, middleweight ADVs which might be the ticket – especially if you plan to keep the bike and derestrict it as your licence allows.
We’ve gone for Yamaha’s Ténéré 700, which is probably the most off-road capable of adventure bikes, especially in this hardcore Rally spec. It’s a bike that looks ready to take on the famous Dakar Rally, with its big wheels and tall suspension. The seat height is a mighty 910mm, which will put off many smaller riders but will be welcomed by taller riders who might find dedicated A2 bikes a little bit too dinky.
Restriction comes in the form of a modification to the ECU, the engine’s brain, which has to be carried out by authorised dealers. The company making the changes will usually supply a certificate for customer and motorcycle insurance company records. Without the modifications, it would be illegal to ride on an A2 licence without this work being carried out.
A full power bike which has been restricted might feel a little underwhelming, especially a physically large and slightly top heavy bike like the Ténéré, but if you want a motorcycle with presence and the ability to upgrade at a later date then it’s definitely a route to consider. Just remember to inform your insurance company if you make any changes to your bike at any stage, as not telling them may invalidate your policy.
KTM 390 Adventure R
While we’ve managed to complete this top five without including a BMW, arguably the brand that created the adventure bike as we know it, we probably couldn’t overlook the company (in)famous for creating the most extreme off-road motorcycles.
So our final choice came down to BMW’s contender in this category, G 310 GS, or the KTM 390 Adventure and, as it is new for 2025, we’re going orange in this battle of the little Europeans.
KTM is hoping there is an appetite for its latest 390 Adventure models, with the 390 Adventure R looking particularly tasty.
Powered by the same 45bhp, 399cc, single cylinder engine found in the sporty RC 390 and 390 Duke, the Adventure R goes all out adventure with long travel suspension and a 21” front wheel likely to give some serious presence and off-road chops.
The Austrian company’s been having a tough time in recent years but there’s no denying that they’re at their best delivering punchy motorcycles with class-leading performance. They’re talking it up, as they do, but a look at the spec sheet suggests it’s not hot air. This is one serious adventure motorcycle.
It’s got as much spec as anything else here, although it’s not cheap. There’s also the KTM 390 Adventure X, which takes the same basic package but puts it in a lower, lighter and less expensive package.
Choosing the right bike for you
Choosing the best A2 adventure bike comes down to your priorities:
- Want off-road capability and modern features? Go for something like the KTM 390 Adventure R.
- Prefer a simple, rugged overlander that’s built to take whatever you can throw at it? The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and its ilk are perfect.
- Need a reliable all-rounder for daily use and touring? You won’t go far wrong with something like the Honda NX500.
- Want a hardcore adventure bike that’s big and future proof? A restricted A licence bike like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally might be just what the doctor ordered.
- Want something a bit retro, but modern in its tech? Classically designed machines like the Triumph Scrambler 400XC fit the bill.
But even if none of these float your boat, don’t worry. Adventure bikes are super popular and most manufacturers have at least one offering in the category.
Want a proper lightweight, go anywhere machine? Honda’s CRF300 Rally is many an adventurer’s go to steed? Want a legendary BMW GS as your daily ride? How about getting a F 800 GS and having it restricted? Even Ducati’s excellent DesertX and Multistrada V2 models can be ordered in A2 spec, opening up access to some of the most desirable adventure motorcycles for new riders.
