A2 licence motorcycles
Power and kerb weight: the verdict on the three EU requirements, with the maximum power allowed for your bike's weight.
The three requirements
An A2 licence allows bikes up to 35 kW (47 bhp), a power-to-weight ratio of at most 0.2 kW/kg (on kerb mass) AND, for restricted bikes, an original version not exceeding DOUBLE the restricted power (so never above 70 kW). Fail one and the bike is off limits.
The power-to-weight catch
35 kW alone isn't enough: a light 160 kg bike at 35 kW sits at 0.219 and is NOT A2. Below 175 kg the real limit drops under 35 kW: that's why some light nakeds exist in dedicated A2 versions with a few kW less.
Restriction kits
Many bikes come dual-homologated or restrict via dedicated kits (ECU/throttle), but only from versions not exceeding double the final power (70 kW at most for a full 35 kW): a 90 kW bike can't become A2 even restricted. The change must be on the registration papers, otherwise the original power counts at a roadside check.
Note
EU rules (Directive 2006/126), identical across Europe. A2 from age 18; after 2 years you can obtain the unrestricted A by passing a practical test (no theory retake). Always check the registration document: some spec sheets list dry weight, not kerb weight.