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Tips and advice
Choosing a motorcycle for an A2 license up to 35 kW? We’ll advise you on what you can ride with an A2, how to choose your first bike, and which Royal Enfields will suit you best.
You’re looking at your first motorcycle and wondering what you can actually get with an A2 license. Welcome to the club. First off, we have good news for you. An A2 motorcycle today doesn't mean compromise. The 35 kW limit isn't a punishment; it’s a smart start. Plus, if you’re drawn to classics with character, you have a better selection in the under 35 kW category than most internet articles will tell you.
We at Vintage Garage Motors are the official importer of Royal Enfield for the Czech Republic, so this brand is naturally close to our hearts. But this text isn't a brochure. It’s an honest guide. You’ll find out what you can ride with an A2, how to choose a first bike that you’ll still enjoy in five years, and which Royal Enfields are actually suitable for an A2. Think of this as a conversation with someone who rides and doesn't want to push anything on you.
The A2 category is the intermediate level of motorcycle licensing. It opens the door to the world of full-fledged road bikes, but with a reasonable power cap. It gives you space to rack up miles and gain experience before you get on the most powerful machines.
In practice, it comes down to two numbers. The maximum power of the motorcycle is 35 kW (roughly 47 hp), and the power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.2 kW/kg. The latter figure ensures that no one sells you a lightweight machine with an engine that’s right on the edge. For you, the task is simple: when choosing, always check the registration document to see if the motorcycle truly meets the limit.
You can go about getting an A2 motorcycle in two ways. Either choose a machine that has under 35 kW from the factory—there are plenty of those today. The range goes from single-cylinder 350s to light adventure bikes. Or, you can go for a more powerful bike with a certified power restriction that an authorized service center can unlock once you get your full A license. The second path sounds tempting, but think it over carefully. With a large, heavy machine that is artificially restricted, you’ll work harder than necessary as a beginner and easily pick up bad habits. A design that matches the power output will teach you to ride much better.
Before you head to driving school, it’s good to know what the state actually requires of you. To get an A2 license, you need:
It’s not rocket science; you just need a few stamps and some hours in the saddle with an instructor. We’ve written up a detailed breakdown of prices and the process separately. Check out our motorcycle license guideso you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Worried that 35 kW will bore you to death? Let that fear go. A 35 kW motorcycle can easily hit 150 to 170 km/h and will shoot away from a traffic light faster than you probably expect. On backroads, in the city, and on the highway, you have plenty of power. You’ll likely only notice the A2 limit on a racetrack, but that’s not where a beginner belongs anyway.
Much more important than the maximum numbers is the power delivery itself. Smooth and linear throttle response gives you confidence in the rain and in corners. That’s exactly why single-cylinder and smaller twin-cylinder machines are so pleasant for beginners. They won’t surprise you, they are highly predictable, and you have full control over every twist of the throttle.
This question comes up sooner or later. You can get a full, unrestricted A license either at age 24, or as early as 20 if you have held an A2 license for two years. After those two years, you just need to pass a supplementary test, and the power limit is lifted.
Our practical tip: don't just view the A2 as a necessary evil on the way to a "big" bike. Many riders end up sticking with a 350cc or a light enduro because it simply suits them. They are agile in the city, comfortable on trips, and maintenance is generally cheaper. You can always upgrade your license later if you feel like you're really missing something. Often, though, you won't find that you're missing anything at all.
Choosing your first motorcycle is a very personal matter. Catalog specs only tell one side of the story; the real story begins once you're in the saddle. Here is an overview of what to look at before you even consider the horsepower:
One of the most common reasons people reconsider their first motorcycle is simply not being able to reach the ground. If you can't put your feet down comfortably, you immediately lose confidence. And in the beginning, confidence is everything. Royal Enfield addresses this with low seat heights across its entire model range. Both the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 are among the most accessible machines for shorter riders. Before you decide, come and sit on one. Five minutes in the saddle will tell you more than five detailed reviews.
Both paths make sense. A new bike brings total peace of mind. You get a full warranty, the latest technology, and the certainty that no one has been abusing the clutch. A used bike is logically more affordable, and there are plenty on the market. Many riders move on to more powerful machines after two years, so there is plenty to choose from among well-maintained A2 bikes. The key is always the service history. Ask for the service book and find out how the previous owner treated the bike. If you want peace of mind even with a used machine, check out our certified pre-owned Royal Enfields, which have been thoroughly inspected by our mechanics.
Open any list of the best A2 motorcycles, and you will see the same names over and over again. The Yamaha MT-03, KTM 390 Duke, or Honda CB500 appear constantly. They are great machines, no doubt about it. But they almost always miss one essential perspective. Your first motorcycle should primarily be fun and serve you for years, not just win races on technical specs.
And this is exactly where the classic shines. The upright riding position and low seat give you confidence from the very first meter. Plus, a smooth single-cylinder engine is much more predictable than a twitchy, high-revving motor. There’s also something that a spec sheet can’t capture, and that’s character. Getting on a Classic 350 and listening to that steady engine rhythm is a completely different experience than constantly chasing revs on a sporty naked bike. For many people, that’s exactly why they stick with motorcycling.
We aren’t saying a naked bike is a bad choice. If you want a sharp city machine, an MT-03 or a Duke will bring you a lot of joy. We’re just saying it’s worth considering the other path, the one most mainstream articles leave out. Simply choose based on how you want to ride, not on current fashion trends.
Now we get to why we wrote this text in the first place. In Czech rankings, Royal Enfield rarely appears as a tip for an A2 bike. That’s a real shame because it belongs in this category like few other brands. It offers a classic look, a calm character, low seats, and an honest price. It meets everything a first motorcycle should have. Let’s go through the current lineup, starting with the lightest.
The Hunter 350 is the youngest and most playful of the 350s. It’s light, narrow, and features a riding position tailored for the city and winding backroads. For a complete beginner, it’s the ideal entry point. It will forgive you plenty of mistakes, it’s fun in the corners, and it looks better than many more expensive naked bikes. Plus, you can ride it on an A2 license without any restrictions. You can find more about it on the model page Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
These two are true passion projects. The Classic 350 represents a pure classic. It offers a look that hasn’t changed for decades and guarantees the unmistakable calm of a single-cylinder engine beneath you. The Meteor 350 works as a relaxed cruiser for long distances or a quick coffee run in the city. Both variants have a low seat, friendly weight, and power well below the A2 limit, so you don’t have to worry about any restrictions. If you want a bike with a soul that won’t get old, start right here.
If you’re drawn to traveling and the occasional trip off the pavement, the Himalayan 450 is exactly your machine. With power around 29 kW, it stays comfortably under the A2 limit, so you can ride it to its full potential without restrictions. It adds an adjustable seat height, a natural riding position, navigation on a color display, and a ruggedness that will give you the courage to head off the beaten path. You won’t find many light adventure bikes for A2, and the Himalayan definitely belongs in this exclusive group.
Want something a bit more modern? Guerrilla 450 is a nimble roadster built on the same engine platform as the Himalayan. It feels more urban and sharper, yet its performance remains well within A2 limits. If you’re more drawn to a scrambler vibe that balances road and gravel, check out the twin-cylinder Bear 650, which also fits the A2 category. Both options make perfect sense for A2 riders and are great proof that even a classic brand can offer contemporary style.
And what about the famous 650s? You’re in for a very pleasant surprise. The entire 650 twin-cylinder range produces 47 hp right from the factory, and thanks to its power-to-weight ratio, it stays comfortably within the 35 kW limit. You can ride them without any restrictions at all. You get the full character of the 648cc twin and its unmistakable sound. There is just one thing to keep in mind. The 650s are significantly heavier than the 350s, weighing in at around 210 to 240 kg. For that reason, we recommend them as a first bike primarily to slightly more experienced beginners. The best thing to do is to get a real feel for them during a test ride.
This is where Royal Enfield truly shines. The saying "British character, Indian strength, and Czech affordability" isn't just a marketing slogan—it’s an accurate description of our price list. The 350s are currently among the most budget-friendly new motorcycles on the market. The 450 series is a step up, yet it remains significantly below the premium competition.
You can find the current prices for each model directly on its page. You can easily calculate potential monthly payments through our financing, so you can buy the bike now and ride it throughout the entire season. Don't forget about the things that aren't usually included in the base price but hold high value. With every new Royal Enfield from us, you get a three-year factory warranty, three years of roadside assistance, and top-tier service from trained mechanics using original parts.
No article, no matter how good, can replace the first five minutes spent in the saddle. That’s why the final and most important step is a personal experience. Schedule a test ride on the model that caught your eye the most. Compare for yourself how the Hunter feels in your hands compared to the Classic or the Meteor. You can find us all over the country; just choose your nearest dealer and stop by.
With an A2 license, you are permitted to ride a motorcycle with a power output of up to 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. You can choose a machine that meets these limits straight from the factory (like the single-cylinder 350s or the Himalayan 450), or opt for a more powerful bike with a certified 35 kW power restriction.
It typically reaches 150 to 170 km/h, depending on weight and overall aerodynamics. This is perfectly sufficient for city riding, back roads, and highways, and in real-world traffic, the A2 limit will definitely not hold you back.
The requirements are a minimum age of 18, medical and professional fitness (training and passing a driving school exam), and permanent residence in the Czech Republic. If you have held an A2 license for two years, you can upgrade to a full A license by taking a supplementary exam without having to wait until you reach a higher age.
A lighter machine with a low seat, smooth power delivery, and an upright riding position works best. From the Royal Enfield lineup, the Hunter 350, Classic 350, and Meteor 350 are perfect for this category. These are honest 350cc bikes that you can ride without any restrictions, and they will reliably forgive typical beginner mistakes.
Are you choosing your first motorcycle and still not sure which one from the series suits you best? Write to us or stop by for a test ride, and we will be happy to discuss it together.
