A2E-Clutch
Honda Transalp XL750
- 755 cc
- 67.5 kW
- 4 variants
- 15 models for restricted category A
- Exactly 35 kW: NX500, CB500 Hornet, CBR500R
- 7 more powerful models with a version up to 35 kW
- E-Clutch on 8 models
- DCT on NC750X, X-ADV and Forza 750
- Lightest model according to dealer data: CRF300L
35 kW motorcycle: what restricted category A allows
With restricted category A you can ride motorcycles with a maximum of 35 kW. Some Honda models are designed precisely for this, such as the NX500, CB500 Hornet and CBR500R with 35 kW. Others, such as the Transalp XL750, CB750 Hornet or CB650R, come in two versions: with power limited to 35 kW and in a more powerful version for category A.
Smaller models such as the GB350S with 15.5 kW or the CRF300L with 20.1 kW are well below the limit and particularly accessible. If you later obtain category A, you will find many of these models in the more powerful version too.
The power limit applies to the specific vehicle. When buying, make sure you choose the version up to 35 kW if you only hold restricted category A.
Choosing a motorcycle for restricted category A by intended use
For touring and light off-road riding, the Transalp XL750, NX500, NC750X, CRF300 Rally and CRF300L are suitable. For town and country roads, the CB500 Hornet, CB750 Hornet and CB650R naked bikes are an option, while the CBR500R and CBR650R are the sporty choice. For classic riding, choose the Rebel 500 (CMX500), CL500 and GB350S; for comfort and no clutch lever, the X-ADV and Forza 750.
For longer stages, the tank counts: according to dealer data, the NX500 holds 17.5 litres, the CB500 Hornet and CBR500R 17.1 litres each, the Transalp XL750 16.9 litres and the GB350S 15 litres.
Adventure tourers and enduros with 35 kW
The Transalp XL750 (755 cc) is available with 67.5 kW or as a version up to 35 kW, also with Honda E-Clutch. The NX500 has a twin-cylinder engine with 35 kW, rally-style fairing and a large screen; an E-Clutch version is offered too. The NC750X (745 cc, 43.1 kW) comes in a 35 kW version, also with dual clutch transmission.
The CRF300 Rally and CRF300L, each with 20.1 kW, are the light off-road models with road registration; the CRF300L is, according to dealer data, the lightest of the models listed here, while the Rally has the larger tank for longer stages.
Naked, sport, retro and scooters for restricted category A
The CB500 Hornet offers 35 kW and streetfighter design. The CB750 Hornet (755 cc) is available with 67.5 kW or as a version up to 35 kW. The CB650R and the sporty CBR650R offer four-cylinder character with 649 cc, each in a 35 kW version and with E-Clutch. The CBR500R with 35 kW is the sporty entry model in Fireblade style.
The Rebel 500 (CMX500) with 34 kW is the cruiser, the CL500 with 34.3 kW the scrambler, the GB350S with 15.5 kW a retro roadster powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine. X-ADV and Forza 750 with 745 cc are available with power reduced to 35 kW; both shift via DCT. The Forza 350, ADV350, SH350i and SH150i scooters as well as the WN7 electric motorcycle in the 18 kW version can also be ridden with restricted category A.
Tips for beginners: test ride and course
For your first A2 motorcycle, weight and seating position count as well as power. Try two or three candidates before you decide – Honda Motorrad Zürich arranges test rides with you and also advises on leasing. Make sure you can stand securely with both feet on the ground.
Gain more routine in an MX-Academy course before your first trip; a rental bike and equipment are included in the taster course, and no driving licence is needed on the course grounds.
Frequently asked questions: A2 motorcycle
What is an A2 motorcycle in Switzerland?
A motorcycle that you may ride with a category A driving licence restricted to 35 kW. The power is limited to a maximum of 35 kW. Honda offers models that have up to 35 kW as standard and more powerful models with a version up to 35 kW.
Which Honda models have exactly 35 kW?
The NX500, CB500 Hornet and CBR500R have 35 kW. The Rebel 500 (34 kW) and CL500 (34.3 kW) are just below, the GB350S, CRF300L and CRF300 Rally well below.
May I ride more powerful models as a version up to 35 kW?
Yes, provided there is a version up to 35 kW. This is the case for the Transalp XL750, NC750X, X-ADV, CB750 Hornet, CB650R, CBR650R and Forza 750. The more powerful version requires category A.
Are there models for restricted category A without a clutch lever?
Yes. The NX500, CB500 Hornet, CBR500R, Rebel 500, Transalp XL750, CB750 Hornet, CB650R and CBR650R are available with Honda E-Clutch. The NC750X, X-ADV and Forza 750 shift with dual clutch transmission (DCT).
Which model is suitable for beginners with restricted category A?
Compact models such as the CRF300L, GB350S or CB500 Hornet are accessible. For the GB350S, Honda explicitly mentions a low seat height and low weight. A test ride shows whether you can stand securely.