Horsepower restrictions coming soon in BC...

**Kootenanny** · 07-19-2012, 09:07 PM

Hah! Got your attention, did I?

Well, it's happening: new laws in BC will restrict horsepower on bikes--for new riders only. It's part of revamping of the graduated licensing program here; currently, new riders have to ride with a "learner's permit" for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to taking a skills exam, after which they get a "novice permit" which they have to ride with for at least another two weeks (these times will be changed under the new program, and some other restrictions changed).

So, how much horsepower will newbies be allowed to have, here in BC? Will it be the same as Britain (33 hp, AFAIK)? Will it be ridiculously low, like 10? Or a more reasonable 50?

Nope, none of the above: the new laws will restrict new riders to a maximum of 98 hp.

Ninety-eight!

And people are already complaining that it's not enough. "What about a retired guy who wants to learn to ride, so he can get a Gold Wing for touring?" they ask. "But, new car drivers aren't restricted!" And, of course, "Betcha the dealers will suffer!"

Personally, I welcome the restriction--except that I'd rather see it lower. 50 hp seems eminently reasonable to me. Oh, well...at least it should reduce the number of brand new riders getting full-on race replicas.

Hell, I got two decades of riding experience, and I've never owned a bike with 98 hp (my current Buell, rated 92 hp, is the most powerful I've ever owned). In France, AFAIK, bikes are restricted to 99 hp across the board. And both I, and I'm sure most riders in France, manage to get by...

For more info on this, I refer you to this thread on the BC Rider's forum.

**madjak30** · 07-19-2012, 10:08 PM

I can't imagine trying to learn to ride on my MT-01, and it is rated at 88Hp. So any Harley, with the exception of the Vrod, will be fine to begin on...what are they complaining about? If they are setting it that high, why bother?

I'm with you, 50Hp is an ideal limit...but I could be biased since that's one of the numbers we chant in here. My sister is getting her license in BC, so I will be coaching her to stay under the 50Hp/50TQ numbers...she only weighs about 120lbs, so even that will be a rocket. I'm telling her how awesome the Ninja 250R is...and if she doesn't buy that, I will say that she could stretch upto the Ninja 400R but that's getting a little big for a first bike...white lies to keep her safe!

Or maybe I'll just sell her my MT-01 since it is under the restriction...that would be a great choice!

Later.

**Kootenanny** · 07-19-2012, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by madjak30

My sister is getting her license in BC, so I will be coaching her to stay under the 50Hp/50TQ numbers...she only weighs about 120lbs, so even that will be a rocket. I'm telling her how awesome the Ninja 250R is...

CBR250R is a great little bike--and a bit more modern in design spec than the Ninjette. At 120 lb, the CBR125R would work well, too--especially for city use (but I like the 250 better).

**Corwin** · 07-20-2012, 12:29 AM

OK, so if I'm like 200 lbs I totally need at least 130 hp on my bike. I can't understand how they get these ridiculous numbers. 98 hp!! I probably can't even make it to Pemberton on THAT.
How am I supposed to get myself out of trouble on the road if I can't accelerate any faster than a fully loaded semi???
I can't believe BC would endanger my life like that. I'll have to write the president.

**atomicalex** · 07-20-2012, 01:34 AM

37hp over here. Works fine. Honestly, why people are bitching about 98 is beyond me.

**LoDownSinner** · 07-20-2012, 06:48 AM

Keep voting for the same types of dumbasses - next thing you know they'll regulate how much you can bitch on the internet.

It's not the .gov's fault that you keep electing people who want to tell you what to do all the time...

**shonuff** · 07-20-2012, 07:10 AM

Definitely would not be a fan of HP restrictions. Doesn't mean I'm not in favor of "self imposed" limits for new riders. And I always recommend new riders start small. Just not a fan of any .gov trying to regulate common sense. And yes, I'm anti helmet and seat belt laws as well.