19 A2-friendly machines with ABS
ABS has long been a common option on big bikes. Now manufacturers are increasingly realising newer riders might benefit too
THE mere mention of ABS is enough to provoke from some riders a self-righteous lecture about electronics being no substitute for ability. Which is all well and good if you don't mind learning the hard way.
But if you'd rather minimise the chances of crashing your first bike by locking the front, you may want to ignore the dinosaurs and get one with ABS.
In the past, ABS has been the preserve of large-capacity motorcycles aimed at experienced riders, while novices have ironically been expected to rely on skill. Now it seems finally to have dawned on manufacturers that the less experienced might benefit too (if we weren't so generous we might attribute it to impending EU regulations). A growing number are introducing the technology on machines fit for the beginners' A2 licence category, with a 47hp power limit.
Possibly about time. A recent study by the German Federal Highway Research Institute concluded fitting all motorcycles over 50cc with ABS would reduce serious and fatal accidents by 12%.
Here are 19 A2-compliant bikes that could save you from the perils of panic braking.
BMW G650GS, £6,195
Mid-capacity adventure bike for the A2-class rider who’s looking for a mini adventure. The G650GS is a big bike for the novice rider which shows A2 doesn’t mean boring.
