Top five A2 bikes

Of all the A2-compliant sportsbikes, the KTM is the most exciting thanks to its class-leading power-to-weight ratio, engaging performance, agile handling and pukka race bike looks. It’s a bike that defines excitement in the A2 class – appealing to both 19-23 year old riders and more experienced motorcyclists alike.

PRICE: £5,099
ENGINE: 373cc liquid-cooled four-valve DOHC single-cylinder
POWER: 44hp
TORQUE: 25.8lb/ft
WEIGHT: 147kg (dry)

Read our first ride review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/first-ride-ktm-rc-390-review and watch our video review here: http://www.visordown.com/videos/video-ktm-rc-390-review

Probably the most premium-feeling A2 bike out there, the 41hp 400cc Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 enables a younger demographic to get in on Ducati’s hugely popular lifestyle-centric modern retro bike. It’s proof that a first ‘proper’ bike can be a stylish, premium product.

PRICE: £6,750
ENGINE: 399cc air-cooled four-valve L-twin
POWER: 41hp
TORQUE: 25.5lb/ft
WEIGHT: 183kg (wet, includes fuel and oil)

Read our Ducati Scarmbler Sixty2 first ride review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/first-ride-ducati-scrambler-sixty2-review

Flexible, comfortable, with a soft but plush ride plus a smooth and friendly engine, the CBR500R is an excellent and competent all-round A2 package. It’s not as exciting as the KTM and might not be as cool as the Ducati, but a do it all bike that’ll do everything well without complaint.

PRICE: £5,599
ENGINE: 471cc liquid-cooled eight-valve parallel twin
POWER: 47hp
TORQUE: 32lb/ft
WEIGHT: 194kg

Read our Honda CBR500R first ride review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/first-ride-honda-cbr500r-cb500f-review and watch our video review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/honda-cbr500r-and-cb500f-video-review

Essentially the naked version of the Yamaha R3, the MT-03 is as fun as it is utilitarian. It excels at life in the city thanks to its enjoyable performance, flexibility, upright riding position and good low speed manners.

PRICE: £4,499
ENGINE: 321cc liquid-cooled four-valve DOHC parallel-twin
POWER: 42hp
TORQUE: 21.8lb/ft
WEIGHT: 168kg (wet with full tank)

Read our Yamaha MT-03 first ride review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/first-ride-yamaha-mt-03-review and watch our video review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/yamaha-mt-03-video-review

With a strong and revvy engine that rewards the more you pin it, the Ninja 300 is every bit as exciting as small sports bike should be. It handles well, comes with a slipper clutch and deals with city riding as well it handles a frenzied Sunday blast. Build quality is great too.

PRICE: £4,899
ENGINE: 296cc liquid-cooled DOHC eight-valve parallel-twin
POWER: 39hp
TORQUE: 20 lb/ft

Read our Kawasaki Ninja 300 review here: http://www.visordown.com/features/road-tests/first-rides/first-ride-2013-kawasaki-ninja-300-review