These secondhand A2 superstars for less than £3k prove you don't need unlimited funds to have fun

If you’re 19 years old or more then after CBT, theory test and two-part practical test, you can gain an A2 licence, which allows you to ride a bike with up to 46.6bhp without L-plates. Bikes built specifically to meet A2 are often cheap, light, agile with performance more than capable of motorway speeds. They’re economical, cheap to buy secondhand and also suit riders looking for a frugal weekday workhorse.

• Related: Best kit for sportsbike riders

Read on for our expert guide to secondhand A2 bargain bikes!

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MCN Recommended: 2012-2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 – £2890

MCN Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 296cc
• Engine capacity 39bhp
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 172kg

The mini Ninja 300 was the bike that set the small-capacity race rep ball rolling. Initially released in America as a 250, it was a surprise smash hit and very quickly Europe got in on the act where it was also a huge seller. Around 40% of the Ninja’s buyers are under 24 and, as well as looking great, the 300’s parallel twin motor is effortless with a strong midrange and slipper clutch as standard. Although soft on its suspension, the Ninja is very agile and even had its own race series, demonstrating its handling potential. Euro4 saw the 300 replaced by the excellent Ninja 400 in 2018.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 used buying advice

The Ninja 300 replaced the Ninja 250 and is a better bike, so aim for this if your budget allows. Although mechanically very reliable, the motor needs its valve clearances checked every 7500 miles, which is a £300 bill often skipped, so check its service history. The steel exhaust rots and suspension linkages seize on bikes that are used year-round while the speedo’s LED light fails. ABS was an optional extra but the top fairing’s ropey fit (and associated rattles) is down to Kawasaki’s poor design.

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2013-2016 KTM 390 Duke – £2290

Best around Town

Spec:

• Power 373cc
• Engine capacity 44bhp
• Seat height 800mm
• Kerb weight 139kg

A great city bike, the KTM 390 Duke is effectively a 125 Duke with more capacity. While its lack of fairing makes it a pain on a commute, in town this single cylinder thumper is fab at zipping through traffic. Many owners tend to be older riders with full licences, attracted by the Duke’s frugal motor (60mpg is common) and light handling. Shame its build quality lets the side down…

KTM 390 Duke used buying advice

Leaks from the motor are common, so check for oil escaping, while poor build quality is also an irritation. Corroded fasteners, poorly-fitted panels, warped discs, non-waterproof dashes, rusty exhausts, the list goes on and on. In 2017 KTM revised the Duke with a new colour dash, improved build quality and sharper styling, updated forks and new exhaust. Prices start at £3500 but it is a more robust model.

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2016-2019 Yamaha MT-03 – £2886

Best All-Rounder

Spec:

• Power 321cc
• Engine capacity 41bhp
• Seat height 780mm
• Kerb weight 168kg

Taking the parallel twin YZ sportster as a base, in 2016 Yamaha stripped its fairing off, added ‘Dark Side’ styling and created the MT-03 roadster. While not as popular as the MT-07, the MT-03 is a decent enough city bike with a peppy parallel twin motor but it does not look as cool as the 390 Duke above due to budget components and its suspension is also pretty poor.

Yamaha MT-03 used buying advice

There aren’t that many major faults with the MT-03, so buy based on finish and consumables. Avoid any bikes where corrosion has taken hold and inspect items such as the tyres, chain and sprockets, brake pads etc. Be a bit careful when looking online as there are two Yamaha MT-03 models, the name was also used in a (underrated) 660cc single cylinder that ran from 2006-2011.

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2014-2016 Honda CBR500R – £2890

Best For Big Miles

Spec:

• Power 471cc
• Engine capacity 47bhp
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 194kg

The Honda CBR500R launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and adventure CB500X and uses the same parallel twin motor and steel frame but has a full fairing. The Honda boasts claimed economy figures of 77mpg (giving a tank range of over 260 miles) and has ABS as standard, which is reassuring for new riders. It’s not the best-looking, but is a very solid commuter with decent handling.

Honda CBR500R used buying advice

Corrosion due to poor quality fasteners is a common gripe, but very few owners report any mechanical issues with the CBR aside from general wear and tear. Check the bearings well as they did skimp on grease in the factory and be vigilant for crash damage. The CBR was updated in 2016, giving it a bit of a fresher look. Prices start at £3700 for this generation.

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2017-2021 Suzuki GSX250R – £2699

Best Budget option

Spec:

• Power 248cc
• Engine capacity 24.7bhp
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 181kg

In such a competitive category, there isn’t much that makes the Suzuki GSX250R stand out aside from its MotoGP-inspired paint and budget price. You get what you pay for and there are far better A2-legal race rep options out there. Poor build quality and a sluggish parallel twin motor combine to make this less appealing to most A2 licence holders. That said, it’s very frugal.

Suzuki GSX250R used buying advice

The OE IRC tyres are truly terrible, making the Suzuki’s handling vague and unpredictable. Always carry out an HPI check as finance packages on the GSX250R were used to stimulate sales and watch out for electrical faults, especially blown light bulbs.