A2-friendly bikes have come a long way in recent years, in fact, this lightweight category has swiftly become a very exciting place.

An A2 licence permits riding motorcycles up to 47bhp and that may not sound like a lot compared to some of the behemoths out there but realistically, it is more than enough power for all types of UK road riding.

In this blog we are going to be running down the top 10 best used/second hand A2-friendly motorbikes you can buy for under £3,000…

Let’s get into it!

Suzuki Inazuma 250

Kicking off our top 10 today we have an oldy but a goodie - the Suzuki Inazuma…

Commonly known as the most underrated A2 bikes on the used motorbike market, the Inazuma packs a 248cc 4-stroke, parallel engine that is capable of producing 24hp and a top speed of 85mph.

In terms of the styling, the Inazuma is available in two different colourway options, the first paint job comes in black/yellow and the second being black/silver. In my opinion, the Inazuma looks great and can easily rival the likes of Suzukis older Bandit model and some of the Triumph models.

Suzuki is and has always been one of the number one manufacturers in the motorbike game, meaning that you will not likely have many issues when it comes to reliability or build quality. You will also be able to pick yourself up a 2016 model for just £2,100 also making it one of the cheapest options on our list today!

• Trusty and reliable

• Will be underpowered against some on this list

KTM 390 Duke

Sitting in ninth today we arguably have one of the most iconic A2 bikes on the market year on year, the KTM 390 Duke!

How often the KTM 390 Duke appears on these top 10 lists speaks volumes about how good this little bike is and this was only further confirmed once we got our hands on the 2024 390 - not so long ago.

The 390 Duke itself had a huge upgrade after 2017, meaning the 2018/19 models get all of the new tech and specs without the hefty brand-new price tag attached. Coming equipped with the trusty 373cc liquid-cooled motor that is capable of producing 44 bhp and 39 Nm of torque - which is just under the allowance for the A2 licence class.

Onto pricing and when having a look around you can pick yourself up a 2019/19 390 Duke for around £2,400 leaving you £600 spare out of the 3k budget - which perhaps can go towards your motorbike insurance costs!

• Great styling and spec
• Bargain price

• Look for a well maintained/serviced example

Benelli TRK 502 X

In at eigth, we have the Benelli TRK 502 X.

Sporting a 499cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder engine, the TRK produces a healthy 47hp and 46 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque, placing itsself at the top end of the limit allowed for an A2 licence capacity bike.

Over in Italy, the 502 is a constant top seller, and it is really clear to see why. The TRK looks great and features a large LED multi bulb headlight, front mudguard, a long range 20L fuel tank, large windscreen and rear-view mirrors as well as that hefty looking exhaust - ticking all the right boxes.

The TRK 502 X is the perfect option for those wanting an A2 licence-friendly, adventure styled motorcycle for just under £3k (£2,995). However, I’m not sure just how well it would actually perform if you were to take it off road…

• Top power for category
• Great spec

• Chinese

Kawasaki Z300

Coming in at number seven we have the Kawasaki Z300!

The Kawasaki Z300 was first introduced to Kawasaki’s A2 bike lineup back in 2015, and whilst it is slightly behind some of its rivals in power, putting out 38bhp, it makes up for it in looks and character.

In terms of spec, similar to some of the other models we mention in this list today, Kawasaki have kept the Z300 stripped down in terms of gadgets and technology, however, it does have a handy eco meter to tell you how well you are doing for fuel consumption.

Lastly, onto the price and for a 2016 (either a 16 or 66 plate) model of the Z300 you will be looking at paying around £2,700 again leaving you a bit of spare cash and not maxing out your entire budget - especially if it isn’t necessary to do so.

• Good handling abilities - perfect for newer riders
• Looks great

• Lot less powerful than some of the other A2s mentioned on our list
• Build quality could be improved slightly 

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Up next we have the trusty Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.

Powered by a 375cc four-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC engine, the Svartpilen pumps out a respectable 44hp and 37Nm of torque @ 7000rpm. Placing itself right near the very top of the output allowed by the A2 licencing restrictions.

We have included the Svartpilen in our list ahead of its KTM brother today because for the price you pay, you really get a bike packed full of tech and specs. For 2022, the Svartpilen comes equipped with adjustable front and rear suspension, a slipper clutch, a quick shifter, a 6-speed transmission, an X-Ring chain, ABS, and a large TFT dash all as standard—really setting it apart from some of the other models on this list!

All in all, if you’re looking to bag yourself a 3 year old bike for just £2,800 - then I’d maybe start searching for your very own 22 plate today…

• Duke 390 cousin
• Bargain offer for year of model

• Looks won't be for everyone

BMW G310R

In at fifth, we have the 2020 BMW G310R…

The BMW G310R is an 313cc A2-friendly bike with a power output of 34hp which falls under the maximum output allowed for the A2 class. Another great thing about the G310R has got to be its superb fuel economy, lightweight nature (coming in at 158kg) and low 785mm seat height that makes this BMW easy to handle and manoeuvre.

An element in which the BMW G310R wins for me has got to be the style and design. Coming in either white/blue/red or a suave black/red colourway, this bike has the ultimate bike presence - with the white being a personal favourite!

When researching, I was able to find plenty of 2020 models available for just under £3k, with less than 5,000 miles on the clock and excellent condition.

• Beemer under £3k!
• Styling

• Quite standard

Yamaha YZF R3

Next up we have another gem of an A2 bike here, the YZF R3 from Yamaha.

Behind the meaty R3 we have a 321cc 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled that is capable of producing a horsepower output of 41hp. For 2017, the R3 also comes equipped with ABS, traction control, electric start and tail tidys all as standard.

The R3 has some lovely super-sport styling but it comes with a more laid-back riding position thanks to its slightly raised bars. It means that, unlike traditional super-sports, it is a bit more comfortable for everyday riding. Don't let that fool you though, the R3 is surprisingly nippy with plenty of fun factor!

We are talking Yamaha here, so the reliability of these motorcycles is going to be very high, with plenty of owners' reviews out there to back that up. These bikes are built to last, so finding used models in great condition is relatively easy and coming in around the £2,900 mark.

• Reliability
• Sports Bike A2 offering

• Top of budget

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Starting off our top three we have a neat little offering from Royal Enfield, the Meteor 350.

Powering the Meteor 350 we have a long stroke, 349cc single cylinder SOHC engine that pumps out a respectable 20hp and 27Nm of torque @ 4000 rpm. By no means is this the fastest bike featured on our list today, however for those who are looking for a bike with great retro looks and personality - then the Meteor might be the one for you!

In terms of spec, RE have decided to keep it simple, coming equipped with a small digital LDC with analogue speedometer and navigation, LED headlight, as well as both central and side stands all as standard. Which again, might not satisfy those who love the more modern tech and spec of bikes today but for others, this is plenty enough.

The best part is, when having a search around I found plenty of ‘73 (2023) plate Meteor 350s for £2,600, which again comes under the budget by £400 - and who is going to argue with that!

• Classic styling
• Price

• Power output is low
• Many available

Honda CBR500R

Just missing out on the top spot today we have the Honda CBR500R - an iconic A2 compliant sportsbike with clean lines and impeccable looks.

What makes this bike perfect for the A2 class really comes down to its 471cc parallel-twin engine. Put that in combination with its comfortable, sporty riding position and you have a bike fit for building confidence and control.

In terms of tech, you will find ABS and a black and white LCD dash with Bluetooth connectivity, electronic start and LED lights all around & headlight as standard, which is a nice added bonus.

As I scroll through the likes of Autotrader I found a handful of 2017 models that average around the £2,500 mark, leaving you an extra £500 over out of the £3k budget to get some suitable leathers or a good helmet.

• Styling
• Spec
• Price

• Not a lot really…

Yamaha MT-03

Stealing the number #1 spot today we have the Yamaha MT-03!

Not only is the MT-03 a great alternative option to the R3 (comes equipped with the same A2 compliant 321cc parallel-twin engine, chassis, and wheels), but if you prefer the futuristic street style of the MT range, then the 03 will be the one for you.

In terms of tech, the ‘17 plate MT-03 comes packed with LED lighting all around and an LCD dash as standard, is it the most tech-heavy bike in the world? No, but it is just enough for an A2 bike and removes the complications of having to manage riding modes or traction control.

The reason why it deserves the top spot today is due to the ease of ride, this is something we noticed quite prominently when we reviewed the 03 previously - all thanks to its upright riding position, 780mm seat height, and responsive brakes.

For just under 3k, you can bag yourself a 2017 Yamaha MT-03 in excellent condition which admittedly yes is at the higher end of the 3k budget however if you want an A2  bike that carries all the big bike energy - you know what to do!

• Hypernaked styling
• Handling

• Not peak HP for category

So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my top picks for the best A2 motorbikes on a budget.

Last but not least, if you do have your very own A2 motorbike you need to insure - make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!