Authorities in Japan are considering opening up the world of two-wheelers to anyone with a driver’s license, classifying motorcycles up to 125cc as mopeds. The measure is being discussed with the National Police Agency of Japan, which is working with industry stakeholders to assess the feasibility of the measure. It is not as simple as allowing all license holders to ride any 125 cc motorcycle, many of which can have up to 15 hp (and some unrestricted 125 two-strokes have much more), and the team is specifically looking at 125 cc machines that have less than 4 kW or 5 hp. If the measure goes into effect, all Japanese drivers with a full license will be able to ride motorcycles like the small Honda Super Cub 50 (2.7 kW / 3.5 hp), the Suzuki Address V50 (2.7 kW / 3.5 hp), or the Yamaha Vino scooter (3.3 kW / 4.3 hp). Trying to find a motorcycle in the Japanese market with more than 50cc but below the proposed limit of 4kW is more complicated. It is still unclear whether motorcycles with more than 4 kW can be restricted in a similar way to A2 motorcycles.
The move by Japanese authorities comes at a time when lobbying groups in the UK are trying to push through changes to the country’s outdated and confusing motorcycle licensing laws. Groups like the National Motorcycle Council and the MCIA are seeking a clearer and simpler path for young motorcyclists, in the hope that this will encourage more people to ride motorcycles.
