Best bike if based in France (100 hp limit)?

[pazzorosso]

HI,

I am looking at the Ducati St3S abs, the Triumph Sprint ST, BMW F800, the Honda VFR 800. I took the BMW K 1200 S off the list because of the horsepower restriction. We will be based in Paris.

I am commuting and doing short trips (one to two days each way)  2-up with my wife. Luggage and sportyness are requirements.

Thanks for any info.

Great forum!

PR

[Ralf]

Given that you've got an enduro already and therefore probably enjoy going off road on occasion, I would consider the F800GS

[H2Orat]

Unless you put a restrictor on it, I'm pretty sure the Sprint will be over 100 hp at the wheel, certainly well over that if measured at the crank.  That said, does the Duc also face elimination?  I think even the Viffer is out...  How about the Vstrom?  I'd figure that the V-twin config would emphasize torque, thereby keeping the horsepower lower, and you can get hard luggage for them.  I'm not sure about how the big ones handle, but the Wee-Stroms sure get good press; maybe their bigger sibling is also capable?  Just throwing it out there...

Good luck!  

[pazzorosso]

well I would be buying in France so I wouldn't have to modify them. But the Ducati and Honda are either under the limit ( I think it is 106 hp) or close enough that the reduction wouldn't make too much of a difference (Honda is 105 hp).

The K 1200 S at 167 hp would seem underpowered and heavy I think with only 106 hp at it's disposal.

I'll look into the V strom although it looks like it's too similar to the KTM (which I can't take with me to France...)

Also, have to keep the pillion happy!

[Ant]

What is the legality of popping over to a more enlightened country without a HP limitation and just bringing it over? Registration would be in [insert European country here] but just insure it in France, I'm sure my Uncle did something similar with his car just to save him buying a new one when he moved over there.
I could be talking codswallop though  

[H2Orat]

  Here's another idea: What about a Buell Uly?  From what I gather, it's a great urban assault vehicle, can be fitted with factory luggage, is a capable handler and being an air/oil/fan cooled model, I'll bet it's HP falls under 106, yet would compensate with good torque.  Also, I think I read somewhere that the pillion accommodations are good.  I'll bet that in Europe the Buell's cachet would give it good resale as well.  

Or, how about the rumored Triumph 675 Tiger?  You never know, it could be coming...  

Cheers!  

[FJR-UK]

To all: I am unaware of a motorcycle horsepower restriction in France. Could someone please enlighten me? A web link? It clearly has nothing to do with whatever you ride in from another country. Mind, it wouldn't surprise me. I think hooligan is derive from French slang for motorcyclist!  

[Azuredesign]

To all: I am unaware of a motorcycle horsepower restriction in France. Could someone please enlighten me? A web link? It clearly has nothing to do with whatever you ride in from another country. Mind, it wouldn't surprise me. I think hooligan is derive from French slang for motorcyclist!  

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/france-motorcycles-to-remain-less-than-100-hp.htm
Here's one article about the restriction, google for more. I am also looking for a bike in France, but will probably research using a power commander to change the ignition curve and bypass the restriction. I'm sure there are switchable TRE available. The switch is probably a good idea as I understand the fine is 3500 euros if your dyno'd bike exceeds 106. BTW, from my research on French sites, albeit with my poor reading comprehension, this is DIN, measured at the flywheel.

[Cpl Punishment]

Get a Voxan!!!

[Azuredesign]

Get a Voxan!!!

Just because they're French? I'll trade you one for your Velocette!

All best,
Ben

[Cpl Punishment]

Just because they're French? I'll trade you one for your Velocette!

All best,
Ben

Velocette has had a bit of a prob...a long story. Still all there, still all in pieces but all the recroming work I had done is kanckered.

Voxans are lovely. And they're restricted to 100bhp.

[Azuredesign]

Velocette has had a bit of a prob...a long story. Still all there, still all in pieces but all the recroming work I had done is kanckered.

Voxans are lovely. And they're restricted to 100bhp.

I'm sorry to hear of your hassle, but that the prize of having a good example of a Thruxton is not easily equalled. I hope you can maintain the patience to finish it!

[info]

VFR 800.
Uses regular octane fuel. I think all the rest recommend premium if you are using to commute.

[notarian]

Try a Ducati Multistrada 1100DS. 95 hp, plenty of torque, sweet sports bike like handling, service intervals now 10,000 km, great for two up, seat comfort is vastly improved as is the standard taller wind screen.

Good ride height, visibility and lances through traffic as a commuter. Clutch action is a stiff hard pull on the Multi 1000DS, but much improved with the wet clutch on the 1100DS.

I own a 1000DS, did Scotland - Switzerland - Dolomites - French Alps - Scotland. 31 days in the Alps, 37 days overall and the Multi flawless. Motorways, A-roads, B-roads, Alpine passes, no problem.

There are several bikes available that will do the same thing, but doubt any do it as well as the Multi.

Test ride one.

[hig4s]

How about the Moto Guzzi Breva or Suzuki V-strom?

[Baz]

To all: I am unaware of a motorcycle horsepower restriction in France. Could someone please enlighten me? A web link? It clearly has nothing to do with whatever you ride in from another country. Mind, it wouldn't surprise me. I think hooligan is derive from French slang for motorcyclist!  

As was explained to me by a French Co-worker...

There is not a HP restriction in France, you can buy everything. You just need to be Bill Gates to be able to affrord to register & insure a 100+ HP motorcycle. (Think thousands of Euros)

[pazzorosso]

Well I got a Triumph Sprint ST. I hope it works out, at least Triumph will provide a certificate of compliance, Ducati and BMW will not and were not helpful. Great bike!

Thanks for all your answers. See you on the other side of the pond!

PR

[H2Orat]

So did Triumph somehow reduce the horsepower on your Sprint (it's a 1050, right?)  Is that what "Restrictor 98PS" in Triumph's accessories for the ST is for, to reduce it to 98hp?  It seems a shame to neuter the bike like that...  Isn't there some way to get the documentation, then revert the bike to it's original specs?  Also, how are they measuring the horsepower; at the rear wheel?  If so, there may not be that big a power penalty to pay and be compliant.  If not, that's a big hit!    In any event, enjoy your Sprint, then once your post in France is a thing of the past, you'll be able to really enjoy your Sprint!  

Cheers!  

[Ralf]

Isn't there some way to get the documentation, then revert the bike to it's original specs?  

This could nullify your insurance in case of an accident.

[Baz]

You know, I really didn't ;like the French much before, but now I understand why they are so uptight! It appears that any motorcycle you purchase in France is dummied down to 100 hp. I guess the two year prision term makes one shy away from altering said motorcycles.

For crying out loud, they would have at least had more fun on the highways if they allowed the German's to stay.





Antiquated Motorcycle Laws - France
Posted 14:25:26 Friday, December 16th, 2005
Filed under  Travel France
Author: Mike Werner | Location: Normandy, France  Via: Le Repaire des Motards  

Yes, they do exist, specially in this country (France). A couple of decades ago, the socialist government decided that French motorcyclists were having far too much fun on their motorcycles. So they put in a law that forbade motorcycles from having more than 100 hp ! It was OK if you were an 18 year old kid, and you could buy yourself a 100,000 hp car, and drive around in that, but as a 21 year you could not ride a motorcycle with more than 100 hp !

So, despite the European Union wanting equality between nations, France continues "downgrading" motorcycles to 100 hp. So far, not really a big problem, since you could quite easily reinstate your motorcycle to the original power.

So, now that the center-to-right political party is in the power, you'd think that we should be OK. WRONG ! The French Parliament voted a new law yesterday night (in stealth mode), that if you're caught with a motorcycle over 100 hp, you'll get 2 YEARS PRISON, € 30,000 fine and your motorcycle is gone !! Obviously this only applies to French registered motorcycles. If you got a foreign one, you can come here and use your 180 hp bike at any time. !

I would love to see some lawyer bring the French government to the European court ! Whatever happened to personal liberty, equality and all that shit.... not in France !!

Maybe we should get a motorcycling President. Is John Kerry still available ???
 



French Angry Biker Association Sues France
Posted 08:47:08 Thursday, February 15th, 2007
Filed under  France
Author: Mike Werner | Location: Normandy, France  

France, country of many motorcycles, has one thing in common. None of the motorcycles, no matter what manufacturer and model, has more than 100 hp! Even the biggest and fastest super sport motorcycle only has 100 hp !!

Why ? Because the government decided that it was safer for everyone to limit motorcycles to 100 hp. They think you'll not kill yourself that quickly than if you have 110 hp, or even 160 hp!

Of course all other European countries don't have this strange law, and they are allowed to ride in France with their 100+ hp motorcycles, so the logic escapes me. The European Union is trying very hard to establish itself, and have uniform laws, rules & regulations, but this is one law that the French government does not want to change.

So the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) is calling for all motorcyclists to sue the state collectively at the European Courts in Brussels for non-respect of European common law. Under European law, what the French state are doing, is illegal.

The idea is nice, and makes a point, but it's totally useless... the French government will do whatever it thinks it needs to do for their own country/interests, and if it's against European rules, "temps pis".