The International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) opened its doors at the Milan Fairgrounds on 5 November and will remain open until 8 November. Among the dozens of concepts on display, five production models caught the attention of riders who hold an A2 licence. All five comply with the European limit of 35 kW (48 hp) and are positioned as entry-level or versatile machines for the next generation of motorcyclists.
New BMW F 450 RR for A2 riders
The German marque presented the BMW F 450 RR, a sport-oriented derivative of the 420 cc parallel-twin that powers the F 450 GS. Tuned to deliver exactly 48 hp at 8,750 rpm (35 kW) and 43 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, the bike reaches 80 % of its peak torque already at 3,000 rpm, ensuring brisk low-end response. Its curb weight is listed as 177 kg, rising to 178 kg when equipped with the optional Easy Ride Clutch on the M-Sport trim. Standard equipment includes ABS Pro with cornering intervention, traction control, a 6.5-inch TFT display and heated grips. The model is on the show floor, but a precise Italian price and dealer delivery date have not yet been disclosed.
Honda CBR500R Four detuned for the licence
Honda answered with the CBR500R Four, a 502 cc inline-four that normally produces 72 hp at 11,000 rpm. For the A2 market, the manufacturer will offer a reduced-output version limited to 35 kW, matching the legal ceiling. This version keeps the electronic clutch (E-Clutch) as standard and foregoes a manual clutch option. The bike weighs 189 kg with a full tank, features a 780 mm seat height and claims a top speed of 210 km/h in its unrestricted form. Honda describes the pricing as “extremely competitive,” yet no official figures or arrival dates have been published.
Moto Guzzi The Trip and Triumph T40 line-up
Italian heritage brand Moto Guzzi unveiled the The Trip, a 457 cc parallel-twin derived from Piaggio’s Aprilia RS 457 platform. The engine delivers “almost 48 hp” and 43.5 Nm of torque, with a strong low-rpm character thanks to a 270° crankshaft. The motorcycle weighs 180 kg, sits on a 15-liter metal fuel tank, and offers three riding modes (Road, Sport, Rain) controlled via a 3.6-inch circular TFT display. Production is expected to start in Baramati, India, with dealership deliveries slated for early 2027.
Triumph introduced the Bonneville T40 and its black-finished counterpart, both powered by a 400 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that produces 32 hp at 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. At 191 kg dry weight and a seat height of 790 mm (770 mm optional), the T40 series targets riders seeking classic British styling within the A2 power envelope. Prices are expected in the first months of 2027, with deliveries planned for the spring season.
Hero Xpulse 450 enters the adventure segment
India’s Hero Motorcorp presented the Xpulse 450, a new adventure-oriented bike that replaces its predecessor’s air-cooled unit with a 450 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder delivering exactly 35 kW (48 hp) and 38 Nm of torque. The chassis features a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both tubeless, while the suspension offers 225 mm of travel up front and 215 mm at the rear. The seat sits at 848 mm, making the bike tall but manageable for most riders. No Italian MSRP or delivery schedule has been announced, but industry observers label it the “new adventure A2” model.
What the A2 licence means for buyers
The European directive 2006/126/CE caps the A2 licence at 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. Riders must be at least 18 years old to obtain the category. When a model is available in multiple power outputs, the specific version listed on the registration certificate must respect the 35 kW ceiling; for example, the standard CBR500R Four exceeds the limit and therefore cannot be ridden with an A2 licence. Prospective buyers should verify the exact power rating with dealers before signing a contract, especially for models like the BMW F 450 RR and Hero Xpulse 450 that already sit at the legal maximum.
EICMA visitors can explore the exhibits from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm each day. Single-day tickets cost €20 online, with reduced rates for children (10-13 years) and afternoon entries. While the five motorcycles discussed above have no published Italian prices yet, they represent the most notable A2-compatible offerings on the market for the coming year.
