In a moment of madness whilst on holiday I have gone and bought this:

with associated sidecar:

It is a Dnepr (KMZ) K-750M. It is a 750cc with 28hp. The question is does anyone know what variant of motorcycle licence I will need to get to ride it?

A2 I believe, under 33bhp

You use to be able to run on L plates, not sure now.

But odds-on you’ll ride it once – and that’ll be it…

I have gone and bought this:

The question is does anyone know what variant of motorcycle licence I will need to get to ride it?

I love your unorthodox approach to the matter 🙂

Assuming you are >24yrs old, go for Direct Access. You wouldnt be able to ride the bike on the A1 part of the staged access and you cant move up to A2 until you’d done A1 for 2yrs. Not to mention, Im not sure that would be considered a qualifying/certified bike for A2.

I will ride it a fair bit. I have always wanted a classic bike and finally gave in and got one. I have a few classic cars so know what old vehicles can be like.

You’re gonna have to pass your full license in one way or another. A restricted license should be fine but there’s no difference to obtaining an unrestricted one.
You’ll need to do the theory test, a CBT to get you on the road with an instructor then lessons and test. It’s not going to be cheap.
Enjoy! 🙂

Does it come with a machinegun?

Cheers for the advice. I was thinking about doing the unrestricted bike test intensive course where you do all the training and test in about 8 days.

The only issue is I dont think I can pass the test using this bike as it doesnt meet the requirements so I would have to hire another bike to pass on further increasing the cost.

As I have no interest in big superbikes I think the restricted A2 may be the way to go.

Most bike schools include bike hire in the price. You wouldnt want to learn on that thing. A modern bike would improve your chance of passing. I did mine as a four day course I think. Did cbt than a month or so later 3 days to pass A2. Tough knackering days.

It’s no more difficult to do the full test than the restricted one. Some schools charge a tiny bit more for petrol in a bigger bike, that’s all.

Rachel

A2 is sufficient as long as you are 19 or older. Direct access would be better if you’re 24 or older, you’ll still need lessons and to do a test so may as well future proof your licence in the event that rules change in the future. If you book an intensive type course the bike is likely to be included for lessons and the test. When I did mine it was over 4 days, 3 days riding 9-3 stopping for a chat and feedback and cafes and bike shops and on the fourth day a short ride to relax then to the test centre. Instructor sat in a cafe nearby whilst I did the test. Really enjoyed the lessons as it was just a day riding with a decent bloke, eating bacon butties, drinking coffee and looking at bikes.

Well jel, always fancied one of these. 🙂

MPC used to do spares, but I think they’ve stopped trading.
David Angel at F2 is a very nice bloke and might be able to help.

Good luck, can we have regular updates?

I’m not so sure about the nut slicer on the pillion seat.

my uncle has a Cossack which is almost identical. Cracking machine and great fun.

Has a reverse gear too.

Cossack

If you’ve been (pedal) biking on the roads for some years (and have good discipline doing shoulder checks, riding defensively with good road position etc, and obeying all the traffic rules), then the motorbike test will be easy.

As others have mentioned, go straight for the unrestricted license.

p.s. I’m not into classic bikes but it looks fun.. not sure about the pillion seat!

p.p.s do the test on a modern bike!

You might have niggles MOT’ing a right handed combo these days too – I ended up speaking to the Sidecar Club, who were helpful.
Also had a chat with the police, who didn’t seem at all bothered which side the chair was on.

I know you can’t register a new right hander for road use, not so sure about older bikes.
You used to be able to get round it by registering it as a trike – not sure if you still can.

Friend of mine runs http://www.ansonclassic.co.uk who specialise in classic sidecar rigs.
May be worth a call for advice.