Video: Honda CBR250R tackles the class of 33bhp

You’re under 21 and have passed your test – what are you going to ride? The law says you must spend two whole years on a 33bhp-limited bike before you rip out the washers, throw them in the river and ride off unfettered.

That leaves you with three choices: limit a bigger bike (that you can de-restrict later), de-restrict your smaller 125 (not always possible, but does apply to bikes like Aprilia’s RS125) or buy one of the increasing number of machines like Kawasaki’s 250R Ninja and Honda’s new-for-2011 CBR250R, which have been specifically designed to deliver at this level.

But which do you go for and how do they measure up? Is the purpose-built CBR really the best option? To find out we decided to pit the CBR against examples of all the alternatives, a de-restricted, 24bhp Aprilia RS125, a restricted super-sports, in this case a Suzuki GSX-R600 with a restrictor kit and a restrictor-kit equipped 600 roadster, Yamaha’s XJ6.

You can read the full group test in this week’s MCN (22 June), out now. Get MCN from only £1 an issue when you subscribe today

You can view this video, and many more exclusive motorcycling videos, at the MCN YouTube channel