18 s Horsepower ?

Raet · Post by **Raet** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 1:00 am

Hi,
my provisional licence covers me to ride a bike of up to 25 kilowatt
can anyone tell me what the rated horsepower of my '51 18s is ?
I know that by multiplying the hp by .7456 = Kw

cheers
Rae

Don Madden · Post by **Don Madden** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 4:01 am

Working backwards from your algorithm, 25kw would be approximately 33hp. I think you are within the law on any touring AMC single.
Cheers, Don.

Janet · Post by **Janet** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:55 am

Don is correct and you're fortunate in that it gives you more choice than in the UK. Here, a provisional licence only allows you 11kW and not exceeding 125cc unless accompanied by a qualified instructor, so don't be tempted to rush up to Northern Ireland for a day out. I know some of their rules differ from those in England, Wales and Scotland, but that one is the same.

Raet · Post by **Raet** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:10 am

Thanks Don And Janet

I have the A1 category, which as Janet says 11kw and not exceeding 125 cc, which I think is for the first prov. licence.
I also have the A category but restricted to
25 kw not exceeding 0.16kW/kg which I think is for the second Prov. licence
I think life is too short to be figuring out the power to weight ratio of a 57 year old bike in Kilowatts
But I'd still be interested to know what the HP is and how to get it closer to 33
A friend mentioned changing the gearbox sprocket, but I couldnt see any for the cp box in jampot spares
Does anyone know if others are available

Cheers
Rae

lawrence · Post by **lawrence** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:52 am

Hi Rae
Good to see you are interested in the classic bikes. They will give you a lot of fun and pleasure. Don't be worrying about increasing the performance. There'll be enough to do just keeping it running! For the minor performance increase you can obtain, the large decrease in reliability does not make it worthwhile. A Honda 125 will out perform-you anyway. The AJS/Matchless rider will be having more enjoyment though!
Good luck!

Raet · Post by **Raet** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:42 am

Hi Lawrence
I have had it happen on friday, it was a CG125
he pulled away from me at the lights
and I couldnt catch him !
but as you say more enjoyment
and a much bigger smile on my face

Thanks again
Rae