A , sometimes referred to as a small motorcycle, is one of the vehicle categories in the Road Traffic Act of Japan. Such vehicles (motorcycles) have a displacement of more than 50 cc but no more than 125 cc, or their rated output exceeds 0.6 kW but is no more than 1 kW.
In contrast, in the same act, such vehicle with a displacement of more than 50 cc but no more than 400 cc is called a standard two-wheel motor vehicle (普通自動二輪車, futsū jidō nirinsha), or ordinary motorcycle. Thus, a small motorcycle is a subcategory of an ordinary motorcycle.
Meanwhile, a motorcycle with a displacement of over 400 cc is called a large two-wheel motor vehicle (大型自動二輪車, ōgata jidō nirinsha) (heavy motorcycle).
Categories Some of the vehicle categories under Japanese law are as follows: NameJapaneseDescriptionMopedAny motorcycle with engine displacement of 50 cc or less.Small motorcycleAny motorcycle with engine displacement over 50 cc but no more than 125 cc.Ordinary motorcycleAny motorcycle with engine displacement over 50 cc but no more than 400 cc.Heavy motorcycleAny motorcycle with engine displacement over 400 cc.
License A license to drive a small motorcycle can be obtained from the age of 16 onward.
Displacement50 cc or less125 cc or less250 cc or less400 cc or lessOver 400 ccRoad Traffic ActVehicle classificationMopedOrdinary motorcycle (small motorcycle)Ordinary motorcycleHeavy motorcycleType of licenseMoped licenseOrdinary motorcycle license (limited to small motorcycle)Ordinary motorcycle licenseHeavy motorcycle license Motorcycles with displacements of 250 cc or less are exempt from a .
Other details License typeMinimum ageDisplacementLoading capacityLegal speed limit (general roads)Expressway ridingPillion ridingBus lane ridingMoped16Up to 50 ccNoNoYesSmall motorcycle (incl. AT)16Up to 125 ccNoYes (1 year after license acquisition)NoOrdinary motorcycle (incl. AT)16Up to 400 ccYesYes (1 year after license acquisition)NoHeavy motorcycle (incl. AT)18No limitYesYes (1 year after license acquisition)No
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References
External links Information about acquiring a license (Japan Motorcycle Promotion & Safety Association)