Honda Rebel 250cc... Huh? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Rashada · 04-03-2006, 11:33 AM

Hello,

Last summer this community was wonderful in your advice and direction in helping me decide what motorcycle to purchase. (Red 05 M50- Red IS the fastest). I enjoyed the positive atmosphere here and valued your insights.

So...

My wife is looking at getting a motorcycle now for some town riding. She is just over 5' tall. I'm looking at the Honda Rebel for her for a starting bike. Do you feel this would be a good fit? What are these bikes capable of? I assume this isn't something she'll head down the interstate on, but will the bike safely operate for her in 45-55mph zones? I don't see her riding much past the 40mph areas, but we might have to take it on some of the faster roads as I don't have a truck to transport it and the dealership we use is down the road about 25-30 miles (non-Interstate)

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this topic, and thanks again for your advice on the M50.

tequilasamurai · 04-03-2006, 11:43 AM

I started out on a Rebel. It's max speed was between 75 and 80 mph (I'm 205lbs) but was fine with the 40 - 60 mph range. I'm 5'10" and it was small for me, but my wife (5'3") fit on it nicely. I drove it around 60 miles a day in my daily commute and it did alright. It was a little scary when hitting the wind blast from the big trucks due to the light weight of the bike (around 300 lbs) but when driving just around town I had no problems. I never took it out on the Interstate but did drive a lot on the highways. I quickly outgrew (after having it a month I started looking at the bigger bikes) the bike and thus I now drive the M50.

Lew · 04-03-2006, 12:56 PM

Get her a motor scooter. They have some really nice 250cc models out there that have auto trans, step thru, lots of storage, and are easy to ride. You could always go up to a 400 but those things can really fly, so you might be happier with a 250.

Rashada · 04-03-2006, 02:14 PM

Pride thing would keep her off a scooter. (Her pride not mine). What about the GZ250. I haven't seen that one before, but then she could stay Suzuki. Any of you ever ride one of those?

tlwisner · 04-03-2006, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rashada

Pride thing would keep her off a scooter. (Her pride not mine). What about the GZ250. I haven't seen that one before, but then she could stay Suzuki. Any of you ever ride one of those?

I had a GZ 250. It is a very nice bike and it's great for any riding short of the Interstate. I put on a lot of miles running 2-up. One of my riding friends got a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 for his wife, and it keeps up pretty well.

Honda Rebel, Yamaha Virago 250, Suzuki GZ 250, Kawasaki Eliminator 125, all would be good around town bikes for a new rider. Your wife should get the one that she feels most comfortable on - any of them should be a reliable ride.

Here's pictures of my GZ 250: http://home.alltel.net/tlwisner/Bike/index.html

Rashada · 04-03-2006, 02:33 PM

So Suzuki's 250cc cruiser isn't nearly as powerful as a Rebel or a Virago? I'm not worried about the bike being a power-house, but I'm probably going to have to ride it back from the dealership. 6'6" 218lbs. I was already planning on wearing clown make-up, but now wondering if it would be a bad idea. She saw the 250cc Suzuki and wanted it partly for the fact we'd both have Suzuki bikes.

tlwisner · 04-03-2006, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rashada

So Suzuki's 250cc cruiser isn't nearly as powerful as a Rebel or a Virago? I'm not worried about the bike being a power-house, but I'm probably going to have to ride it back from the dealership. 6'6" 218lbs. I was already planning on wearing clown make-up, but now wondering if it would be a bad idea. She saw the 250cc Suzuki and wanted it partly for the fact we'd both have Suzuki bikes.

The GZ250 and Rebel are about the same for power, the Virago is a bit more gutsy than either. Any of them should be fine - the Virago would probably be the best choice if she's ever going to be on an Interstate (which isn't any fun anyway...)

tlwisner · 04-03-2006, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night_Wolf

There are times when there are no other reasonable options to a major interstate especially if you live in a large city. I can get across Toronto in aprox an hour on the highway or 4 hrs by city streets. Which do you propose I choose

I am lucky that I do not have to ride the Interstate. I have the option, but I have lots of much nicer options. I also don't have to ride in any large cities, that's nice for me. I still hold that riding on the Interstate is not fun - and I'm sorry for you guys stuck in major cities.

Rashada · 04-04-2006, 10:17 AM

Another bike we just found that she liked was the Vision. It looks to be similar to a Rebel, but I've not heard of these before. Any thoughts on these?

www.tankmotors.com

The 250cc bikes are what she likes. Not a bad price, just not sure about moving into the realm of the 'custom bike'

tlwisner · 04-04-2006, 10:32 AM

I spend enough time in Atlanta, Chicago, LA, DC and NYC for business to make me very appreciative of living away from the crowded urban spaces. It's fun to visit big cities, but going home is always good. I don't have any problem riding or driving through a large city - but I get no enjoyment from heavy traffic. Cheers for you guys who enjoy the urban scene - but 8 lane highways moving at 5 mph don't do it for me.

Lew · 04-04-2006, 10:38 AM

I have a GZ250 and really like it a lot. I've been riding since I was 12, (I'm 60 now) and I am very pleased with my 250. I use it to ride to work on city streets, and some highway. It cruises very easily at 55 after break in. I have had mine up to 70 but it was really pushing hard. Feels very good at 60.

dogcatcher · 04-04-2006, 07:02 PM

My girl just bought her S40 after taking a MSF course and she couldn't be happier. She is about 5'5" and she loves this bike. She claims it is very comfortable to ride and should not outgrow it too soon. I have had it on the interstate at 200lbs and is has plenty of pull should you two choose to venture off city streets. For maybe an extra $1000, she may be tempted to get an S40

D

enjoyIT · 04-04-2006, 08:09 PM

have her take the corse and then look at a used bikes no matter what one you get if she likes to ride she will lve it !!!!!!
the 250 will only last her 1 year then she will be wanting to move up !!
Kawaski has an older model called ltd 440 or honda has a mangna v30 that is a 500 my get a few more years out of them !
I would say let her pic the one she likes!!!!!! as it will only be under her for 1 year max
but if it is to small and you ever want to go on a bit of a longer ride with her don't run fast as she will have to rev hers out way to high and not like longer rides AT ALL

Scott58 · 04-05-2006, 01:50 AM

I have an 05 Honda Rebel. It's a great bike and last year I road it from Indiana to Niagara Falls and back. One of the best times I've had in a long time. We did interstate for most of the way back and the bike will cruise at 75mph all day. It gets great mileage and is cheap on everything (insurance and maintenance). It's just an all around fun bike. handles great in the tight spots, low wieght and good low speed manuverability. I've been riding since 75 and have had quite a few bikes and this one is one of my favorites. It will be in the garage when they settle my estate!

RampageRider · 04-05-2006, 08:08 AM

The Rebel is not a bad little bike for a beginner. It's light and agile enough to get the basics down without the added power to create problems for the beginner.
Also, I personally like the v-twin over a single thumper on the small bikes due to the vibrations of the single cylinder.

TechJD · 04-05-2006, 11:53 PM

What about a Suzuki Savage, it's about the same height as the GZ250 and weights like 30lbs more, if shes goin to take the MSF, I would thing she might be all right on it and she wont out grow it very soon

interfire83 · 04-06-2006, 02:57 AM

I would recommend the VLX 600 over the rebel. The seat is lower, it's not that much heavier, more power, and she won't outgrow it.

tlwisner · 04-06-2006, 08:40 AM

The VLX weighs 458 pounds dry, the Rebel is 306 pounds. Weighing 50% more is quite a difference for somebody who is learning to ride, especially if that person is slight of frame.

Outgrowing your first bike is not a bad thing at all.

Rashada · 04-06-2006, 09:12 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I didn't realize there were so many valid options for a good starter bike. She's still pretty caught up on that custom Vision at www.tankmotors.com. They claim it is a water-cooled Rebel. I'm still hung-up on the idea of a custom bike for a first bike though. I'm also going to have her look at the S40s, she's leaning towards Suzuki because I prefer them so heavily and then we'd have the same make of bike. I imagine the excitement will wear off and she'll take the MSF course on a provided bike before she buys one of her own.

tlwisner · 04-06-2006, 11:32 AM

$4000 is a lot of money for a 250cc Chinese cruiser, I'd stick with something that's proven to be reliable, and has easy to get parts and service. It's ususally possible to find a good used Suzuki GZ250 or Honda Rebel for under $2000. The Yamaha Virago 250s are great bikes if you can find one.

04-03-2006, 11:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rashada Newbie Joined: May 2005 Posts: 13	Honda Rebel 250cc... Huh? Hello, Last summer this community was wonderful in your advice and direction in helping me decide what motorcycle to purchase. (Red 05 M50- Red IS the fastest). I enjoyed the positive atmosphere here and valued your insights. So... My wife is looking at getting a motorcycle now for some town riding. She is just over 5' tall. I'm looking at the Honda Rebel for her for a starting bike. Do you feel this would be a good fit? What are these bikes capable of? I assume this isn't something she'll head down the interstate on, but will the bike safely operate for her in 45-55mph zones? I don't see her riding much past the 40mph areas, but we might have to take it on some of the faster roads as I don't have a truck to transport it and the dealership we use is down the road about 25-30 miles (non-Interstate) I'd appreciate your thoughts on this topic, and thanks again for your advice on the M50.

04-03-2006, 11:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
tequilasamurai In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: Blue 2006 M50 Location: West TN Posts: 120	I started out on a Rebel. It's max speed was between 75 and 80 mph (I'm 205lbs) but was fine with the 40 - 60 mph range. I'm 5'10" and it was small for me, but my wife (5'3") fit on it nicely. I drove it around 60 miles a day in my daily commute and it did alright. It was a little scary when hitting the wind blast from the big trucks due to the light weight of the bike (around 300 lbs) but when driving just around town I had no problems. I never took it out on the Interstate but did drive a lot on the highways. I quickly outgrew (after having it a month I started looking at the bigger bikes) the bike and thus I now drive the M50. __________________ 2006 Blue M50, rear fender mod, tank bra, chrome tank trim, cobra Fi2000r, V&H Cruzers, clear turn signal lenses w/ chrome bulbs, OEM engine guards, hypercharger w/ blue butterflies and stinger door, punisher skulls on sides and headlight

04-04-2006, 10:32 AM	#10 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	I spend enough time in Atlanta, Chicago, LA, DC and NYC for business to make me very appreciative of living away from the crowded urban spaces. It's fun to visit big cities, but going home is always good. I don't have any problem riding or driving through a large city - but I get no enjoyment from heavy traffic. Cheers for you guys who enjoy the urban scene - but 8 lane highways moving at 5 mph don't do it for me. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

04-04-2006, 07:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
dogcatcher Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Blue M50, 04 Honda VFR Location: So Cal Posts: 98	Consider an s40? My girl just bought her S40 after taking a MSF course and she couldn't be happier. She is about 5'5" and she loves this bike. She claims it is very comfortable to ride and should not outgrow it too soon. I have had it on the interstate at 200lbs and is has plenty of pull should you two choose to venture off city streets. For maybe an extra $1000, she may be tempted to get an S40 D

04-05-2006, 08:08 AM	#15 (permalink)
RampageRider Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 05 Red M50 Location: Iowa, riding in the Rain! Posts: 782	The Rebel is not a bad little bike for a beginner. It's light and agile enough to get the basics down without the added power to create problems for the beginner. Also, I personally like the v-twin over a single thumper on the small bikes due to the vibrations of the single cylinder. __________________ . "Grow up, what a waste of a good time, if Peter Pan can do it so can we............... " 05 Red M50 (mine) 97 Yellow Honda Rebel (her's)

04-03-2006, 12:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lew Seat Tester Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Suzuki GZ250 Location: Cataula, Ga Posts: 78	Get her a motor scooter. They have some really nice 250cc models out there that have auto trans, step thru, lots of storage, and are easy to ride. You could always go up to a 400 but those things can really fly, so you might be happier with a 250.

04-03-2006, 02:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rashada Newbie Joined: May 2005 Posts: 13	Pride thing would keep her off a scooter. (Her pride not mine). What about the GZ250. I haven't seen that one before, but then she could stay Suzuki. Any of you ever ride one of those?

04-03-2006, 02:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rashada Newbie Joined: May 2005 Posts: 13	So Suzuki's 250cc cruiser isn't nearly as powerful as a Rebel or a Virago? I'm not worried about the bike being a power-house, but I'm probably going to have to ride it back from the dealership. 6'6" 218lbs. I was already planning on wearing clown make-up, but now wondering if it would be a bad idea. She saw the 250cc Suzuki and wanted it partly for the fact we'd both have Suzuki bikes.

04-04-2006, 10:17 AM	#9 (permalink)
Rashada Newbie Joined: May 2005 Posts: 13	Another bike we just found that she liked was the Vision. It looks to be similar to a Rebel, but I've not heard of these before. Any thoughts on these? www.tankmotors.com The 250cc bikes are what she likes. Not a bad price, just not sure about moving into the realm of the 'custom bike'

04-04-2006, 10:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
Lew Seat Tester Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Suzuki GZ250 Location: Cataula, Ga Posts: 78	I have a GZ250 and really like it a lot. I've been riding since I was 12, (I'm 60 now) and I am very pleased with my 250. I use it to ride to work on city streets, and some highway. It cruises very easily at 55 after break in. I have had mine up to 70 but it was really pushing hard. Feels very good at 60.

04-04-2006, 08:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
enjoyIT Kickstand Operator Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 2005 red M50 Location: Ont Canada Posts: 280	have her take the corse and then look at a used bikes no matter what one you get if she likes to ride she will lve it !!!!!! the 250 will only last her 1 year then she will be wanting to move up !! Kawaski has an older model called ltd 440 or honda has a mangna v30 that is a 500 my get a few more years out of them ! I would say let her pic the one she likes!!!!!! as it will only be under her for 1 year max but if it is to small and you ever want to go on a bit of a longer ride with her don't run fast as she will have to rev hers out way to high and not like longer rides AT ALL

04-05-2006, 01:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	I have an 05 Honda Rebel. It's a great bike and last year I road it from Indiana to Niagara Falls and back. One of the best times I've had in a long time. We did interstate for most of the way back and the bike will cruise at 75mph all day. It gets great mileage and is cheap on everything (insurance and maintenance). It's just an all around fun bike. handles great in the tight spots, low wieght and good low speed manuverability. I've been riding since 75 and have had quite a few bikes and this one is one of my favorites. It will be in the garage when they settle my estate!

04-05-2006, 11:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
TechJD Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 1996 Shadow ACE VT1100C2 Location: 50 miles south of Lexington, KY Posts: 339	What about a Suzuki Savage, it's about the same height as the GZ250 and weights like 30lbs more, if shes goin to take the MSF, I would thing she might be all right on it and she wont out grow it very soon

04-06-2006, 02:57 AM	#17 (permalink)
interfire83 In Training Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 2006 M50 Location: NW, Ohio Posts: 116	I would recommend the VLX 600 over the rebel. The seat is lower, it's not that much heavier, more power, and she won't outgrow it.

04-06-2006, 08:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	The VLX weighs 458 pounds dry, the Rebel is 306 pounds. Weighing 50% more is quite a difference for somebody who is learning to ride, especially if that person is slight of frame. Outgrowing your first bike is not a bad thing at all. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

04-06-2006, 09:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
Rashada Newbie Joined: May 2005 Posts: 13	Thanks for all the replies! I didn't realize there were so many valid options for a good starter bike. She's still pretty caught up on that custom Vision at www.tankmotors.com. They claim it is a water-cooled Rebel. I'm still hung-up on the idea of a custom bike for a first bike though. I'm also going to have her look at the S40s, she's leaning towards Suzuki because I prefer them so heavily and then we'd have the same make of bike. I imagine the excitement will wear off and she'll take the MSF course on a provided bike before she buys one of her own.

04-06-2006, 11:32 AM	#20 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	$4000 is a lot of money for a 250cc Chinese cruiser, I'd stick with something that's proven to be reliable, and has easy to get parts and service. It's ususally possible to find a good used Suzuki GZ250 or Honda Rebel for under $2000. The Yamaha Virago 250s are great bikes if you can find one. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

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