More top speed and less rpm's...

[ole Ed]

Have a 2005 250 Rebel and while its ok considering its only a 250, I want good top speed without spinnin her to death. She can currently cruise all day at 75-80 but I feel like the engines really spinnin too fast and want to slow it down but keep my top end.
Does anyone have any suggestions on front or rear gear sizes? I do have some ideas on what to do but want some seasoned Rebel owners input so I dont go over board with gearing and kill what little power she does have.
I really dont mind if it takes a few miles to reach cruising speed. I just dont want to hurt her little heart by over spinnin it and have to do a transplant.
Thinkin if I can cut the rpm's by 500 to 1000 she'll live a longer healthier life.
Oh, I saw on another post something about 70 or so as top speed, well I am here to tell you I have seen this Rebel at 85 one time. I had to see what it would do. My riding buddy was on a 1300 and he says better than 85 too. I say 85 cause thats what the speedo goes to and it was pegged.

[GearJammer]

Welcome aboard, ole Ed......

From what I understand, Japanese motors rev fairly high as a rule & it's considered normal. Even tho' it might feel like it's doing harm, you might find that it's not really that much cause for concern.

But one way to accomplish what you're looking for would be to install a countershaft sprocket that had, say, 1T more on it. The bike would be a tad slower off the line, but should also be a bit less "buzzy" at top end.

I won't try to dispute your claim of 85 mph. Big J got his to do 90+. On my '85 250, the speedo stayed stable up to the 75 mph mark, then would start to flicker above that, so I could never really be sure of just how fast she was goin' after 75.....

[94GTVert]

You wanna go fast and you have a Rebel?

Just kidding

Yeah, I'd say do the gear conversion, I've found some stuff on www.bikebandit.com before. I'd do at least a rear sprocket. Maybe a taller tire, but just remember, by doing this, your speedometer should not change because it runs off the front tire.

[ole Ed]

Not askin so much for fast but just not so much screamin or as was well said "buzzy" at interstate speeds. I run with bigger dogs on this little pup and worry about constantly twistin it tight to keep up with em.
I wanted a Virago when I found this little cruiser, but I am sure glad I took this one home. Bein from the south, you know, a Rebel by birth, it fits me perfectly.
Now if I could just find a slightly larger back seat and affordable backrest maybe "Moma" would ride with me more.
Thanx for the advice and for settin up this site. I will return.

[b4v4]

I'm sorry, Ed, but more speed AND riding Momma on the back? Now, I ain't sayin' your wife is fat or anything of the sorts, but unless everywhere you go is downhill from your place, that poor 250 is gonna have its tongue hangin' out if you're gonna try wringing that kinda power out of it! My 250 has its hands full with me and Momma on it, much less trying to go faster. I think the reason they don't put a tach on a Rebel is so that you can't see how fast it's spinning. I've only talked to one guy who ever blew one up from over-revving it, and that was a factory-flawed connecting rod that was warranted.
Great to have you on the forum!

[ole Ed]

Lol!!!
Not sure if we are talkin about the same kinda Rebels, but my little 250 does fair with us both on it. You have to know though that we only weigh in at about 280-300 combined. With her on there it runs a decent 75-80 on level ground and on the steepest of hills I may have to drop a gear sometimes two if I cant get a good run at it.
I was really amazed at what how well it ran. Like I said I was lookin for a Virago, V45, Shadow or something similar when I ran across this bike.
And for the price I paid I couldnt pass it up. Besides, I really like these little cruisers. All my riding buddies have Goldwings, VTX's and even a Hog or two and even they are impressed with the fact I can keep up (I was shocked) with their big dogs as they call em.
Maybe I will tell the story of how I found it one day but all I will say for now is that it was a Gift from God.

[b4v4]

Lol!!!
Maybe I will tell the story of how I found it one day but all I will say for now is that it was a Gift from God.

Well put, Ed, I've had more than a few of them myself! My daughter rides our Rebel most of the time, I ride my V65. We just took a 110 mile ride this afternoon in 100+ degree heat, and I'm ALWAYS amazed at how well she sticks with me. Now, granted, I keep a pretty close eye in the mirror so I don't get too far ahead, but once in a while, I roll 'er on to blow the spiders out, and in just a minute or two, there she is, right behind me!

[uneasyrider]

Lol!!!
Not sure if we are talkin about the same kinda Rebels, but my little 250 does fair with us both on it. You have to know though that we only weigh in at about 280-300 combined. With her on there it runs a decent 75-80 on level ground and on the steepest of hills I may have to drop a gear sometimes two if I cant get a good run at it.
I was really amazed at what how well it ran. Like I said I was lookin for a Virago, V45, Shadow or something similar when I ran across this bike.
And for the price I paid I couldnt pass it up. Besides, I really like these little cruisers. All my riding buddies have Goldwings, VTX's and even a Hog or two and even they are impressed with the fact I can keep up (I was shocked) with their big dogs as they call em.
Maybe I will tell the story of how I found it one day but all I will say for now is that it was a Gift from God.

Hi ole Ed, If it were my bike, I'd keep it just as is. If you put a larger sproket on it, it will cut down on the power when carrying a passenger,you can't have it both ways,up the speed you cut the power. Ride it like you stole it, you ain't gonna hurt it. BTW We'd love hear the story of how you found it.

Howard

[ole Ed]

The story goes like this:
I had an old boat for sale or trade for a bike. Lotsa folks offered next to nothin for it. Even several bikes but asked for money to boot, which I dont have. I placed it in c-list for sale or trade. During this time I rededicated my life to the Lord and was rebaptized. I work for a good Christian man and he told me about his prayin for a new backhoe as the one he was operating was worn-out. After several weeks prayin God answered him one day and he was able to get a new backhoe.
Got me to thinkin, hmmm, Ima gonna try that too. My prayer was this:
Lord, you know I want a bike and the only way for me to have one is to sell this boat or trade it for one.
If it Your Will I have one I sure appreciate the help, but if its not I will accept Your decision.
I prayed that after my regular prayer I say on the way to work and back home every day.
But one day I said something He took favor in.
I said Lord, we've had this conversation before and You know I want a bike and if You see fit for me to have one I will use it to glorify You in every way. and I "heard" Him say "HOW?"
To which I said if you help me here I will have written on it for all to see
"OWNED BY GOD RIDDEN BY ED" and this will be my witness for You.
As I was about to eat that evenin the phone rang and this lady said she had seen my boat on the list and wondered if I still had it to which I said yes ma'am.
She was in Brentwood TN. She said her husband had seen the boat and fell in love with it sayin there it is theres my boat its just what I want.
He wouldnt call so she did and said he had a 2005 250 Rebel to trade and was I interested. I said yes but that I didnt have any extra cash over what the old boat was worth and she said she was talkin about an even trade to which I for some reason asked if they were Believers, you know, Christians. She never hesitated and said yes we are. I told her about my prayers and she said
" See Ed, prayers do come true" and for me to meet them the next day in the Publix parkin lot in Brentwood for the trade.
All I can say now is that right below the filler cap on the tank it says in gray metallic letters"OWNED BY GOD RIDDEN BY ED".
Shes chrome and black and had only 974 miles on it and he even bought a new battery for it so it would start and run for me.
As of right now it has just over 2000 miles and I have only had it for about 2 weeks goin on 3 weeks now.
A 68 model boat motor and trailer with lots use on em even trade for a 2005 250 Rebel with 974 miles--you tell me-- Devine intervention or just dumb luck?
I can tell you that I do not believe in luck.

[uneasyrider]

WOW, Great story, you are blessed.

Howard

[txsizzler]

Truly awesome story, Ed. Looks like God has answered your prayers.. in so many different ways. Perhaps your message will inspire others to do the same.

[b4v4]

Truly inspirational, Ed. As I said before, I can't tell you how many times this same type of thing has happened to me, from the job I have now to about everything I own. Prayer in faith really works!