Here to learn

[jeichenberger]

Hello Folks -

I'm Jerry Eichenberger from Columbus, Ohio. I'm age 60, and last rode anything on two wheels 40 years ago while in school.

For several months I've had a yearning for a Honda Silverwing scooter, but I think it may be too much for what is, in essence, a new rider. I hardly remember anything about my experiences on a bike so long ago, and at age 20 then, my judgement was probably typical of that age group anyhow.

I want to learn about Rebels. Is the 250 the only one still made, or do they still make the 450?

Are the brakes adequate with having a drum on the rear instead of two disc brakes?

I live in a suburban/rural area, and foresee most all of my riding on country roads, and perhaps getting on a four lane surface road with a 50 mph speed limit if I were to ride to the office once in a while. For now at least, I have no desire to get on freeways.

Or, should I consider the next step up into, what, a Shadow instead of a Rebel?

Back when I last rode, my last bike was a Honda 305 Dream (it looked like a police motorcycle of the 1960s), and back then, a 650 was a HUGE bike. So, I've never experienced the power of today's bikes.

Any advice will be most welcome.

Thanks,
Jerry Eichenberger

[GearJammer]

Welcome aboard, Jerry!

The 450 was only offerred in '86 & '87, but the 250's are still readily available.

The drum brakes on the rear, disc on the front are more than adequate....

The Shadow is obviously an option, but for the riding needs you've described, the 250 Rebel can manage that quite handily. The one consideration that you might want to keep in mind is that many of today's bikes are EPA-laden, which in many cases compromises the horsepower rating.....tho' admittedly, the factories are starting to find ways of increasing the hp (or rather the deliverable torque to the rear wheel) in spite of the EPA gear.

The 250 Reb is rated at roughly 18 hp, but it's definitely a viable machine that handles well, gets GREAT mileage & can go fast enough to get a speeding ticket! ;)

[txsizzler]

I agree with GJ.. the Rebel will handle all your needs, and more. Plus, it costs a fraction of what a Shadow goes for. If you are looking to get back into bike riding, you really can't go wrong with the Rebel. I have never really understood the luxury of owning a high priced scooter (the Reflexes and Helixes for Honda start at around $5500, and they have the same engine as the Rebel). Although I own a Honda Elite 80 Scooter, I only paid $750 for it.

Anyhow, I think you will enjoy the Rebel if you decide to go that way. Its a great bike, easy to maintain, and will do everything you need it to do. Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum, Jerry!

[jeichenberger]

Thanks for the replies. The scooter I still think about is the Silverwing that's about 600cc. It's top end is well over 100 mph, and lots of acceleration power too. The problem with it is that with ABS its price is nearly $9,000; and its early years depreciation is horrible. So, do I want to drop about $10,000 including tax, helmet, insurance, jacket, etc. to see if I really enjoy getting back into riding? I've started to seriously doubt it.

But, as I said, it may be too much for an old fart who is, in essence, starting over.

I guess the appeal of the "maxi scooters" is mainly to someone in the AARP crowd - easier to mount with the step thru frame than a traditional motorcycle, far better wind and weather protection from the more "enclosed" frame and windshield..

But since I can still get on a regular bicycle and ride 20+ miles, I guess I can get on a motorcycle. It does seem, just from looking and my small amount of knowledge of auto engineering, that the scooter is likely a bit worse in handling. However, their centers of gravity have to be lower, which is a plus.

Lastly, speaking of windshields - do you recommend adding one to a Rebel? I assume it'll add a lot of aerodynamic drag to a machine that is already a little under powered. But, then, it adds a lot of comfort, and some safety from flying debris too.
Lastly, is there any way to add a tach? Like elecric off of the ignition system?

Thanks again for all input,
Jerry E.

[FreedomRider77]

Ha ha. Yup, I know what you're saying. And I personally can say that my rebel has been the perfect starter bike. Also, I can say that I have had no problems riding it around Columbus myself. The braking is awesome in it. I think the only thing you might need to check is if you will be comfortable... i.e. its size to your size. There are so many rebels, it should be nothing to find one to sit on and try out, even a honda dealership. (along those lines.... Hinderer Honda on route 79, just south of Heath... they have new and used Rebels for the going price). Also... if you take the Motorcycle safety course, which is highly recommended, they typically have rebels to learn on.

[jeichenberger]

Thanks to Freedom Rider who must also be in Columbus.

The dealer I visited is the one in Marysville. We own the operation at the Marysville Airport (flight school, shop, rental and training, and fuel sales), and that dealer is literally across the street. Nice, new facility.

Mature sales people (translation = middle aged guys) who can talk to old farts, and since it's so close to the airport where I spend a lot of time on weekends, it's a natural to go there. Even though I don't have a learner permit yet, he offered to let me ride around the lot. Back when I rode in the 1960s, all you had to have was a regular driver's license.

For those who know nothing about the aviation business (sometimes I wish I fit into that category), it's a labor of love, not money. You had better have a day job too. At least I have a free place to put the bike over the winter - a hangar that covers 1 acre ought to have room for a bike!!

Thanks again,
Jerry

[GearJammer]

You're doing the right thing in thinking it over carefully, Jerry......style, utility, along with the price variance.

Along the lines of the 250 Rebel, there's also the Yamaha 250cc Virago and Suzuki also now offers a 250 that's very similar in design to the Honda Rebel......as well as a few other new makes that are copying the 250 Reb design.

Age needn't be as much of a factor........my bud who's shopping for another bike after 5 yrs. of not owning one is pushing 70 yrs. of age, tho' you'd never know it. When I let him borrow the 450, told him that once he'd gotten his bearings again, to just ride it as if it were his own.......within a 1/2 hr., he settled back into his old groove & definitely gave me a run for my money, LMAO! (He's a seasoned rider who in his younger days, thought nothing of making a 5 month road trip, interesting cat! ;))

[jeichenberger]

GJ -

Thanks for the reply. However, there's a little difference between your bud who laid off for 5 years, and me, who's been out of it for 40 years.

Could you tell me what you think about my question relating to windshields on a Rebel?

Also, is there any way to add a tach?

I've looked briefly at the Suzuki web info. Interesting tidbit - when I first got interested a few months ago, I went to the Honda web site, got the email address for the dealer I mentioned in Marysville, OH. Sent him an email. Also did the same thing within 10 minutes for the local Suzuki dealer.

The Honda dealer telephoned me within 15 minutes. I'm still waiting for the Suzuki guy to call.

In my email to both, I told them my age, and that I'm a cash buyer. Interesting that the Suzuki guy hasn't called - what kind of service would one expect if you have to beg them to sell you a bike in the first place?

Jerry

[GearJammer]

Have never run a windshield, Jerry, but a lot of 250 Reb owners do & hopefully someone will chime in with the info you're requesting.

As far as tachs, I believe you could probably run a traditional style mini-tach, such as Drag Specialties makes, a bit pricey but Drag Specialties offers quality product.

On the more inexpensive & still worthy end, a lot of 250 Rebellers are using a digital mini-tach......and again, hopefully someone can provide that info.

As in all things, there's good dealerships & bad stealerships.....Suzuki may yet get back to you, but if not, you know your $$$ will be welcome elsewhere ;)

[b4v4]

GJ -

Thanks for the reply. However, there's a little difference between your bud who laid off for 5 years, and me, who's been out of it for 40 years.
Jerry

Ya never forget it. It's like riding a ....bike. I just sold our 250, and it had a National brand Deflector Screen DX on it, which I kept for the 450 we bought. More than anything else, it acts as a bug deflector but also keeps the bulk of the wind off your chest and face. Jerry, the only reason we traded the 250 for the 450 is for the speed limits of the highways we ride, 70 mph. Although the 250 does 70 o.k., the engine vibration at that speed got kinda old. A couple things about the 250 over any of the larger bikes, besides its way-cool styling, is its fuel economy. I don't think any bike touches that. Also, very easy to work on and maintain.

[txsizzler]

I have a windshield on my Rebel, Jerry. I couldn't imagine the ride without it to tell you the truth. The fact that it keeps most of the major things from flying up at you is a huge plus. Further, it only adds a tiny bit of drag, as most windshields are designed to make as little drag as possible. I can still hit up to 82 mph on my Rebel on the interstate with it.

Anyhow, I hope that helps. Don't think I was trying to deter you from buying a scooter in my previous post, its just that for the money, you can get so much more bike with a regular motorcycle over those "superscooters". I mean, think about what $9000 will buy in a motorcycle! Granted, the convienence of the step-thru design, the lower center of gravity, etc. is a turn on, but I think one can truly be as happy on a motorcycle versus the superscooter.

My Honda Elite 80, although certainly not a "superscooter", is alot of fun to ride around. I can hit about 50 mph on it, and it is street legal. It has that step-thru design on it, and with its extremely light weight (as well as a sharp turn radius), it makes it extremely maneuverable. I absolutely love the scooter, but wouldn't give up on my Rebel over one. Just my .02.

[ole Ed]

Hi Jerry and welcome back to bikes. I admire you for for your young at heart attitude toward motorcycles and your wanting to get back on em'. Man if you feel like it then by all means do it.
As for the Rebel, 250 or 450, in my opinion, you cant go wrong. As said before, they are very light and nimble. They have a little more gusto than most folks think. Very capable of interstate speeds. The 450 should(I have never ridden one myself) be much more freeway-able than the 250 though.
As for a windshield, YES. Thats a gotta have, at least for me. The bugs get bad here right at dark and for a little after. You dont need a big one, just something to knock the wind over ya head. My windshield just comes up to my nose when I'm sittin on it but it does a great job at shedding the wind and bugs.
You said something about adding a tac to yours. It should be quite easy to do. Theres a tac on E-bay I have been thinkin about and I think they only go for like 20 bucks or so. I just type in Honda Rebel in the E-bay search bar. That way I get to see whats out there as far as parts and such.
I hope the best for you in whatever you choose and may God Bless You.