cTc
02-02-2006, 02:44 PM
This bike is just long enough to drive up onto the back of a pick up. The perfect bike to get introduced to the "life".
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Small, lightweight bike; prefect for the beginner who doesn't weigh more than 180 pounds. The Passenger seat is useless, because it's not going to have the power to pull two grown adults at highway speeds. Most people will quickly outgrow the 250cc, but it's a great start to getting your training in. It's a motorcycle simulator for beginners at a fair introduction price!
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I just purchased a new Rebel, and I must say this bike is just as good as any. Who needs a Harley when Honda can make a bike this good!
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The Rebel is the perfect beginner bike. It has the look of a beast yet the maneuvers like a beauty. Light weight and with enough pep for most novice riders this bike collapses reliability, style, and a great price into one tight little package.
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I have traveled over 700 miles on this bike during the first 9 months of owning it. I have traveled back roads, city streets and even Atlanta's 285 and GA 400 without a single problem. It has great pick-up (which you need while maneuvering traffic on 285 and GA400). I thought I would trade this bike in after I gained experience riding motorcycles but nahhh! I am just looking forward to accessorizing it now, not trading it in.
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AT 56 YEARS OLD I HAVE JUST GOTTEN MY 2004 REBEL IN MAY THIS YEAR AND JUST LOVE IT. MY HUSBAND GOT A HARLEY HERITAGE SOFTTAIL LAST YEAR AND HE LOVES TO RIDE MY REBEL TOO! THIS IS THE BEST BEGINNER BIKE YOU COULD GET. NOW I AM GETTING READY FOR A BIGGER BIKE.
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I bought the Rebel two months ago and I had never ridden a bike ever. My best friend drove it home for me and after two days practice in my neighborhood I was ready for the road. This motorcycle gave plenty of confidance due to it only weighing 300lbs and having a small engine.
I get compliments everywhere I go. I think this is due to the perfect combination of chrome and black. Looks great, runs great, and it won't leave a hole in your pocket. Later I will get a bigger bike when I get real good with this one, but I would never sell my Rebel. I will give it to my wife who loves it and will buy myself a Shadow. That's right, another Honda. Can't go wrong with Honda.
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I am a 56 year old grandmother of 6. My husband and I had a Goldwing and I didn't really enjoy just going along for the ride. When he mentioned that he would like for us to ride again, I said only on the condition that I have my own bike. I took the Motor Cycle Safety course (highly recommended), passed and bought my 2004 Rebel. The Rebel is very responsible and has given me the self confidence that I need. We are doing trips in the mountains now and loving it. Ladies, get off the back of your hubbie's bike and experience biking first hand. You'll never go back to piggy-backing.
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After 30 yrs of my husband bugging me, I finally took the rider course and went shopping for a bike. Because I am small, and inexperienced, I went against the salesman’s' advice and got the 250 over the 600. I could not have made a better choice. The rider course was great, but I live right in the city and the Rebel was perfect for me to learn on and gain confidence. The bike proved to be everything I needed while improving my skills. Yes, I am currently shopping for a bigger bike. Studying reviews between the Suzuki S40, the Yamaha Custom 650, and the Honda Shadow. I highly recommend this bike to any new or re-entry rider to build confidence on and allow the necessary time for riding skills to become second nature, then by all means, move up and enjoy the road! (I do believe in "be heard--be safe" and I wish the bike was a little louder.) My husband rides a Harley, he is never missed, I have had drivers watch him pass, and pull right in front of me. Whatever I buy in the spring, I will upgrade the exhaust a little.
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I have just passed the MSF safety class and bought a used Rebel with 700 miles for practice. I would like to share my experience from a beginner’s point of view. I must admit that the only other motorcycle that I rode was the Kawasaki Eliminator 250 during the MSF course and thus I will not be able to do a comparative report. I am 5’8” and weigh 150 lb, and the Rebel fits me just fine. It is relatively light and it is not much longer than a bicycle, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight space very easy. However at 300 lbs, moving it is not trivial. The best way to do this is to sit on it and straddle it in neutral, which prevents the bike from tilting to one side or the other. The bike is quiet and sounds civilized at idle. The acceleration is again very civilized so it is un-intimidating for the beginner. Someone from a chat room reported that the 0 – 60 on a Rebel is about 11 sec. The Rebel needs to go into the 3rd gear to allow for a smooth cruising in the 20-25 MPH range, which makes passing through neiborhood roads with many stop signs a good workout on gear shifting. The Kawasaki, by contrast, allows smooth riding in the same range in 2nd gear. I, as well as others, have found the clutch on the Rebel on the heavy side and it requires a firm kick to shift, and you should get a good pair of riding boots to make this more comfortable. Furthermore, it is hard to find neutral when the engine is running, although you can find it easily after shutting down the engine. These two factors are no big deal once you get used to them. With proper gear selection, the bike runs smoothly and quietly up to 40 MPH (in 5th) and then it feels a little buzzy under the seat. I have not gone over 50 MPH yet so I cannot tell you how that may feel, but the bike has no problem reaching a top speed of 70-75 MPH with a rider of similar size, as I know many people commute on this bike on highways. The wind is a factor as the bike is light and someone told me a windshield helps. The brakes work well. Although they may not be the most powerful, they resist locking, which is a good thing for beginners. For example, during my MSF class, nearly all the falls were caused by improper braking. The bike can make a U-turn in a single lane road so it is highly nimble by motorcycle standards. The average gas mileage for the Rebel is 70 MPG and its insurance is very cheap (<$100 for liability). The resell of Rebel is outstanding. In Houston in spring, once you see an Ad in the newpapers, you must go there to buy it on that day, otherwise, it will be gone the next day. In my parking garage, including mine, there are four Rebels, and there is only one Suzuki 250 that shows up from time to time so Rebel is by far the most popular bike for an urban setting and many people want it, used or new. So far, I have no needs or desire to move up to a bigger bike. I do not plan to ride on the highway regularly and have limited space in my garage. The Rebel is designed for an urban area where one has to fight traffic and worries about gas price and parking space.
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This is my first bike. It was easy to learn on - simple and very dependable. As I gained seat time, I also came to appreciate how much fun it is also, especially in the twisties. Takes a little breaking in for smooth shifting. Tops out pretty soon in first and second. Doesn't have big twin top end, but was able to keep up with a group of Harleys. I'm planning on trading up, but will sure miss my little Rebel.
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I bought my 03 Rebel on 6-13. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It gives me great service at a very affordable price. I have put 1300 miles on it in 30 days. It really is a lot of fun. In my opinion you cant go wrong with a Rebel.
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I actually have the 450 Rebel, but learned to ride on a 250. These bike are fun to ride and easy to handle. The engines are small so if you want to ride for a long time you'll definitely move up. I kept my Rebel because I'm fixing it up and it much easier to hop and go around the block to visit family than is my VTX1300.
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My wife (5'2") loves her 2002. She have been riding it for about 1 1/2 years now and never had a problem.
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At 55 Years old, and who use to ride the Harley,s. Haven't rode a bike in over 15 years, So with the Knees that are not so young anymore ,My choice was to go with a 2003 Honda Rebel 250. in about a hour, I was back on the Highway. easy bike to learn on. OD says 85, don,t need anything faster. at 307 LBS. It a Great Bike and 60 Miles per gallon can,t beat That! It a Motorcycle thats a classic and it take me from Point A to B with out any problems My Dodge Truck hasn't been out of the driveway in 3 weeks.Because i really in joy driving the Honda Rebel, Mines black. and the wife has a Blue Honda Rebel also a 2003, It,s a great beginner motorcycle, and if your like me an not looking to go warp 10,it,s a great everyday motorcycle Hay! I,ve allready been up and back from COCO BEACH all ready.
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I think the Rebel is a very good beginner motorbike. Alot of the MSF Rider courses use this little work horse in class. It's easy to handle,I've had no mechanical problems, its a decent looking bike. I think too light for highway speeds, but good for the back roads. I don't know that I'd classify it as a cruiser..but hey if you really want to do alot of miles move up to a bigger bike. I do wish Honda would learn to make a decent seat!
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i'm 20years old and was given a bike by my parents last year. The only problem i have is that its a small bike... It runs great and looks ok but its just too small for me... i would recommend it for any starter however but dont get to attached cause your gonna wanna trade it in soon.
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This is in response to problems. It might not be the bike but rather the dealers service dept. I had the exact bike {2000 model}, which is the identical bike except maybe for color.The only problem I had was fixed pronto by the service manager. I would recommend this bike to anyone! Too bad you had a tough time at the shop, but please don't give up on a good thing because of bad service personal.
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I bought a 2001 Rebel new in 01. Other than some dirt bikes as a little kid I never really rode. After some research, determined this was the best beginner’s bike to buy. And boy howdy, is it ever. She is a good bike with a lot of forgiveness for first timer stupidity. I have laid it down twice practicing in a parking lot (wet (from rain) cement, locked up the front brake). Each time the same side. Stood up and did it again. Then learned my lesson. And survived with only a skinned knee. That was then. Now I own a Goldwing (GL1200) and the Rebel is much too small for me. But, I use it to teach others to ride. First my mom, then my brothers wife, now my wife and our 18 year old boarder. This bike is the best to get your riding skills on.
I have taken the Rebel on 100+ mile trips, but get a bit butt sore at about 50 miles. I never developed an Iron Butt to go further, and don’t need to with the 'wing. The 50mpg I tend to get on the Rebel is great, but the small tank (just over 2 gals) means your refilling at about 110 miles.
This bike does not lure you into a false sense of confidence. Instead it makes you completely aware of the world around you, and improves your fledgling skills as a rider. And it lets you learn to not do things like drop down a gear at to high a speed, with out killing you along the way.
At 300 pounds, you'll learn to pick up a bike without pulling a muscle. (Go ahead, try and pick up a goldwing. :/ ) She isn't a racing bike, but she'll get you there and at around $3000.00 (US) she is the best first new bike to get.
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I recently bought a 2001 rebel for my daughter from an individual. This bike had an original 179 miles on it. Thought I had made a wonderful deal. Apparently there is a problem with these 250cc motors if you let them set the valves will stick, bending the valve and possible breaking the head. (Which happened to me) I took the bike to my local Honda Dealership in Fayetteville AR and they called the Honda Corporation. Honda picked up the cost of the parts and I paid the Labor. With no warranty I was very pleased with Honda, and my Honda Dealer. When I look to upgrade my daughter to a larger bike I will be looking at Honda.
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I bought my brand new Rebel this spring and found it an ideal bike to learn how to ride and obtain my license. It is small and light, easily manageable, and I feel in control of the bike instead of the other way round. The bike looks fantastic and it's a Honda so mechanically it shouldn't be a worry. I get many comments about it and jaws drop when I mention two things: how much it cost brand new and what mileage I get. I put approximately 1350 miles on it this season and used only $50CAN of gas (One tank for my car)! I bought it primarily as a second vehicle to get to work, about 20 miles round trip, and in this role it has performed perfectly. I didn't buy it to cruise the west coast or something similar. In that role it would be significantly underpowered but in the role it was designed I don't think you can go wrong. I bought new because the 1985/1986 rebels where going for $3000+ and I paid $4300 CAN brand new! Even the insurance is very reasonable. As many of the other reviews have stated, if you really get into it you will likely want a bigger, more powerful bike, but I highly recommend this bike as a starter or commuter. Starting on a bike like this is a very important step to being able to properly handle a larger bike. The resale value is so high you really won't lose much if you do decide to move up at a later date. At this stage I am thinking I wil keep it for another year and then move up to something with a sidecar. If I wasn't looking for a sidecar I would probably keep it indefinitely. Incidently, this bike is apparently sold in the UK as a commuter bike with a much more upright riding position (not that I think this is particulary laid back) If you want more details or have a question please send me an email I would be glad to help out if I can.
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I purchased a Kawasaki Eliminator 600cc three weeks ago as my first motorcycle. The experience was horrible! The cycle was used, and I experienced mechanical problems three days after purchase. Also, the weight and speed of the vehicle exceeded my comfort level. The dealer took back the Eliminator and replaced it with a Pearl Blue, 2001 Rebel. The bike is gorgeous and perfect for my 5'4 frame. I am absolutely delighted with its performance, and would highly recommend it to all novice motorcyclist (especially women.) Also, my total cost was $3200.00
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Mine is a 2001 model in pearl blue. I like the fact it does not look like a wannabe Harley. I am 48, and not trying to prove or impress anyone but myself, although I do get lets of compliments. The parallel-twin hums nicely with plenty of power for riding in town. It takes some doing to reach freeway speeds, but I prefer the northern cal. twisty back roads anyway. When I get another bike this will still grace my garage, at @ 60 mpg how can one lose.
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I have been interested in motorcycles for a number of years. My wife wasn't crazy about the idea of me riding a motorcycle. After she talked to some co-workers about my interest in motorcycles, several of them suggested the Honda Rebel. I was elated to come home from work one day a few weeks ago to find that my wife had purchased a 2000 Honda Rebel as our fifth year anniversary present. The black and silver two-tone paint makes it an extremely attractive bike. I have received several comments on how great the bike looks and what a wonderful bike it is overall. I have enjoyed learning to ride and will forever be a thrilled owner/rider of a 2000 Honda Rebel.
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I am getting ready to get back into ridding. Looking for something I can use for commuting back & forth to school and inexpensive bike. With Honda you get a lot of bike for the buck not like some of the other manufacturers where everything is an option. I have been away from motorcycles for about ten years & would like to get back into it. Thinking seriously about buying a 2000 Honda CMX250C Rebel.
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First bike I ever had and it was great for learning. I rode it for a year and moved up to a Shadow VLX Deluxe and now my wife is learning with the Rebel.
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I had never ridden a bike in my life. I decided to go about it the right way, and bought a '99 Rebel. Its light weight and ease of use proved to be a great starting point. The downside: In less than a year, I traded it in for a Magna when I decided I needed more power.
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I had never ridden a motorcycle before purchasing this bike. It is a great bike to learn on. It is easy to control, and does not have the power to put you on your back if you overturn the throttle. It also weighs just over 300 lbs which is light for a bike. I have had to "muscle" it a few times to avoid tipping over (my dumb mistakes). If it were a larger bike it would have went down. After a few months I do notice the lack of power. I would not take it on the freeway due to its weight and lack of power. I will probably move to a larger bike soon, but am very glad I started with this one. It is also very easy to work on, and there is a Clymer manual available that gives excellent step by step instructions with pictures. I am very happy with this bike, and the rebel's are fairly inexpensive.
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I purchased this bike not to long after I got my licenses. It's a very forgiving bike which makes it excellent for people like me who were novice riders. It works great for quick rides to and from work as well as the nice four hour ride on the weekend. Don't think it'll do all though, I wouldn't come near a major highway in one of these things. The bike does not have enough power to react quickly at high speeds, making highway driving dangerous. The other problem is that after four months and 2000 miles I became quite frustrated with the lack of power in the bike. But with an initial price of $2,000 and a resale value not far off of that, it's the perfect bike to buy, ride, learn, sell, and move on to something else.
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My Rebel she so fast. Last week I beat a Hayabusa in a drag race at Holden road. After that his girlfriend went riding with me. I think chicks are big on the rebel. They are stuck on me like duct tape when I ride my rebel to the high school. Good day, green grass.
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I bought this bike in March of 99. It was about $3400 out the door with a helmet included. I hadn't ridden a motorcycle in years but quickly mastered this great little bike. Mileage is around 75 mpg. Driving 16 miles each way to work and back was a pleasure, even keeping up with 65-70 mph traffic in Virginia Beach. This is a great handling bike for city commuting, but 50 miles is a long way to ride on this one. I have since upgraded to a Kawasaki VN800. My wife is learning how to ride the Rebel and she loves it! At 5'3" and 120 lbs. this is a perfect bike for her. My recommendation-buy this bike to learn on, then be ready to get a bigger bike next year.
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I recently purchased the Rebel. Its a great first time bike, but after having it only a short while I find myself ready to move up the ladder. If your a first time rider, get this bike.
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This bike is definitely a great first time bike. It is quick, small, and easy to handle. It looks great also. It is a little sluggish with a heavier rider and I wouldn't recommend it for someone over 225 lbs. This is the best bike to take to the riding test, though. It is extremely easy to handle and balances well. Not good on highways because it is so light.
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This is the perfect bike for new riders or for someone who is small. Great gas milage and very easy to move about.
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My bike has 25,000 miles on it now. I bought it used from the original owner in 1989 with 3,000 miles on it. I have replaced the chain, both tires, front and rear brake pads, front fork seals and battery. All these only once. The bike is quick to respond, very reliable, has a sixth gear overdrive, excellent brakes and a very good finish in chrome and paint. All the welds are excellent and the overall workmanship is very good. It is extremely low, making it good for short riders or women. It has enough power to provide good sustained highway speeds. I expect this bike to be a collectors unit in the next five years. Age and scarcity are starting to set in. If you can get one under 2,000US do so. As I am six feet, I found it slightly cramped until I installed an engine guard with forward foot rests. Now I travel on 400 mile trips in a day without fatigue.
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Bought a used 450 Rebel a year ago - my first bike. It had been well maintained & had only 8500 miles. So far it has been extremely reliable, has needed nothing besides regular routine maintenance. I love the 6-speed transmission, has no problem keeping up with bigger bikes at highway speeds. I also like the fact that it doesn't look too tiny when parked alongside other bikes. The seat is very comfortable even on long rides. Also it is ideal for short-legged riders, both in seat height & riding position. Negative points: I'm 5'5" & the riding position would be more comfortable if it were more stretched out with forward pegs, after-market highway pegs mount too high to be comfortable. Also hard to customize, not many accessories available.
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I am a complete novice to the sport of Motorcycling and I recently aquired a used 1985 Honda Rebel to learn to Ride on ... speaking as a person with zero Riding experience, I found my little Rebel to be a joy and non-intimidating right from the first moment I put my hind side in the saddle! Because it is light, small and well balanced, I was able to take it around the block with no problems on my very first ride. Will be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course next Spring, so hopefully my Rebel and I with enjoy a Summer of Riding together ... maybe after that I'll move on up to a Suzuki LS650 Savage ... hmmm ...
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This bike was a great bike to learn how to ride. For a first street bike you can't go wrong. It is light and has a low center of gravity. I used it in a safety class I attended and kept it for several years after.
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Small, lightweight bike; prefect for the beginner who doesn't weigh more than 180 pounds. The Passenger seat is useless, because it's not going to have the power to pull two grown adults at highway speeds. Most people will quickly outgrow the 250cc, but it's a great start to getting your training in. It's a motorcycle simulator for beginners at a fair introduction price!
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I just purchased a new Rebel, and I must say this bike is just as good as any. Who needs a Harley when Honda can make a bike this good!
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The Rebel is the perfect beginner bike. It has the look of a beast yet the maneuvers like a beauty. Light weight and with enough pep for most novice riders this bike collapses reliability, style, and a great price into one tight little package.
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I have traveled over 700 miles on this bike during the first 9 months of owning it. I have traveled back roads, city streets and even Atlanta's 285 and GA 400 without a single problem. It has great pick-up (which you need while maneuvering traffic on 285 and GA400). I thought I would trade this bike in after I gained experience riding motorcycles but nahhh! I am just looking forward to accessorizing it now, not trading it in.
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AT 56 YEARS OLD I HAVE JUST GOTTEN MY 2004 REBEL IN MAY THIS YEAR AND JUST LOVE IT. MY HUSBAND GOT A HARLEY HERITAGE SOFTTAIL LAST YEAR AND HE LOVES TO RIDE MY REBEL TOO! THIS IS THE BEST BEGINNER BIKE YOU COULD GET. NOW I AM GETTING READY FOR A BIGGER BIKE.
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I bought the Rebel two months ago and I had never ridden a bike ever. My best friend drove it home for me and after two days practice in my neighborhood I was ready for the road. This motorcycle gave plenty of confidance due to it only weighing 300lbs and having a small engine.
I get compliments everywhere I go. I think this is due to the perfect combination of chrome and black. Looks great, runs great, and it won't leave a hole in your pocket. Later I will get a bigger bike when I get real good with this one, but I would never sell my Rebel. I will give it to my wife who loves it and will buy myself a Shadow. That's right, another Honda. Can't go wrong with Honda.
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I am a 56 year old grandmother of 6. My husband and I had a Goldwing and I didn't really enjoy just going along for the ride. When he mentioned that he would like for us to ride again, I said only on the condition that I have my own bike. I took the Motor Cycle Safety course (highly recommended), passed and bought my 2004 Rebel. The Rebel is very responsible and has given me the self confidence that I need. We are doing trips in the mountains now and loving it. Ladies, get off the back of your hubbie's bike and experience biking first hand. You'll never go back to piggy-backing.
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After 30 yrs of my husband bugging me, I finally took the rider course and went shopping for a bike. Because I am small, and inexperienced, I went against the salesman’s' advice and got the 250 over the 600. I could not have made a better choice. The rider course was great, but I live right in the city and the Rebel was perfect for me to learn on and gain confidence. The bike proved to be everything I needed while improving my skills. Yes, I am currently shopping for a bigger bike. Studying reviews between the Suzuki S40, the Yamaha Custom 650, and the Honda Shadow. I highly recommend this bike to any new or re-entry rider to build confidence on and allow the necessary time for riding skills to become second nature, then by all means, move up and enjoy the road! (I do believe in "be heard--be safe" and I wish the bike was a little louder.) My husband rides a Harley, he is never missed, I have had drivers watch him pass, and pull right in front of me. Whatever I buy in the spring, I will upgrade the exhaust a little.
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I have just passed the MSF safety class and bought a used Rebel with 700 miles for practice. I would like to share my experience from a beginner’s point of view. I must admit that the only other motorcycle that I rode was the Kawasaki Eliminator 250 during the MSF course and thus I will not be able to do a comparative report. I am 5’8” and weigh 150 lb, and the Rebel fits me just fine. It is relatively light and it is not much longer than a bicycle, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight space very easy. However at 300 lbs, moving it is not trivial. The best way to do this is to sit on it and straddle it in neutral, which prevents the bike from tilting to one side or the other. The bike is quiet and sounds civilized at idle. The acceleration is again very civilized so it is un-intimidating for the beginner. Someone from a chat room reported that the 0 – 60 on a Rebel is about 11 sec. The Rebel needs to go into the 3rd gear to allow for a smooth cruising in the 20-25 MPH range, which makes passing through neiborhood roads with many stop signs a good workout on gear shifting. The Kawasaki, by contrast, allows smooth riding in the same range in 2nd gear. I, as well as others, have found the clutch on the Rebel on the heavy side and it requires a firm kick to shift, and you should get a good pair of riding boots to make this more comfortable. Furthermore, it is hard to find neutral when the engine is running, although you can find it easily after shutting down the engine. These two factors are no big deal once you get used to them. With proper gear selection, the bike runs smoothly and quietly up to 40 MPH (in 5th) and then it feels a little buzzy under the seat. I have not gone over 50 MPH yet so I cannot tell you how that may feel, but the bike has no problem reaching a top speed of 70-75 MPH with a rider of similar size, as I know many people commute on this bike on highways. The wind is a factor as the bike is light and someone told me a windshield helps. The brakes work well. Although they may not be the most powerful, they resist locking, which is a good thing for beginners. For example, during my MSF class, nearly all the falls were caused by improper braking. The bike can make a U-turn in a single lane road so it is highly nimble by motorcycle standards. The average gas mileage for the Rebel is 70 MPG and its insurance is very cheap (<$100 for liability). The resell of Rebel is outstanding. In Houston in spring, once you see an Ad in the newpapers, you must go there to buy it on that day, otherwise, it will be gone the next day. In my parking garage, including mine, there are four Rebels, and there is only one Suzuki 250 that shows up from time to time so Rebel is by far the most popular bike for an urban setting and many people want it, used or new. So far, I have no needs or desire to move up to a bigger bike. I do not plan to ride on the highway regularly and have limited space in my garage. The Rebel is designed for an urban area where one has to fight traffic and worries about gas price and parking space.
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This is my first bike. It was easy to learn on - simple and very dependable. As I gained seat time, I also came to appreciate how much fun it is also, especially in the twisties. Takes a little breaking in for smooth shifting. Tops out pretty soon in first and second. Doesn't have big twin top end, but was able to keep up with a group of Harleys. I'm planning on trading up, but will sure miss my little Rebel.
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I bought my 03 Rebel on 6-13. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It gives me great service at a very affordable price. I have put 1300 miles on it in 30 days. It really is a lot of fun. In my opinion you cant go wrong with a Rebel.
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I actually have the 450 Rebel, but learned to ride on a 250. These bike are fun to ride and easy to handle. The engines are small so if you want to ride for a long time you'll definitely move up. I kept my Rebel because I'm fixing it up and it much easier to hop and go around the block to visit family than is my VTX1300.
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My wife (5'2") loves her 2002. She have been riding it for about 1 1/2 years now and never had a problem.
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At 55 Years old, and who use to ride the Harley,s. Haven't rode a bike in over 15 years, So with the Knees that are not so young anymore ,My choice was to go with a 2003 Honda Rebel 250. in about a hour, I was back on the Highway. easy bike to learn on. OD says 85, don,t need anything faster. at 307 LBS. It a Great Bike and 60 Miles per gallon can,t beat That! It a Motorcycle thats a classic and it take me from Point A to B with out any problems My Dodge Truck hasn't been out of the driveway in 3 weeks.Because i really in joy driving the Honda Rebel, Mines black. and the wife has a Blue Honda Rebel also a 2003, It,s a great beginner motorcycle, and if your like me an not looking to go warp 10,it,s a great everyday motorcycle Hay! I,ve allready been up and back from COCO BEACH all ready.
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I think the Rebel is a very good beginner motorbike. Alot of the MSF Rider courses use this little work horse in class. It's easy to handle,I've had no mechanical problems, its a decent looking bike. I think too light for highway speeds, but good for the back roads. I don't know that I'd classify it as a cruiser..but hey if you really want to do alot of miles move up to a bigger bike. I do wish Honda would learn to make a decent seat!
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i'm 20years old and was given a bike by my parents last year. The only problem i have is that its a small bike... It runs great and looks ok but its just too small for me... i would recommend it for any starter however but dont get to attached cause your gonna wanna trade it in soon.
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This is in response to problems. It might not be the bike but rather the dealers service dept. I had the exact bike {2000 model}, which is the identical bike except maybe for color.The only problem I had was fixed pronto by the service manager. I would recommend this bike to anyone! Too bad you had a tough time at the shop, but please don't give up on a good thing because of bad service personal.
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I bought a 2001 Rebel new in 01. Other than some dirt bikes as a little kid I never really rode. After some research, determined this was the best beginner’s bike to buy. And boy howdy, is it ever. She is a good bike with a lot of forgiveness for first timer stupidity. I have laid it down twice practicing in a parking lot (wet (from rain) cement, locked up the front brake). Each time the same side. Stood up and did it again. Then learned my lesson. And survived with only a skinned knee. That was then. Now I own a Goldwing (GL1200) and the Rebel is much too small for me. But, I use it to teach others to ride. First my mom, then my brothers wife, now my wife and our 18 year old boarder. This bike is the best to get your riding skills on.
I have taken the Rebel on 100+ mile trips, but get a bit butt sore at about 50 miles. I never developed an Iron Butt to go further, and don’t need to with the 'wing. The 50mpg I tend to get on the Rebel is great, but the small tank (just over 2 gals) means your refilling at about 110 miles.
This bike does not lure you into a false sense of confidence. Instead it makes you completely aware of the world around you, and improves your fledgling skills as a rider. And it lets you learn to not do things like drop down a gear at to high a speed, with out killing you along the way.
At 300 pounds, you'll learn to pick up a bike without pulling a muscle. (Go ahead, try and pick up a goldwing. :/ ) She isn't a racing bike, but she'll get you there and at around $3000.00 (US) she is the best first new bike to get.
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I recently bought a 2001 rebel for my daughter from an individual. This bike had an original 179 miles on it. Thought I had made a wonderful deal. Apparently there is a problem with these 250cc motors if you let them set the valves will stick, bending the valve and possible breaking the head. (Which happened to me) I took the bike to my local Honda Dealership in Fayetteville AR and they called the Honda Corporation. Honda picked up the cost of the parts and I paid the Labor. With no warranty I was very pleased with Honda, and my Honda Dealer. When I look to upgrade my daughter to a larger bike I will be looking at Honda.
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I bought my brand new Rebel this spring and found it an ideal bike to learn how to ride and obtain my license. It is small and light, easily manageable, and I feel in control of the bike instead of the other way round. The bike looks fantastic and it's a Honda so mechanically it shouldn't be a worry. I get many comments about it and jaws drop when I mention two things: how much it cost brand new and what mileage I get. I put approximately 1350 miles on it this season and used only $50CAN of gas (One tank for my car)! I bought it primarily as a second vehicle to get to work, about 20 miles round trip, and in this role it has performed perfectly. I didn't buy it to cruise the west coast or something similar. In that role it would be significantly underpowered but in the role it was designed I don't think you can go wrong. I bought new because the 1985/1986 rebels where going for $3000+ and I paid $4300 CAN brand new! Even the insurance is very reasonable. As many of the other reviews have stated, if you really get into it you will likely want a bigger, more powerful bike, but I highly recommend this bike as a starter or commuter. Starting on a bike like this is a very important step to being able to properly handle a larger bike. The resale value is so high you really won't lose much if you do decide to move up at a later date. At this stage I am thinking I wil keep it for another year and then move up to something with a sidecar. If I wasn't looking for a sidecar I would probably keep it indefinitely. Incidently, this bike is apparently sold in the UK as a commuter bike with a much more upright riding position (not that I think this is particulary laid back) If you want more details or have a question please send me an email I would be glad to help out if I can.
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I purchased a Kawasaki Eliminator 600cc three weeks ago as my first motorcycle. The experience was horrible! The cycle was used, and I experienced mechanical problems three days after purchase. Also, the weight and speed of the vehicle exceeded my comfort level. The dealer took back the Eliminator and replaced it with a Pearl Blue, 2001 Rebel. The bike is gorgeous and perfect for my 5'4 frame. I am absolutely delighted with its performance, and would highly recommend it to all novice motorcyclist (especially women.) Also, my total cost was $3200.00
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Mine is a 2001 model in pearl blue. I like the fact it does not look like a wannabe Harley. I am 48, and not trying to prove or impress anyone but myself, although I do get lets of compliments. The parallel-twin hums nicely with plenty of power for riding in town. It takes some doing to reach freeway speeds, but I prefer the northern cal. twisty back roads anyway. When I get another bike this will still grace my garage, at @ 60 mpg how can one lose.
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I have been interested in motorcycles for a number of years. My wife wasn't crazy about the idea of me riding a motorcycle. After she talked to some co-workers about my interest in motorcycles, several of them suggested the Honda Rebel. I was elated to come home from work one day a few weeks ago to find that my wife had purchased a 2000 Honda Rebel as our fifth year anniversary present. The black and silver two-tone paint makes it an extremely attractive bike. I have received several comments on how great the bike looks and what a wonderful bike it is overall. I have enjoyed learning to ride and will forever be a thrilled owner/rider of a 2000 Honda Rebel.
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I am getting ready to get back into ridding. Looking for something I can use for commuting back & forth to school and inexpensive bike. With Honda you get a lot of bike for the buck not like some of the other manufacturers where everything is an option. I have been away from motorcycles for about ten years & would like to get back into it. Thinking seriously about buying a 2000 Honda CMX250C Rebel.
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First bike I ever had and it was great for learning. I rode it for a year and moved up to a Shadow VLX Deluxe and now my wife is learning with the Rebel.
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I had never ridden a bike in my life. I decided to go about it the right way, and bought a '99 Rebel. Its light weight and ease of use proved to be a great starting point. The downside: In less than a year, I traded it in for a Magna when I decided I needed more power.
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I had never ridden a motorcycle before purchasing this bike. It is a great bike to learn on. It is easy to control, and does not have the power to put you on your back if you overturn the throttle. It also weighs just over 300 lbs which is light for a bike. I have had to "muscle" it a few times to avoid tipping over (my dumb mistakes). If it were a larger bike it would have went down. After a few months I do notice the lack of power. I would not take it on the freeway due to its weight and lack of power. I will probably move to a larger bike soon, but am very glad I started with this one. It is also very easy to work on, and there is a Clymer manual available that gives excellent step by step instructions with pictures. I am very happy with this bike, and the rebel's are fairly inexpensive.
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I purchased this bike not to long after I got my licenses. It's a very forgiving bike which makes it excellent for people like me who were novice riders. It works great for quick rides to and from work as well as the nice four hour ride on the weekend. Don't think it'll do all though, I wouldn't come near a major highway in one of these things. The bike does not have enough power to react quickly at high speeds, making highway driving dangerous. The other problem is that after four months and 2000 miles I became quite frustrated with the lack of power in the bike. But with an initial price of $2,000 and a resale value not far off of that, it's the perfect bike to buy, ride, learn, sell, and move on to something else.
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My Rebel she so fast. Last week I beat a Hayabusa in a drag race at Holden road. After that his girlfriend went riding with me. I think chicks are big on the rebel. They are stuck on me like duct tape when I ride my rebel to the high school. Good day, green grass.
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I bought this bike in March of 99. It was about $3400 out the door with a helmet included. I hadn't ridden a motorcycle in years but quickly mastered this great little bike. Mileage is around 75 mpg. Driving 16 miles each way to work and back was a pleasure, even keeping up with 65-70 mph traffic in Virginia Beach. This is a great handling bike for city commuting, but 50 miles is a long way to ride on this one. I have since upgraded to a Kawasaki VN800. My wife is learning how to ride the Rebel and she loves it! At 5'3" and 120 lbs. this is a perfect bike for her. My recommendation-buy this bike to learn on, then be ready to get a bigger bike next year.
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I recently purchased the Rebel. Its a great first time bike, but after having it only a short while I find myself ready to move up the ladder. If your a first time rider, get this bike.
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This bike is definitely a great first time bike. It is quick, small, and easy to handle. It looks great also. It is a little sluggish with a heavier rider and I wouldn't recommend it for someone over 225 lbs. This is the best bike to take to the riding test, though. It is extremely easy to handle and balances well. Not good on highways because it is so light.
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This is the perfect bike for new riders or for someone who is small. Great gas milage and very easy to move about.
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My bike has 25,000 miles on it now. I bought it used from the original owner in 1989 with 3,000 miles on it. I have replaced the chain, both tires, front and rear brake pads, front fork seals and battery. All these only once. The bike is quick to respond, very reliable, has a sixth gear overdrive, excellent brakes and a very good finish in chrome and paint. All the welds are excellent and the overall workmanship is very good. It is extremely low, making it good for short riders or women. It has enough power to provide good sustained highway speeds. I expect this bike to be a collectors unit in the next five years. Age and scarcity are starting to set in. If you can get one under 2,000US do so. As I am six feet, I found it slightly cramped until I installed an engine guard with forward foot rests. Now I travel on 400 mile trips in a day without fatigue.
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Bought a used 450 Rebel a year ago - my first bike. It had been well maintained & had only 8500 miles. So far it has been extremely reliable, has needed nothing besides regular routine maintenance. I love the 6-speed transmission, has no problem keeping up with bigger bikes at highway speeds. I also like the fact that it doesn't look too tiny when parked alongside other bikes. The seat is very comfortable even on long rides. Also it is ideal for short-legged riders, both in seat height & riding position. Negative points: I'm 5'5" & the riding position would be more comfortable if it were more stretched out with forward pegs, after-market highway pegs mount too high to be comfortable. Also hard to customize, not many accessories available.
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I am a complete novice to the sport of Motorcycling and I recently aquired a used 1985 Honda Rebel to learn to Ride on ... speaking as a person with zero Riding experience, I found my little Rebel to be a joy and non-intimidating right from the first moment I put my hind side in the saddle! Because it is light, small and well balanced, I was able to take it around the block with no problems on my very first ride. Will be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course next Spring, so hopefully my Rebel and I with enjoy a Summer of Riding together ... maybe after that I'll move on up to a Suzuki LS650 Savage ... hmmm ...
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This bike was a great bike to learn how to ride. For a first street bike you can't go wrong. It is light and has a low center of gravity. I used it in a safety class I attended and kept it for several years after.