Help ! Would Rebel compare to my '65 Honda 305??

[steve]

Hi, i am a newbie here.
I haven't ridden a cycle since I was a teenager and had a 1965 Honda Super Hawk (305 cc) from 1969 to 1972. But I am considering getting a bike now, and in the same size range. My question for you is whether I would find the Rebel similar to ride. It looks rather similar to the old Honda 305 except the 305 had chrome on the tank. The 305 had 29 horsepower and would hit 100 mph, and it also had a very nice loud exhaust roar. I found the 305 to be like a "real" motorcycle without all the hassle and weight of a 650, 750, or larger engine. Is the Rebel similar? Your advice would be welcome!
thanks

steve smith
cleveland

[cTc]

Welcome to the site.

I think if you are looking for light weight easy to handle and maintain, and capability to cruise at highway speeds, the rebel is what you want. I am 6' 2" and its a bit cramped for me but still fun to ride. If you might consider a bit larger bike, you could go for the 450 rebel, only built in '86 & '87, or I would suggest the shadow 600 vlx, which is my primary ride. Theres several people here who can advise you of their experiences and might help you make your decision.

Later.

[Snorebaby]

Hey Steve and welcome!!

I have an 86 450. I just got it out of the shop today from 15 years of storage. I bought it new and rode it with the footpegs in the stock position for about 5 yrs. I am 6'1" and it was great around town, but longer rides were a little cramped. So I moved the pegs forward (see my post in the mods section) and I rode 90 miles today it really was pretty comfy. It has great power and will cruise the highway well. 65-70mph no problems. She handles well and is a very reliable machine. You will be pleased and happy with it. She can stay with any H-D 883 and in my opinion looks better, but I am biased LOL!!

Again, Welcome to the board!!

[GearJammer]

Welcome, Steve!

You were fortunate enough to own the 305 before the EPA started their "no fun" campaign & started burying hp under EPA restrictions, LMAO! 100 mph for your 305 would have been a breeze & your hp rating of 29 hp also outrates the 250cc Rebel, which is rated at approx. 18 hp. The 450 Rebel is rated at 38 hp, but the 6th gear REALLY lets the 450 get out there & get it on comfortably & smoothly.

Believe me, this is NOT to underestimate the 250cc Rebel as it's an extremely versatile & extremely well-handling bike with classic styling & a lower seat height, which lends itself to a more "natural" ride. Top speed on the 250cc is generally in the 75 mph range, but it'll do that all day long & not be straining. Had a 250cc that I modified, went with straight pipes w/EMGO 12" Shorties & the sound was fine. Maybe not as loud as open pipes on the 305, but definitely respectable & a bit throaty, very nice tone actually.

I've got the highest respect for both Rebel models. Have owned both a 250cc & now this 450cc, the first & only Japanese bikes I've actually owned & they've definitely made a believer out of me.

Turn-key & go, gotta love it!

[steve]

thanks to all three of you for your advice and suggestions!

i had been considering buying a another '65 Super Hawk---found one that has supposedly been fully restored to mint condition for $ 2600
but then i thought i'd check the Honda website and see if they still made anything new that is even remotely similar to the old 305.

all the "new" bikes i've seen have been these odd little machines with the full faring and crouched over seat....not the "real" bikes i remember where you can stretch back and cruise [i am also 6'2]

i had no idea Honda has a line of "traditional" bikes until checking the website and of course the 250 Rebel stood out!!

the idea of buying a "new" Rebel for just $3000 sounds pretty good compared to getting a 41 year old Hawk for $2600, even if it is restored! Just a little more confident to be on a new machine at 70 mph....don't think I'd want to push a 41 year old Honda to 100 anyway [plus my guess is you have to fear motorists a bit more now that I did way back then]

i really appreciated your advice, and the thing to do now is probably get to the Honda dealer and test-ride one. From what you all say, i think i will like the Rebel---too bad they didn't continue the 450 Rebel, which I assume was a continuation of the old Honda 450 that began around 1966...
I also can't wait to find out if all riders still wave to each other as we did in the '60s and '70s....except that as i recall some of the riders on the big bikes [Harleys, Triumphs] would not always wave back at us lowly Japanese bike riders!

have a good riding season and thanks guys for your help!

steve in cleveland

[Snorebaby]

Steve,

The 250 is a good choice for "re-learning" but with your height it will be a tad cramped. I would go with a 600 or similar bike. My 450 is more comfortable now that I moved the pegs forward.

As for the waving, I rode yesterday and got mixed reviews. It seemed the "older" bikers, no matter what they rode, waved but some of the "younger" bikers looked at you like you were crazy if you didn't have what they were riding. Most (not all) of the cruisers waved but most (not all) of the crotch-rocket set did not.

So with that said, I think I will make a post posing that question. It will be interesting to see what kinda responses are generated.

[GearJammer]

In agreement with Snorey here...

Since you've ridden before, you could go with just about anything you preferred. Unfortunately, with the 450cc Rebel out of the line-up, it pretty much jumps from 250cc Rebel to 600cc Shadow (for new Hondas).

For that $2600 you mentioned, you could more than likely find a very decent used 450 Reb or 600 VLX (among other choices of course)

Shop around, it's still a buyer's market out there....got this 450 Rebel locally for $800 (admittedly a low price compared to others seen on eBay, etc.) & the only $$$ put into it was essentially for chosen mods, only exception was repairing a stripped out oil drain plug ($12 ?).

Almost forgot: cTc could no doubt give you the low-down on the Shadows. I believe the earlier the year, the higher the hp rating. Know a guy who had an '02 600cc VLX, he said it was sluggish & needed a 5th gear.

[steve]

thanks again guys for your suggestions!

[GearJammer]

Ubetcha, Steve & please keep us posted on your bike search, O.K. ? Whether you end up with a Rebel or not, you're always welcome here! :D