450 Rebel Gearing

[GearJammer]

Really like the 6 spd. tranny on this Reb & after shifting into 6th, it has a good feel, like it's settling in for some serious smooth cruising (and it is :wink: ).

2nd thru 6th feels right, shifting intervals seem balanced & proper.

But that 1st gear.....*ahem*....it seems geared way off from the rest of the power band. From a standing start at a light, it barely makes it thru the light before demanding the shift into 2nd. I've learned to live with it, but couldn't help but notice the short range of 1st. Has anyone else felt the same about 1st gear ?

I'm sure it's normal & I'm relatively O.K. with it, but am wondering if this is something that Honda might be addressing for next year's 450 Rebel model ? ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

[Snorebaby]

I like the OD also. I have to agree with you on 1st gear. It does seem low. I usually shift by ear and sometimes puts me in OD at around 50mph. If you look at the speedo you see the redline speed of each gear. I don't usually take it that far unless someone is chasing me (with blue lights LOL!!)

I have noticed that at 65mph the OD is very smooth and "settled in". The only problem is on very steep hills (especially on 2 lanes) that I will have to downshift to 5th to keep speed. Don't know if you have that problem in Arizona ROTFLMAO!!! Highway hills are not a problem. She just takes them in stride.

I'm sure it's normal & I'm relatively O.K. with it, but am wondering if this is something that Honda might be addressing for next year's 450 Rebel model ? ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

Now that would be AWESOME!! I would be the first in line to buy one!!!

Side Note: Don't know if you heard but, Phil Mickelson won his 2nd Green Jacket today!! :D

[GearJammer]

Snorey wrote: "Don't know if you have that problem in Arizona"

...hehehe.....normally not, but believe it or not, we do have mountains, LMAO! And for real ones at that :D

I'm like you & shift by ear. My landlord prefers using a tach, but I always keep the bikes as barebones as possible. Heck, the Rebel actually got to keep it's speedo & front brake! ROTFLMAO!

Snorey wrote: "Now that would be AWESOME!! I would be the first in line to buy one!!!"

Agreed with one exception :wink: The new 2006 bikes are all restricted by the new EPA regs :evil: But if they WEREN'T, then HELL YEAH!ROTFLMAO!!!!

Snorey wrote: "Side Note: Don't know if you heard but, Phil Mickelson won his 2nd Green Jacket today"

I don't follow sports very closely, but am guessing it's something to do with the Master's Golf Tourney ? Either that or Phil just got his Leprechan Promotion! ROTFFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!