250 vs 450 Rebel Question from a Newbie!

[auj1fan]

Hi,

I am a newbie and have a question. I can't decide if my first bike should be a 250 or a 450. Also what is the approxiamate weight of the two bikes? Thanks!

[cTc]

the 450 was made in only 2 years 86/87. So it will be 20 year old bike. But, they are as near bullet proof as a bike can be.

the 250 weighs in a 304 dry. and the 450, I'm not sure, but I would guess in the 400 to 425lb range.

[Are (yes it is my name!)]

how many horsepower has the 250 got? is it a big difference between the 250 and 450 in terms of horsepower and tourqe?

[bobinillinois]

Hi,

Also what is the approxiamate weight of the two bikes? Thanks!

I am fairly certain that the dry weight of the 450 is 385 pounds.


how many horsepower has the 250 got? is it a big difference between the 250 and 450 in terms of horsepower and tourqe?

Again, I am fairly certain that the 250 has 18 bhp and the 450 38 bhp. I believe that means horsepower to the rear wheel.

Bob

[cTc]

I have had very limited interactions with the 450's, I am trying to locate one to purchase and toy around with. Thats pretty good on the HP for the 450, the vlx 600 I just bought is only 36 or 38 hp.

[auj1fan]

Thanks to all who replied.

So what are your thoughts? Go with the 250 or the 450?

Thanks!

[cTc]

That really comes down to personal preference. I have only ridin a 450 a couple of time. they are nice bikes, but being that they are no longer in production, you may have issues with parts. I know good 450 tanks bring a hefty price.

the 250 is a good bike. my wife has a 2001, and loves it. buy next june we will be selling it and she will move up to a slightly larger bike. (the main reason I just bought a vlx 600) There are parts availible, and if new is your desire, they come with warranty. all for about $3k. we bought my wifes bike in 2003 with 4000 miles for $1600.00. so there are good deals out there on good bikes.

[bobinillinois]

I have never ridden a 250, so have no experience with that bike. But there are many, many Rebel 250 owners who love the bike and would never sell it. As CTC said, if you want a new or newer bike you have no choice but to buy a 250 because the 450's have not been made since 1987. And parts for the 450 can be harder to find, especially if you are in need of a new gas tank. But if you can locate a 450 that has been well maintained, it is a great first bike. The good news is that whether you get a 250 or a 450 you are going to love it.

Bob

[auj1fan]

Well I found a 250 locally here in Cleveland. It's a 1985...red...saddle bags, padded sissy bar, 2 windshields and only 6000 miles....asking price is $1600.00. It's in mint condition so I hear...haven't see it yet. Has been kept in heated garage and comes with it's maintenance log. Blue book is like $1185 so not sure what to offer.....thoughts?

Thanks,
Kim

[cTc]

I would start with 12 benjamins. and go from there. Those nice crispt greens tend to work wonders.

[GearJammer]

Both the 250cc & 450cc are great bikes! You could use either as a starter bike, but for someone who is first learning to ride, I tend to suggest the 250cc. It's extremely nimble & lightweight.

The 450cc is noticeably heavier. It's actually about 15 lbs. heavier than my 650cc Triumph chopper & I really notice that extra 15 lbs. when trying to roll the bike while standing next to it, LOL! Actually, I think it's more a matter of a higher center of gravity as the chop sits very low.

The 250cc has a 5-spd gearbox, the 450cc has a 6 speeds & the 450cc will cruise at very respectable speeds with no problem & with maximum comfort. As mentioned, the 450cc seems a bit top-heavy to me when jockeying it around on foot, but once in motion & riding, it's a very good handling & manuevering bike!

Have heard that the hardest part to acquire for the 450cc is the gas tank, but other than that, parts for either model shouldn't be too much of a problem.

The '85 that you've located sounds like a good one. Would agree with CTC that $1200 would be a more reasonable price, but with that low mileage & if it's in mint condition, $1600 isn't necessarily off the chart. And CTC is dead on....ca$h in hand has an immediate effect on the seller. It's hard to say "No" when someone is offerring a lower price, but also has the green in view, LOL! When looking at a possible buy, I'll usually have what I want to offer immediately accessible, but might stash a bit more in the other pocket just in case.