hello fellow rebel riders !!!

[rooks85]

my name is chris i live in ardmore oklahoma..i just bought me a 2007 honda rebel..and i love it...I do however have some questions that need answers...Ok i'm 5'4 and i weigh 100 lbs lol...well i want to change the sprocket...i want a faster take off but yet still go 85 mph on the freeway...mpg is not really an issue..my other question is ...Pipes and re-jetting issues..i think the rebel is to quiet..i want to open up the pipes on it..what do ya'll sugest?but i do not want it to sound like a dirt bike !!...and re-jetting issues..i know ya'll get thies questions all the time but i rather ask before i do anything...thank you for reading this..

[b4v4]

Hey, Chris, great to have you on board! Although Rebels are a kick in the shorts, and do quite well for a 250 cc machine, I personally have never seen one achieve 85 mph unless pushed off a cliff! Now, mine is an old one, and maybe it's geared different than the newer ones, but 70 is pretty much screamin' for it. If you want to get it to get up and go quicker with gearing, there's only one way to do it, and that's by lowering the top speed. either a tooth less on the front (countershaft) sprocket, or 3 or 4 teeth more on the back. As far as exhaust goes, opening up on the exhaust will only genuinely help you if you rejet. Keep in mind that it is still only a 250 cc engine. And although it does well, they are limited by their size. Good luck!

[rooks85]

thank you for the help bro...yea i mean i have mine pegged at 85 and i just shifted into 5th gear when it happend...i can be in 4th and do 75 and 5 in 75 and use only maybe 1/2 gas...where can i find some good pipes(slip on's)

[uneasyrider]

Welcome Chris, For all your Rebel needs, call Jack @ 1-800-240-0393 he's the Rebel guru.

Howard

[GearJammer]

Welcome aboard, Chris.......Here's one of the better threads that I've seen in recent months on the pipes question:

http://www.hondarebelforum.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=909

There's wisdom in what b4v4 has told you.....My '85 250 pretty much topped out at around 75 mph, but I can see the possibility of going faster with a lighter body weight......Nothing wrong with wanting louder pipes, tho' please be prepared to dial it in with a re-jet if necessary (and with shorter slip-ons, a re-jet is probably gonna be in order)

Howard's suggestion to give Jack a shout is also a very good one. Jack can offer you his professional opinion & is very willing to help people as best he can.

For inexpensive slip-ons: www.jcwhitney.com

Ride Safe....

[rooks85]

does any 1 have any sound clips of a rebel 250 with pipes??How hard is it to just remove the baffles?

[GearJammer]

Hopefully others will chime in on this one as it's a hard call.....The baffles "could" be removed, but does one really wanna trash brand new pipes on a brand new bike ? I'm sure you get the drift...

I've routinely altered bikes, but the newest one I own is a '94 & that's a RECENT acquistition, LOL!

Now, Snorey has some tentative plans to do something like you're suggesting on his '87 450 Reb & he might share that info with ya, but he may have a similar viewpoint as the initial question posted above....or maybe not....I dunno......

Another option might be to see if Jack has some Mac aftermarket pipes that would work on your's. That way, you'd still have the stock pipes in case you decided to revert back to 'em or if you ever decided to sell the Rebel in future, the new owner might wanna revert back to stock......

[rooks85]

well...i was thinking..i have seen some 250cc crotch rockets..well..i know that u a counter shaft sprocket..and the wheel sprocket..has any 1 ever tryed to expermint with the teeth number on them to see if they work or not..like go up in tooth on back..say 33 to a 35 and go lower on the counter shaft??b/c i know the ninja 250 (i was gonna get)was fast for a 250..but i'm a chopper person and i love the rebel...will not get rid of it..

[GearJammer]

Yes, some have done sprocket changes & seem to have been pleased with the results, but those changes still wouldn't bring one to the quickness of a 250 Ninja. (Haven't been around a 250 Ninja, but as you've just said, have heard that they're quicker than all get-out for a 250cc, just a different animal, if you will)

Absolutely nothing wrong with the Rebel. I had some serious fun modifying the 250 when I owned the '85. In it's stock form, it's just BEGGIN' to be modified, LMAO! Have FUN with it, it definitely IS a viable motorcycle, but the reality is that it does have certain limitations in regards to the extent of performance mods that can be easily achieved.

[rooks85]

has any 1 had and luck with the counter shaft sprocket change??and thanks for every 1 ...i have been on a lot of forums...s-10 forum..exc and this is by far the best 1 yet...i'm just want something quicker off the line if you will...this is a town bike..but i do travel 100 miles one way (to okc) i have cystic fibrosis so i have to dr pretty often and i wanted somethin i can go 75 mph and around town where i can get to 45 mph in a hurry..

[b4v4]

Chris, I haven't done it on my Rebel, But I did do it on my Yamaha Raptor 660 quad. I simply dropped one tooth on the front, and it completely cured the gear-split difference I had for sand dune climbing between 1st and 2nd gears. It's cheap, and I always recomend doing that first. They say 1 tooth less on the front is the same as 4 teeth more on the back.

[rooks85]

thank you so much..do u know what number to teeth the counter shaft sprocket have???and where i can get them..i'm just really into this rebel thing..i bought my bike and i was like ok...i have it for a lil while and sell it...but man it was love at first ride..i just want to make it better...again thanks so much for your help..

[GearJammer]

I believe the C/S sprocket is 12T..........you could probably order an 11T from the Honda stealership, but I'd highly recommend checkin' alternate sources to try to find better pricing:

Local indie shops
www.jcwhitney.com
www.bikebandit.com
www.denniskirk.com - Dennis Kirk offers a HUGE catalog for Metric Cruisers & it's FREE!

If you don't have one already, a Clymer's Manual for your Reb would be highly recommended, easily available at most indie shops, eBay or thru the links above. Same with the Honda OEM Service Manual, again HIGHLY recommended.

[b4v4]

One more thing, Chris, I know that there's a magic number for the front sprocket that you don't want to cross. And I think it is 11, but it could be 12. If you go smaller than that, it really wears the chain out a lot quicker because of the arc the chain has to bend going around it. But it seems to me that nowadays the companies that sell sprockets won't even sell you one smaller than you should have. I'm only mentioning this in case you can't find what you want in a catalog, and go to special-order it. :wink:

[rooks85]

i have 1 more question..what size is the head pipe???i found some pipes on jc whitney..they are 20.00 each and they r 19"...

[GearJammer]

If you're saying that the JC Whitney pipes are 19" extensions/slip-ons & asking if they'll fit the stock Rebel headers.....the stock headers are 1 3/8" O.D. They'll accept 1 1/2" I.D. slip-ons by using 1/8" reducers......

[GearJammer]

Also.........PLEASE check out "jodilain" & "amcline"'s mods earlier in this thread (in the provided links earlier) to see how "amcline" kept the up-swept curvature of the stock header for much needed ground clearance.....VERY IMPORTANT so's that the extensions won't scrape on heavy leans :wink:

[rooks85]

ok first i need to get a pipes that will fit 1/2 od? and second..how bout if this works...go 1 tooth down on counter sprocket and get a 30 tooth for the back?

[GearJammer]

If you're planning to cut the stock mufflers off (and if you're positive you wanna do that on this brand new '07) then, yes, the slip-ons would have to fit 1 1/2" O.D. (stock header 1 3/8" + 1/8" reducer = 1 1/2" O.D.)

Maybe "amcline" would be kind enough to jump in here as well, if you're reading this, "amcline" ?

The sprocket changes I'm unsure of.......b4v4 mentioned that 1 tooth down on the c/s sprocket is equivalent to 4 teeth up on the rear sprocket. I'd heard that 1T on c/s = 2 on rear sprocket, but I could obviously be wrong on that. But it seems like it'd be easier to change out either one or the other towards whichever type of gearing you're aiming for.......

[rooks85]

well...i'm going to get a counter sprocket today...1 tooth down size..and i might just buy a real exhaust system...so i'll post something later to see how it works..i was thinging..if i go 1 tooth lower on c/s i have better take off..and go like 31 tooth on main sprocket i have a better top end..that is what i'm shootin for...

[GearJammer]

Hmmmm......First off, I need to apologize here. Not sure where I got the 12T figure for the c/s sprocket, unless it was #12 in the parts list. Just went back to www.bikebandit.com & checked 'em out. They don't have the 2007 Reb listed yet, but I checked the 2006 parts schematics.

14T c/s sprocket...33T rear wheel sprocket

Remembering that b4v4 offerred the magic number on the c/s sprocket to NOT go below, you're probably safe with these new (correct) numbers. You could go to 13T c/s sprocket for faster take-off.

You might wanna wait on making any changes to the rear until after you've seen how the c/s sprocket affects your performance. If it's still not to your liking, you could then try something further.

I agree with you on buying aftermarket pipes for a variety of reasons mentioned earlier in the thread.......Good luck & please DO keep us posted.......

[rooks85]

well....i was on my way to the honda dealership..and well i was at a stop sign and this dodge ran 4 by 4 backed up into me..it twisted the front forks..and bent in my front fender...so..i don't know what to do now...what do they consider totaled out?

[GearJammer]

GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!!!!!! Damn cagers anyways!

Man, I'm sincerely sorry to hear about this, Chris. Hopefully, you're O.K. ? Yes ?

Honestly don't know how much damage before they consider it totaled, but your ins. co. should be able to give you a pretty good idea on that.

Un-freakin'-believable! Damn!

[rooks85]

yea i'm ok...just really pissed off..well...my fender is bent,my front wheel will not turn..and my forks r bent also...so....he guy said he will pay 100% of cost and the insurence adjuster will be over monday..i told him man...i have not even got a real tag on it yet..and i gave up everything for this bike...really made him feel like crap..i need any 1 who went throught this to tell me what to expect..we have no motorcycle shop in this area so i'm thinking i have to take it to the honda dealership where i got it...But YES i'm ok...and thank ya'll for askin..i consider you guys FAMILY!!!

[GearJammer]

Thanx for lettin' us know you're O.K. & you've got every right to be ticked off. Damn!

Again, I'm not sure how this works, but you might call the Honda dealership & ask them for their input as well. The front forks & more than likely the front wheel, fender are probably gonna get replaced without question. The frames on the 250's are pretty frail & if the impact tweaked the frame, that cat's insurance co. may very well be buying you a brand new bike! And you'd damn sure be entitled to it.

Man, I'm truly sorry to hear about this. I know what a heartbreaker this must be.

Hang in there, Brother....it'll work out & you'll be back on the road sooner than you think!

[jsonder]

Your being OK is the big part.

Now I want to play devil's advocate, and hope that the bike is totaled so you get your money back and can look at a Kawasaki Ninja 250. Everything that you've discussed should be there (13K redline vs 8K with the Rebel) but it isn't a cruiser.

The Rebel engine is a good, sturdy, low-performance engine. If you can live with the lower top end, fine but the Ninja 250 is more "current".

Me, I've got a Rebel 'cause it's easy to work on and because before I do anything needed for my wife's Rebel, I do it to mine first, to practice.

Cheers, and really, your not being hurt is the important part.

[rooks85]

well...i looked at the bike today...after crying for 3 hours..well..the front tire is bent,the forks r bent,the fender is bent,the tree is really messed up the handle bars r tweked.if i have it straight it still looks like it is turned...well..i might want another rebel or just get me a 600 shadow..or a ninja..but i love speed..but i hate sloutching over all the time...and every 1 thanks so much for everything..like i said..u r like family to me..if i do get another rebel..it will be because of ya'll support..no other forum ever will compare to this one..great answers.and true honda rebel riders..I'll post something really soon...the insurence adjuster will be here tommaorw...they even told me they will get me a rental car..since the rebel was my transportation..

[b4v4]

Dang, Chris, I just got to your post today. When it rains, it pours, Huh? That definitely sucks with a capital S. As everybody else has already assured you, at least nobody got hurt or worse. Before ya go rippin' off into the sunset on your bigger bike, though, just remember you don't have to own or even ride a Rebel to be a member of this exclusive board! I personally ride a V65 Magna, I just happened to buy a Rebel for my daughter last fall, and came here for some advice. Since then, I've found this board and these people friendlier and more helpful than any of the other forums I'm a member of, so I stick around here most of the time. I, for one, have worked on many different motorcycles over the years, and might be able to answer some of your questions on other bikes, too. Just a thought? :D Once again, sorry to hear about the loss of your machine, and better luck down the road! :wink:

[rooks85]

well....today is monday..oh joy!! well..insurence guy called me and he is gonna set up a time to see my bike..well..if they do total it out ...i wanted a varigo...how ever you spell it..i love how they sound..and they 20cc bigger than the rebel..has any 1 heard good things bout thies bikes..the down side of it..they r a couple more hundred dollars more than the rebel..i guess the v-twin adds to the tag...reply back..

[GearJammer]

When the OL was looking for a starter bike, we looked at a 250 Virago, but didn't know anything about it. I asked an indie shop owner (friend) & he asked "Is it a 250 or 750 ?"........We told him 250 & he said they're fine, but that he'd avoid the 750 Virago.

I agree with you, the 250 Virago looks good & is more of a "true" 250cc. Saw one in Mexico a couple years ago, the guy had modified it a bit & was willing to sell it, but I didn't have the $$$ & didn't wanna try to figure out the hassle of bringing it back across the border, LOL!

Have a good feeling that in spite of your recent disappointment & setback, this is going to work out for you, Chris.......Good luck & please keep us posted........

On a side note, just recently saw a new Suzuki 250cc......interesting. Honda's success with the 250 Reb has stirred up some competition, LMAO!

[rooks85]

well today is tuesday..i took the bike to the shop...well the guy that hit me..he wants to pay for it out of his pocket lol..i think he is a lil crazy...he thinks it just a fender,forks,,,boy he is in for a big supprise.i told the owner of the shop..lol...to total it..b/c i will buy that varigo or how ever you spell it. i took it to the honda dealership..so if they say total loss..i get that bike...they get my money..so it's a win win deal lol..i know it's wrong...but he almost killed me..so i will leave another post tommarow to tell ya'll what they say

[GearJammer]

Chris, Some guy recently backed into my bike while it was parked. He said he'd make good on it & he did. The estimate w/labor was over $500, I knocked off the labor & only charged him for the parts. He cut me a check for a little over $300. Pretty sure that if he'd gone thru his insurance company, the original estimate would have gone beyond his deductible & his insurance premiums would have gone up, so he made out O.K. all things considered.

In your case, it wouldn't surprise me that it might be a legit total loss anyways, so don't sweat it........but the guy that hit ya would probably be wiser to go thru his insurance company on this one, LMAO!

What did the insurance adjuster say ?

[rooks85]

well....today is wednesday..called the honda lot..they said it will be couple of days for them to look at it..so i'm gonna call the cat that hit me and tell him i need a rental car..but i did call honda place and they did tell me this.."it's really ****ed up"so...this is comming from a guy who builds bikes for 40 years..so u know it has to be bad...well i'll put another post on it later..


(Edit: Yo Bro.....no biggie, just had to edit one word. cTc wants to keep this more Family-oriented....not completely sanitary, but user friendly in case youngsters are reading :wink:....Ride Safe, GJ)

[GearJammer]

And the Honda dealer is also the Yamaha dealer ? Here's hoping that they just total it to allow you to score that Virago if you decide to go that way.....:wink:......BUT, if you do end up getting a Virago, just like b4v4 said, please don't become a stranger here......You're always welcome, Brother! Good luck!

[rooks85]

yea...it's a honda and yamaha dealership..total or no total i'll still be here guys..i want that yamaha but do don't know where to look for them on internet..reviews and stuff..

[GearJammer]

"total or no total i'll still be here guys".......Right on!

As far as researching the Virago.....here's one site:

www.bikez.com

Just type in "Yamaha Virago" & you'll find numerous reviews.

Or www.google.com & type in "Yamaha Virago review" or "specs", etc.

I've only heard good things about 'em from that indie shop owner (as regards the 250cc version)

[rooks85]

well today is thursday..honda called me just a min ago..well the total is 1,400 even...so the guy is gonna claim it on his insurence...well it's 50% of what the bike is worth so..maybe they will total it..post later on and tell ya'll what they said

[GearJammer]

Hopefully one step closer.....keepin' our fingers, toes & eyes crossed for ya :wink:

[rooks85]

well...today is wednesday...called insurence guy...he said no total..which sux..i was wanting something bigger..but he had to do some checkin on gas tank tho..don't know really what that means..but i can't wait untill i get it back..i have 1 question..is there anything i need to watch out for when i ride it again??i mean i never wrecked a bike so i dont know..b/c i k k now they will let me drive it when i get there....b/c i' m gonna take it for a 200 mile round trip next month..on i-35 so i want to get everything right.since i'll be driving 70-75 mph...

[GearJammer]

On the downside, the bigger bike may simply have to wait until sometime down the road.......on the plus side, you'll be back on the road with your new Reb all spiffed out again! :wink:

Any responsible shop should have that sled back to right as rain once they're done. The only main concern would be a bent frame, but I'm sure they already checked that out during the look-over/estimate. All in all, you theoretically should be just fine & good to go when you pick her up......

[rooks85]

does any 1 know...how to tell what ur rpm is at idle..to adjust idle..and does any 1 know what rpm is running at say 70 mph..and also..saddle bags..where to get them?

[GearJammer]

Some folks buy & install small digital tachs on their Rebs. You should also be able to buy an analyzer for a 2 cyl engine that you'd be able to use as needed when doing maintainence. It'd probably allow you to measure rpm, dwell, voltage, etc.

Idle rpm on the 450 is 1200 rpm + or - 100 rpm, my guess is that the 250 is probably 1000-1100 rpm at idle + or -. Anyone with corrected figures or more info, please jump in.

Saddlebags can be found thru www.jcwhitney.com or eBay, plus just typing in "motorcycle saddlebags" on www.google.com would pull up tons of aftermarket places offerring a wide variety of bags.

You could also check with your dealership or preferably with a local indie shop for both items........tach & bags. I've gotten good prices at a local indie shop for fork bags & they also carry a pretty extensive line of cargo items.....fork bags, saddlebags, etc.

[Snorebaby]

Saddlebags can be found thru www.jcwhitney.com or eBay, plus just typing in "motorcycle saddlebags" on www.google.com would pull up tons of aftermarket places offerring a wide variety of bags.

You could also check with your dealership or preferably with a local indie shop for both items........tach & bags. I've gotten good prices at a local indie shop for fork bags & they also carry a pretty extensive line of cargo items.....fork bags, saddlebags, etc.

Or you can make your own saddlebags :wink: :lol: :lol:

[GearJammer]

hehehe.......well........some of us can. Not me, but a certain Brother I know can, LMAO!

[rooks85]

well today is sunday may 6th....guess what...yep u guessed it...still have no bike..insurence is taking there lil sweet time sending the check..the bad thing is well...the insurence place and the honda place are in the same town..well i have posted anything in a while so...i'm not used to how this page is set up now..but life is about changes..if it was the same all the time...would be no fun...

[b4v4]

does any 1 know...how to tell what ur rpm is at idle..to adjust idle..and does any 1 know what rpm is running at say 70 mph..and also..saddle bags..where to get them?

Hey, Chris. I had one of those small digital tachs on one of my quads, once. I got it from Northern Tools (formerly Northern Hydraulics). It wasn't the cheapest thing in town, but it really worked good. You could use double-sided tape to mount it anywhere, or the screw-holes on the sides. All it had was a ground wire, and a wire that wrapped around the plug wire, so it was a piece-o'-cake to install, or take off and put on something else. I think Dennis Kirk or Rocky Mtn. ATV had them in their catalogs, too.

[Law]

Hang in their rooks85...I didnt think I would ever see two wheeles eather..Then the bike fairy brought one to me in a news paper...Good thangs come to thoses who wait....Mean ,while have a beer..:)