buffalokid

Hey Everyone,

I'm new here and have a question about which bike to buy. I am wanting a bike to learn to ride on and I have found a 1996 Rebel 250 and a 1986 Rebel 450 in my area at similar prices. Botgh seem to be in similar condition with similar mileage, so which one is a better bike to buy. I like the idea of more power with the 450. But since they were only produced for 2 yrs, what is the availability of parts for it if something happens.

Any advice would help as I know NOTHING about bikes. LOL.

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Fridgitator

Welcome, Buffalokid. Very sensible question to ask. The 450 has a number of parts that were only made for it, and are getting to be hard to find. As much as I'd like to have one, I wouldn't want to have it as my only means of transportation.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.

buffalokid

I can understand that. I do have a truck and a suv so I wouldn't be without transportation..just without FUN transportation. lol.

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Buickguy

Some parts for the 450 just can't be had or are very difficult. Others are more readily available. It just depends on what you need.
The 450 is a nice bike with plenty of power to keep you happy for a long time. The 450 uses tubless tires and that is a plus!
The 250 is economical and light. Parts are readily available except for the original headlight. If that burns out you will need to upgrade to the later headlight that uses an H4 bulb which is very readily had at almost any parts store.

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1987 CMX250C Rebel

2002 FSC600 SilverWing

1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago XV920MK

Put your bike's year and size in your signature.
It helps others help you.

jax

If it was me I'd go for the 450 but I have had a few and really like the extra power and the bigger bike. I have worked on quite a few and have stockpiled a few parts. It's true the parts are getting hard to find but if you look and are not in to much of a hurry they can be found. Good luck with whichever you decide to get.

Ride safe

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flitecontrol

If I were starting all over again, I'd get the 450. Jack is one of the best sources for 450 parts: Jack's Rebel Warehouse - Rebel Catalog, Honda Rebel parts and accessories

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

LA_Geezer

I'd stick with the 250 not only for the dire lack of parts for the 450 but the ability to sell it quickly. I traded in my '96 Rebel on a VLX at a Honda dealership. He had it sold in a matter of days.

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Azcycleman

Hi all.I would go with the 250 learn on it then later if you want pick up a 450. But thats just me. I want two running bikes so when I get on one expecting to ride and its dead I jump on the other one and take off. If the secound is dead to i'll buy number 3...so someday I may have 20 of them...Ha Take care and be safe...Me

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Gen.Lee

With more than twice the horses, six-speed tranny, and tubeless tires the 450 is the hands down winner! Need parts? See Jack!

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Soul Searcher

Greetings buffalokid,

Welcome to the Forum. The big question is money. More importantly, the amount of money you want to spend on either Rebel.

Can you performed the wrenching, or will you have to pay someone else to do the wrenching? Just something else to think about.

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