*Help needed for Rebel Bobber project*

**brett7777** · 03-11-2010, 05:09 AM

Just need one measurement, from someone who has their seat off. I'm the guy who has collected the parts to convert a standard rebel into a bobber, but i haven't found the right bike at the right price yet. The measurement is between 2 points just behind the top shock mount, on the flat part of the frame there. I have marked two imaginary spots in red, what is the distance between these on a 250 rebel? (these will be my mounting spots for hairpin springs for the seat). THANKS!
reb frame measurement 4 seat spring mounts.jpg

**Guba** · 03-11-2010, 09:47 AM

Since my seat is still off for my project...6 1/4". Keep in mind these measurements are for the late model 96' and up years. Since there is a lot of differences between the two Rebel versions I'm not sure that this measurement would apply to the '85-'87's. Maybe someone with a early model can chime in.

**brett7777** · 03-12-2010, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guba

Since my seat is still off for my project...6 1/4". Keep in mind these measurements are for the late model 96' and up years. Since there is a lot of differences between the two Rebel versions I'm not sure that this measurement would apply to the '85-'87's. Maybe someone with a early model can chime in.

Thanks Guba. That measurement is perfect for the bates replica seat I have. If someone else can let me know about the earlier models that'd be great. Because I don't know which year Rebel it will be until I find one.
When you say the '2 rebel versions', what are the differences between the 2? Are the frames different, and what else is different?
Thanks again.

**brett7777** · 03-12-2010, 03:30 AM

This is a pic I did to show what I plan to do with the Rebel when I get it. It's basically a bates replica seat, with hairpin springs, rear mini turn signals, and a BCB fender (will also have a side mount plate with model A tailight).
Rebel Bobber TM Ad.jpg

JunkyardDog · 03-12-2010, 10:52 AM

Oh yeah, now I remember. That is a very simple bobber, right down to the stock side covers. I have a stock '04 Rebel with a few modifications, and one of them was to replace the stock sidecovers with the steel ones from BCB. As the former owner of 2 '85 Rebels, with their beautiful sidecovers, I just couldn't stomach the hideous (IMO) plastic abominations Honda put on the newer models.

The picture you have is of a '96 up model, and that is what I would strongly recommend to build your bobber out of. They are far more plentiful than the early Rebels, just as cheap in most cases, will be in better condition, will be newer, and are a whole lot easier to get parts for. As for parts, I'd guess that even though the sidecovers are the first thing you notice, about 90% of the parts are different between the older and newer Rebels, and that does include the frame. Jerry.

**Guba** · 03-12-2010, 11:17 AM

I agree with Jerry in that you should look for a newer model Rebel '96 and up.

As for how much difference between the two, I haven't been able to determine exactly.

**brett7777** · 03-12-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkyardDog

I just couldn't stomach the hideous (IMO) plastic abominations Honda put on the newer models.
The picture you have is of a '96 up model, and that is what I would strongly recommend to build your bobber out of.

Yeah I agree that the newer sidecovers don't look as good as the older ones. I went to look at an '85 the other day and really liked the chrome battery cover and the chrome cover on the other side. But because it was older there was a lot more work needed to tidy it up, and it had been tinkered with quite a bit. In NZ here at the moment the ones that are for sale are overpriced, and so they are not selling. When a bike that is reasonably priced comes on the market, it sells quite quick. So I just have to wait for a deal.

BCB say their fender kit(which I have here waiting, for when I find the bike) will pretty much fit any year Rebel 250. It's hard to imagine that the frames changed, even on the older ones. Has anyone fitted their fender kit to an older Rebel?

We have model variations here in NZ (I think also in Australia). Some of the Rebel 250s have different looking engine cylinder head covers and cases, and some have 2 pipes down the RH side. You guys seen any of those? BCB hadn't seen them so said they couldn't guarantee that the fender kit would fit.

I noticed one of the Rebel forum members from Australia made one of those into a bobber, but he didn't use the BCB rear fender.

I'll attach a photo of a bike with the different engine covers/cases, and one with the 2 RH pipes. The 1st one is a '92, the 2nd one is a '96. .
side cases.jpg

side cases and pipes.jpg

**cagie** · 03-12-2010, 03:49 PM

I think that Honda was trying to simulate HD sportster oil tanks when they updated the design.