S/ST 2155

I do not have a bike yet, but I am looking to buy one in the near future. After racing a drag race car for over 25 years my drag racing hobby is getting sidelined for awhile because of some family issues. I have always had some interest in motorcycles and have friends that ride so I have decided I want to try it. I must admit my experience of riding is little. I rode a few trail type bikes when I was a teenager and since then the only thing I have ridden has been a 50cc scooter that I take to the drag races to use as a pit bike. In searching for information on what would be a good smaller bike for a beginner I discovered this forum. I have found the information shared on this site to be very helpful.

I have been searching the classified ads in my area (Ocala/Gainesville) getting a idea of what Rebel 250s are selling for and hope to go look at some soon with cash in hand. I hope that maybe I could get in touch with another forum member in my area (like maybe Soul Searcher) when I decide to go look at one for sale and have someone that has a good knowledge of these bikes to give me their opinion of what I am looking at before I put down my money.

Thanks to everyone that contributes the great information on this site. I hope to post again soon with information on a bike of my own.

__________________

Guba

Welcome to the forum. Bikewise, my experience is simular to yours. Hope you can connect with someone down there (Florida that is).

__________________
Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

Buickguy

Welcome aboard

__________________

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.

Soul Searcher

Greetings S/ST 2155,

Welcome to the Forum. I would be more than willing to offer my assistance if I'm available.

__________________

flitecontrol

Welcome to the forum. GO GATORS! (Unless you are of another persuasion.)

__________________
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!

Fridgitator

A guide to things to look at when shopping used bikes is available here..

About a twenty minute read, and covers a few things many people might overlook.

__________________
'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.

S/ST 2155

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

I believe I will take the first step "first" and register for a motorcycle safety course hopefully in the next few weeks. I looked at the Gainesville Motorcycle Safety program and I am going to look into signing up for their class as soon as I can figure out a free weekend. The website for the program recomends bringing your own helment, which I do have. They also say to bring a jacket or long sleeve shirt, no problem. They also say to bring boots or shoes that cover your ankles and gloves for riding. These last 2 items I will have to puchase. Any suggestions on where would be the best places to look for these?

Soul Searcher, I didn't intend to single you out, but you are the only active member that I have seen listing a location from my area. I truly appreciate your offer and when I get ready to go looking I will let you know and we can trade contact information. I have seen listing for a couple of bikes on Ocala4Sale.com, so I will most likely be looking in the Ocala area.

Fridgitator, thank you for posting the link concerning what to look for in a used bike. I will be studying it closely before and during my search.

__________________

flitecontrol

I didn't purchase riding gloves until some time after I took the course. I wore all leather work gloves and my leather boots.

__________________
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!

jax

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here to help if and when you get a bike.

ride safe

__________________

larryl46

Welcome to the Rebel Forum! I think you will find the Honda Rebel a perfect first bike- inexpensive to buy, classic looks, reliable, easy to work on and handles well. We just got a 2005 Rebel for my wife and she loves it. Our Rebel had 2200 miles on it, was very clean (small dent on the gas tank, not uncommon) We paid $1650.00 I enjoy riding the Rebel too, by the way- great town bike.

You are lucky to live in Gainesville- i lived there for 5 years in the 1970's- great town and many miles of country roads to explore in all directions.
Only other bike to consider as a starter bike is a Kawasaki Ninja 250 (I have one, and also have a Kawasaki Consours 14, which is a 1352 cc sport touring bike).

Ninja is, like the Rebel, inexpensive to buy, easy to maintain and holds it's value. Ninja has more horsepower, so is faster and can run on the Interstate, is sporty looking, but comfortable- it's not a true sport bike, so you sit up on it, not bent over. The Ninja has a dual personality- easy to handle and predictable at low rpms, but between 7,000 rpms to 13,000 rpm redline, the Ninja is a mini-rocket. Downside of the Ninja is that it has a fiberglass fairing, so if you drop it (and almost everyone does) repairs can be expensive. One solution is to take all the fiberglass off- it doesn't look bad without!

Anyway, hope this is helpful and wish you the best.

GatorLarry
(Proud member of the Gator Nation)

__________________