Kodak

Yeah, in this case I had neglected my chain for far too long. There was a nice heavy coat of garbage all over it, except on the inside, where the teeth and chain meet, so it definitely warranted a good scrub. I soaked the chain section by section for quite some time, scrubbed with a tooth brush, and cycled around the thing twice and there was stills some residual gunk in some of the cracks. With stiff links and spots of rust, yeeeeeeah, I think it's time for a new chain.

Guba, thanks for the info. This being a used bike that could certainly be the case. I should probably check my sprockets too. I think they're stock, but who knows.

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1985 Rebel CMX250C

Pick

Great info as usual guys. Just one thing, I have never ever in my life picked up a wrench to work on a bike, I would eventually like to get to where I can do all the general maintenance and stuff like this on my own bike though. Is there any recommendations? So far what I have found and heard has been to get a service manual and jump in. Needless to say its a bit intimidating, especially since the bike is, at this point, my daily driver.

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1985 Honda cmx250c Rebel

Buickguy

Start small. Changing oil is a great place to begin. It is easy enough and requires very few tools. From there, take small steps. Maybe a valve lash adjustment or if that seems daunting, a clutch free play check/adjust. Rear brake pedal adjustments and chain tightening are easy things and will build confidence with each success.

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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.

flitecontrol

Get a service manual. It will tell you what to do, step-by-step, with pictures. Would recommend a Clymer or Haynes as they are not as technical as the Honda manual. Later, you might want to get the Honda manual as well.

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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!

Pick

Thanks guys thats what I will do. Awesome site!

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1985 Honda cmx250c Rebel

Fridgitator

Like they said. Also, if you can find someone in your area who knows their way around a Rebel to hang out and coach you the first couple times, it would be helpful if only to ease any anxiety about getting in over your head.
If you have a digital camera, you can always post a picture if you have a question about what you encounter. Someone here will probably respond.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.