Anyone else downsizing?

**icerigger** · 01-23-2012, 01:01 AM

My last bike was a Kawi Z1B and it almost killed me.
First bike was a '37 Norton 500 single ('66), followed by a '49 BSA 250 twin. Then a Kawi KZ400 and then the Z1B.
Thirty-three years later my daughter needed to de-own the Rebel so I took it and rediscovered "two-wheeled freedom". It was the ability to "ride" rather than sitting on it and steering. I found that I had much more control over the Rebel than I ever had with the Z.
I love my Rebel.

**Texas Reb** · 01-23-2012, 02:27 AM

In the beginning, I really wanted a Sporty, but better judgement prevailed and I found a Rebel. I also came awful close to getting a Ninja.

**UltraBlue09** · 01-23-2012, 04:49 AM

Sold my Harley V-rod to get out of the Harley "biker" scene.
Just didn't like the labels anymore.
Stayed away from bikes for a few years and bought a new 2009 Rebel.
Smaller, lighter, easier to handle, great mileage.....couldn't be happier!

**bB2NER** · 01-23-2012, 10:55 AM

I now have a bike for all riding conditions I need.
Large hwy cruiser= Shadow 1100
Mid size all around standard= 400 Hawk
Small backroad cruisers = 250 Rebels
Very happy!!!

**shadowku** · 01-23-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bB2NER

I now have a bike for all riding conditions I need.
Large hwy cruiser= Shadow 1100
Mid size all around standard= 400 Hawk
Small backroad cruisers = 250 Rebels
Very happy!!!

You need a SUPERSPORT to top off that lovely garage.

**Shadow Shack** · 01-23-2012, 09:55 PM

I started on a 600 Shadow (still have it), picked up a 1500A Vulcan and after a year went back to the 600 Shadow. Eventually bought a Rebel. You could say I've been going down in size ever since Year Two

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraBlue09

Sold my Harley V-rod to get out of the Harley "biker" scene.

Pssst...if you had a V-Rod, you weren't really in the Harley scene. They tend to chastise those even more than the Sportsters.

**TwinRingWilson** · 01-24-2012, 02:39 AM

I'm 90 days since passing my BRC and getting my Moto license. I've put about 2000 miles on my Rebel since then.

So I guess I'm thinking of 'upsizing' from here, BUT I am NOT wanting something really fast, really big, with fuel economy nut much better than a economy car.

Which is a problem: Here in the US, it's almost expected you start on a 600 sportbike or a Sportster, which just seemed silly to me, but understandable since there's such a shortage of bikes in the 'less than 600cc' range. Harleys are not for me, and at 56 I was not willing to start on a sport 600, I don't have the skills yet.

I've been eyeballing the 650 Ninja or the classic (bonneville) Triumphs, all the while regretting we can't bet CB400s, or ER4N/Ninja 400s, or any number of other midrange bikes available elsewhere in the world.

I have no inclination to do a loan, pay big insurance, use lots (relatively speaking) of gas, or scare myself silly if I drop the clutch, or conversely, buy Frey boots and chaps and a leather vest . . . .

I am heartened by the forthcoming (this Summer!) Honda NC700X: An adventure-styled (Yay, I can straighten my long legs out) bike with a windshield and fairing, not much heavier than a Rebel and ALMOST the same mileage with 3 times the dispalcement and 3 times the horsepower. For around 7 to 8 grand.

So I guess I'm downsized from the bottom up . . . . I'm in this for fun and as a less expensive transportation choice. Somehow a 15 grand bike with 100++ horsepower and fuel economy in the high 30mpg range just doesn't fit into my choices.

Twinring Wilson
2000 Rebel

**Fridgitator** · 01-24-2012, 03:02 AM

If I were to add another bike, it would only be to have something better suited for long highway rides with gear. I took my Reb for an overnight of camping and fishing, just to see how it would go before taking a cross-country adventure. I packed a few tools, a tent, sleeping bag, fishing rod and small tackle box, cooler pack with a twelver of beer and two meals worth of food on ice, one change of clothes, and weather gear. I was fine for overnight, but if I were to bring clothes and incidentals for a longer tour, I'd have to set up camp and then go to town for food and beer every day. Or skip the camping, and get a cabin on a fishing lake. Where was I going with this?

**UltraBlue09** · 01-24-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Shack

I started on a 600 Shadow (still have it), picked up a 1500A Vulcan and after a year went back to the 600 Shadow. Eventually bought a Rebel. You could say I've been going down in size ever since Year Two

Pssst...if you had a V-Rod, you weren't really in the Harley scene. They tend to chastise those even more than the Sportsters.

Exactly!

**flitecontrol** · 01-24-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinRingWilson

I'm 90 days since passing my BRC and getting my Moto license. I've put about 2000 miles on my Rebel since then.

So I guess I'm thinking of 'upsizing' from here, BUT I am NOT wanting something really fast, really big, with fuel economy nut much better than a economy car.

Twinring Wilson
2000 Rebel

Have you considered a Vulcan 500 or 750? Both can be fast if you want to twist your wrist quickly, but not too heavy for this Medicare recipient to pick up. Not sure about the 500, but the 750 gets 50 mpg if you stay below 55 mph.

Only paid $1,000 for my Vulcan, same price as the Rebel.

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