sumone

Hey guys I just started riding and picked up a 99 Rebel 250. I figured it would be a excellent bike to start riding on but my concern is it has 142xxx miles one it!!!! I was wondering what all I needed to do b4 i take her out on the street? would it be possible to do it my self? I'm kinda short on $ atm...

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flitecontrol

Welcome to the forum. If you will add your bike model to your signature, everyone will know which model you are referring to when you post.

Was that 142,000 miles or 14,200? If the lesser, change the oil, check air filters, clean carbs if it runs poorly, replace the tires and tubes if tires have cracks/dry rot, check spark plugs for color and correct gap and replace as needed. Look here to see what color they should be: Spark Plugs

Check the inside of the tank for rust and clean tank as needed. Replace any hoses that are cracked. Drain puke tube below bike.

I'm sure others will add more.

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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!

Guba

Welcome to the forum sumone. If you have the mega miles on the bike it wouldn't hurt to clean and relube the steering head bearings.

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

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

sumone

Thanks guys, yeah its 14,200.... (accidentally counted the tenths ) could i find diy for most of that online or am i having to buy a manual?

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First bike - 99 Rebel 250
hopefully many more to come!

Fridgitator

Everything he mentioned can be done by a beginning wrench using info in threads posted here. Rebuilding the carb if needed will be the most intimidating. I would advise you to get a Clymer's manual. You'll need it eventually, anyway. There is also an online manual with very good photo illustrations. They charge an annual membership.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.

Buickguy

In addition the what Flitecontrol said, I'd change the brake fluid and check the condition of the front pads. While checking look at the wear indicator on the rear drum.
Odds are that if the previous owner used his brakes correctly, you are about due for front pads. If the PO didn't know how to brake, the rear shoes might need replacing.
Clean, lube and adjust chain, replace chain and sprockets if they are worn.

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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.
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sumone

alright thanks guys sounds like ill be having some fun after work this week. I already know i need to possibly change the oil/ clean the shifter because it likes to stick when shifting down Ive noticed just from riding in a parking lot.

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First bike - 99 Rebel 250
hopefully many more to come!

Guba

If it's doing that, it's waaaay past time for an oil change! You'll definately see a difference.

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

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

sumone

ok so a few more questions... where is the horn located? its not working and i cant seem to find it to check it out. and where is the fuse box located?.... i may need to buy a manual after all

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First bike - 99 Rebel 250
hopefully many more to come!

Fridgitator

The horn is on the left side of the frame, in front of the engine. It's a black disc sorta thing with a chrome ring. The horn button is on the left handlebar, brlow the turn signal switch.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.