Stephanie13

Hi all, I will be learning to ride and have a 1985 Rebel waiting for me. I am a short woman and was told this is a great bike to start with. I know nothing about bike maintenance and was wondering what should I be doing on a regular basis to keep the Rebel running well.

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flitecontrol

Welcome to the forum, Stephanie. Hope your learning to ride includes the MSF basic riders course or similar instruction. There were several short women in my class that rode Rebels and really liked them. As far as maintenance goes, a Clymer or Haynes service manual has the maintenance schedule in it (oil change, valve adjustment, plug replacement, etc.). Plus, if you need to do any other work on the bike it explains, with pictures, how to do it. Ebay, Amazon.com and other sources have them. Might be a copy in your local library.

Good luck, and let us know if you have any questions.

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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!

Blueberry

Welcome to the forum. You are not short! Everyone else is just too tall. I 2nd Flitecontrol, take the MSF course. I also recommend Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. The book adds to the MSF course. We have an 85 and plan to keep it forever as its the first year Rebels were made.

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Ride Safe, Blueberry
1985 Honda 250 Rebel
1970 Honda SL 90
2008 Royal Enfield Electra 500

Stephanie13

Flitecontrol I do plan on taking the MSF course in the next few months. I will pick up a manual this week and start my reading. I love doing mechanical work so it should be a fun new hobby for me. Thanks for your input.

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Buickguy

Welcome Aboard.

You'll find the Rebel is as pleasant to work on as it is to ride.

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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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Guba

Welcome Stephanie, as a new rider you might feel "pressured" to do something beyond your capabilties. Resist that urge, and stay safe! It's a lot more fun to ride a motorcycle than a hospital bed.

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

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

Stephanie13

Guba thank you. I am not a big risk taker. I am quite nervous about riding in my area. There is a lot of traffic and will not be driving during any rush hour periods. I also have no one to ride with at this time so it's mainly for my enjoyment and alone time.

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Soul Searcher

Greetings Stephanie13,

Welcome to the Forum. The Rebel is a very nice choice as a first motorcycle. You are starting at a point, that all Riders start at. With training, practice and patience, you will become a very proficient Rebel Rider. How fast you proceed is in your hands. Remember that you are in Control, don't exceeded you Comfort Safety Level.

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ZepRider

Any reason is an excellent reason to ride. Like yourself, I do it for the alone time and enjoyment as well. It reduces my stress factor tremendously. This is due in part to the attention that you must give to the ride. All other worldly concerns just wash away.

Good luck and ride safe!

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“The meek may inherit the Earth. The weak will hand it to them.” - ZepRider



2008 Honda Rebel - Garage | Pictures

Jenn

Hi Stephanie,

I am a new rider myself and i just took my bike to my dealer for her first oil change at 800miles. I was supposed to go at 600 but they said 8 was ok. They told me that i could change the oil every 3000miles but i think i'm going to take the advice of the guys here and do it every 1000. It is really easy to do and super affordable if you do it yourself. I know nothing about cars or bikes but just watching once i know i can do it on my own now. I love my rebel, it is easy to ride and just the right size for me. I'm 5'2 weigh 140 lbs. Have you got a great jacket yet? For me my new scorpion nip tuck really helped my confidence. Have a great ride!

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