sd7272

I have an 05 Rebel, purchased off of craigslist about 3 months ago, I got my endorsement 3 or so weeks ago. That's the history, here's the questions:

I replaced the spark plugs already, should I replaced the air filter and change the oil as well, even though the oil is still good?

What else should I do since I just bought the bike and want to make sure it's up to date on all of the things like plugs, filters, etc? Is there anything more to check out?

I want a back rest (sissy bar), any recommendations?

I have also replaced the battery, since the other one kicked the bucket and replaced a tube due to a nail incident, but that's neither here nor there.

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jax

You should change the oil in the motor and at least check the air filter and at least clean it.
How many miles on the bike? Check the tires for cracks and make sure the pressure is right. Welcome to the forum and enjoy you new to you bike.

Ride safe

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sd7272

There is about 6800 miles on it. The tires are good, I did do that already.

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Guba

You don't necessarily need to change the plugs yet. Just make sure the gap is set correctly. gap should be .02-.03" or in metric .6-.7mm.

Did you check to make sure the new plugs had the correct gap? If not you may actually be worse off for wear on the ignition coil.

Don't forget to lube the chain every 500 miles.

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

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

Buickguy

Remember that oil also has a time component in the change formula. The guy I bought the Virago from had owned it for two years and never changed the oil because "he hadn't put X number of miles on it yet"


Backrest/pad or Sissy bar:
The best one is the HondaLine IMHO.
That is no longer made but Jack at Jack's Rebel Warehouse does have an aftermarket that is just about identical. Check Jack out at www.rebelcatalog.com.
The one that is like the HondaLine is the more expensive of the two he shows on his page but it is worth the extra bucks!
Jack could tell you more but I think the only thing that is different about his better backrest and the HondaLine is that HondaLine embossed the Rebel logo on the vinyl in the back of the pad.

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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.

cagie

If you want a driver back rest a lot of people swear by Protac.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

sd7272

Actually, I work at an auto parts store and my boss also rides. He decided to lube the chain last week and was the one who did the spark plugs and I watched him gap 'em, so I know it was done properly. I did have a problem Sunday when I went for a ride. I was heading home and heard a clanking noise. The part the license plate is attached came of and was hanging on the back tire. Bent the plate in half and rubbed most of the sticker off as well. I ended finding out that the bolts came off while riding. I was able to stop at a store and pick up the proper bolts and washers. It stayed tight all the way home (about an hour drive). Sunday I learned I need to check bolts before I ride. Is there anything other than license plate and license plate holder bolts I should check?

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cagie

A lot of people have problems with the plates on the Rebel vibrating loose or cracking. I used a solid backing plate (an old pice of road sign) and a chrome frame. 12k later not one loose bolt or crack.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

sd7272

And I bet that means I need to find someone to cut up metal for me and mount it, right? I'll see who I can find, I might know someone.

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flitecontrol

If you don't find anyone, I have some old sign material. Send me the dimensions and I can cut one for you. All it will cost is the postage to get it to you.

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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!