Another new guy

869 Views 33 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Emil, 19 d ago

J_D_

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

2

After going about 30 years without riding, I bought an 86 250 Rebel. I was bored and saw it on marketplace for $400. Guy bought it 6 years ago and could not get it running. I checked for spark and it was there. Then I looked at the air filter. Packed solid with a mouse nest. Cleaned that out and hooked up a gas tank from a mower and it started right up and idled. Had to get it warmed up before it would accelerate. Ended up taking the carb off and cleaning out the jets. Now it runs around the block great. Too cold to go very far. Any way I am here and may or may not be posting for help. Just need to ride it some to see how much help I need.

Before.

Wheel Tire Land vehicle Automotive parking light Fuel tank

After.

Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive fuel system Vehicle

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Reactions: 3

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01-7700

· #2 · 4 mo ago

Welcome! Nice job.

Reactions: 1

flitecontrol

· #3 · 4 mo ago

Welcome to the forum. Some of those aftermarket Chinese tanks tend to develop leaks over time.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #4 · 4 mo ago

flitecontrol said:
Welcome to the forum. Some of those aftermarket Chinese tanks tend to develop leaks over time.

Yea, I read about the possible leaks. I will deal with that when it happens. For $80 I had to go for it. Stock tank was rusty and leaky. I could not buy the paint for the $80. I got lucky on the carb, I think. Its been a couple weeks and it starts/runs great. Also put a front tire on it. Still in it for about $700. Worth it for the fun Ive had working on it. May do some more updating to it, I am retired and need projects like this for entertainment.

01-7700

· #5 · 4 mo ago

Most here will agree - it's the most fun you can have on a bike if it's a Rebel 250.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #6 · 4 mo ago

I hope to spend a bit of time on it this summer. It could even save me some $$$ on gasoline. That would double the fun. :banana:

:banana:

Emil

· #7 · 4 mo ago

I've been out all day. Welcome to the forum.
My '86 is the same color blue that yours was.
Congratulations on getting a 1st generation.

Reactions: 1

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #8 · 4 mo ago

Emil said:
I've been out all day. Welcome to the forum.
My '86 is the same color blue that yours was.
Congratulations on getting a 1st generation.

Thanks. I'd have kept the blue but I had black paint in stock. I only have about 5 miles on it but it really seems to run well. It is a shame to live where winter gets nasty cold.

Emil

· #9 · 4 mo ago

It was 64°F here on Wednesday but now it's 29° (12 AM). N. E. Ohio weather, we consider it to be normal for it to fluctuate like this.
I had to take some friends to the hospital that day, so sadly, I didn't get to ride.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #10 · 4 mo ago

I am in Indiana so we have similar weather. I am shy about riding since I do not have insurance and plates yet. I do have it titled in my name. I just can not see paying for insurance before late March or April.

Emil

· #11 · 4 mo ago

For my 4 motorcycles, it costs less than $19/month. That's altogether, so I can ride whenever it's nice weather. It doesn't cost that much at all.

Reactions: 1

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #12 · 4 mo ago

Emil said:
For my 4 motorcycles, it costs less than $19/month. That's altogether, so I can ride whenever it's nice weather. It doesn't cost that much at all.

Wow, that is cheap. I was paying more than that for one bike 30 years ago. I will have to check on it.

01-7700

· #13 · 4 mo ago

I just got a quote from progressive for $75 / year - 1 bike, liability only. A second bike would increase it by $25 / year.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #14 · 4 mo ago

I will call Allstate next week. Back in the day I was paying $300 for 6 months.

Emil

· #15 · 4 mo ago

I have Allstate. But, my cars, house, & life are also with them. So bulk discount might apply.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #16 · 4 mo ago

Emil said:
I have Allstate. But, my cars, house, & life are also with them. So bulk discount might apply.

I also have the full package with them. Maybe it will be reasonable.

flitecontrol

· #17 · 4 mo ago

Considering how inexpensive my Rebels are, the deductible, and what full coverage would cost, I chose to go with liability only coverage. Two CMX250s annual insurance with Progressive is $95. I get a slight discount for being with them multiple years.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #18 · 4 mo ago

Only getting liability for sure. I only have $700 in this bike.

Emil

· #19 · 4 mo ago

J_D_ I just went to the recycling center in Chippewa Lake, Ohio on Saturday. They had an '86 parts bike there. Same original blue color as yours was.
Unfortunately, the engine is already gone, as is the tank. But the rest is there. Just to let you know.

J_D_

Discussion Starter · #20 · 4 mo ago

Thanks Emil. Not sure what I will be needing. Just went on a one mile ride and it really is running nice. I am looking at some things to make it look better. Headlight is rusty and a lot of the fasteners are too. Thinking about ordering some stainless flange bolts off ebay.

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