Greetings and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you really lucked out finding such a nice old Rebel. Glad you didn't get hung up on the need for more power. Like me many other Rebel lovers here have graduated down from bigger street bikes to find the Rebel does everything we need. Good luck and enjoy.

 

Welcome! Taking a basic rider course will help keep you safer on the streets. Your dirt bike experience will be a definite assest as far as bike control goes, but we tend to be moving targets for folks in cages. The course will give you a lot of tips on how to ride safely and defensively on asphalt.

Be sure to look out for the elderly drivers in Florida. There are many that should no longer be behind the wheel.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Thanks for your prompt reply everyone, Good point about the elderly folk. Just driving my jeep I constantly try to stay 1 step ahead of potential threats. Also if anyone could recommend some nice starting gear ( armored jackets, and good helmet brands) It would be much appreciated. Also placement on the road I figured riding on the close to the outside line would maybe offer some wiggle room if some one slammed on breaks? Is there any "spots" riders tend to stick to? If this is unheard of please disregard this as my lack of road experience.

 

Also if anyone could recommend some nice starting gear ( armored jackets, and good helmet brands) It would be much appreciated. .

While I cannot recommend gear, I can say that I've purchased and returned stuff from Leatherup.com and have been very happy with the service I've received. Take whatever recommendations you get from the more experienced riders here, and when looking to buy, don't be afraid to give them a try. I don't work for them, just sharing my experience.

 

Welcome to the group.

 

Those are all good questions. Duckster has written many good post here on just those things. I would recommend that you click on his profile then go to statistics. There it will show all the threads he has started. You should browse through and read a few. They are very good.

 

I'll second Gyrojunkie's recommendation.
Duckster is an instructor. A lot of his articles are stickied in the Newbie lounge to make them easy to find.
Newbie Lounge - Honda Rebel Forum

 

Aw shucks Guys..... I'm turning red here.
I just want to add a welcome and best wishes too. I'd second the advice to take the basic rider course. Sounds like you have your head screwed on pretty well and you would quickly pick up what you need to know in addition to your motocross experience which should be a big help to you.

Lane position is an interesting subject, and there is no "right" lane position that applies in all situations.. You need to understand the issues involved and make your decision as you ride in response to the situation. maybe that would be a good subject for a new thread.

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I will be doing much needed reading on this forum from various contributors. Glad to be a member of such a helpful tight community of fellow riders. Thanks everyone and ride safe.

 

welcome to forum n enjoy your ride. :thumb:

 

Welcome! Ditto on the Duckster advice As far as gear goes, it's all about you! Since you're in Florida you may want to look at what the other Floridians are wearing since your weather is unique. Helmets: as far as safety is concerned, FF is the way to go and you should try on as many as you can for fit!

 

Here are some Snell approved helmets for cheap: Vega Mach 1 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Yellow Drakkar Adult Medium | eBay

In the summer, I wear armored mesh jackets, pants, and gloves. Usually ride with the full face helmet visor partially open.

 

Congratulations!

I like a full face helmet, have a shoei, armored jacket, jeans (but I'm working on getting some armored pants, boots and gloves.

Revzilla is a good website to check out gear and prices. For a lot of products they have good video summaries of the gear, how it works, what kind of riding it's meant for etc.

 

:sign0016:Welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks everyone every tip helps! And Flitecotrol thanks for link to the helmet!

 

Ahhh getting nostalgic for my first motorcycle..... if you could call it that?

 

My first bike was a Suzuki OR50 and was in way worse shape than the one in this photo.

 

My first. This was around 1970. I ruined this mini bike in about 3 months. Cost me a lot of allowances to fix it.

 

Not mine but my fiancee's son's i restored it for him in march this year when in Thailand ,is a 75cc yamaha , now can't get him off it :lol2:

 

Craigslist and shopgoodwill.com -- Search Results are good places to find gently used gear at great prices.

 

Not a photo of my actual 1st bike but just like it. What a fun bike to own when 18. Wish I'd kept it.

 

Very cool bike!

 

Welcome to the board.

Now I don't know what the rules are on dirt bike forums...but anytime you go to a street bike forum and make blanket statements about buying new bikes there is one common unwritten rule:

 

Did someone say "first bike?!" The attached photo was MY "babe magnet!" Oh yeah, they were flocking to ride with this 14 year old "biker." And I KNEW I was bad!

Image Detail for - 1965 Honda CA110 50cc - MotoZania Photo - Motorcycle Pictures ...

 

A beautiful piece of work!... and look .. It even has a padded seat..

 

Used helmets are great...as planters.