Honda Rebel 250 & 450 Forum banner

Prospective Rider

3.7K views 24 replies 11 participants last post by  HondaBobber  
#1 ·
Howdy, I'm Travis. I'm 20 and a technical support guy at my college. Been going through a rough patch of life lately and one day sat down and thought about it, and determined that I've been living scared. And even though my parents'll kill me if/when I get a rebel, I'm determined to do it. I'm also enrolled in a class this semester that'll have me rappelling off of a 7 story parking garage.

Now, please don't think that I'm some young blood wannabe who'll go out and instantly kill himself as soon as he gets a bike. I don't intend to ride without the course, and I will always, no matter how much of a PITA it might be at the time, wear proper gear. The works too: Full face helmet, gauntlet gloves, whole nine yards, no need to worry about the heat when I've got the wind to carry that away from me.

What got me interested in wanting to buy one of these when I can afford it? I'd say it's a combination of things: Part of me wants to exercise my alter-ego, take that toughened, risky biker image and re-invent myself as a completely non-stereotypical biker. Which, there's a thing that pisses me off, most people think of bikers, they think of troublemakers or hardassed jerks, but all ya'll seem friendly to me. Up to us I guess to show the world that not all of us are like that. Heh, look at me talking like I'm a biker and I don't even own one yet...

I intend to help with that effort of showing the world that bikers aren't necessarily evil, despite what movies and TV portray them as at times, because as I look at all these helmet cams of people on their rebels and vulcans, It really just seems like it's about living your life to the fullest, getting the wind in your hair and the rush of exposing yourself to the elements.

I want that.

Plus, it's cheap, both on insurance (Skel3tor1's page says that he's 23 and only pays 190 a year for insurance, whereas i'm paying 500 every 6 months for a 97 chevy cavalier at the moment,) and on gas (80 miles a gallon with prices going back up as the economy slowly tries to improve, is very appealing).

The rebel, so I've heard, is a great starter bike. For weekends where I'd need to commute between college and home at interstate speeds, it can make it, for around town, it's a great bike too. (For those wondering about the interstate route, it's a 72 mile shot up a not-too densely driven parkway, 70MPH limit, wouldn't drive the rebel on it until I knew what I was doing)

Feels like I already own one of these on the inside, it's just not out in a parking space at my apartment complex yet.

I'm going to stop rambling now. Hello to all of you, brothers and sisters.
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum, feel free to ramble away. As a prospective rider I'm sure that you'll have plenty of new questions on how to and why that!:confused: Don't be afraid to ask, there's someone out there just as curious.

Once you start riding you'll probably be hooked, it's a lot of fun. If you get a new Rebel you might find it a little difficult to use clutch control, don't be discouraged! My clutch didn't really feel like it was broke in for about 2,500 miles. I even heard one of the instructors at MSC mention to the other one that the student was on a Rebel (it had low miles on it) and might find it difficult.

So with that...welcome bro!:D
 
#3 ·
While your parents probably believe owning a bike is suicide, you can explain to them that you made an educated choice and picked a safe, easy to handle bike that doesn't really give you the option of drive 150mph. My father felt the same way. He said he rode a bike once, and no matter how fast he went, he wanted to give it a little more juice.

Personally, I don't drive more than 5 over the posted limit in my car. I leave early enough to get where I'm going a little early. If I went out and bought a sport bike, more than likely I'd end up acting like every other moron doing wheelies on take off and stoppies in parking lots. If I had a harley I'd get ticketed for driving too slow because I like the way they sound at an idle.

For me the rebel was a nicely priced entry bike that I can ride anywhere any other bike will go. It gets great mileage, and I'd buy a second one if I had the money lying around.
 
#4 ·
I've never driven manual period, so I'm sure it'll be an experience. Only thing I've driven that was manual was a Yamaha Utility ATV, and it had no clutch, just kick up and go. Being I've already got the foot motion down from that, I guess it's just a matter of knowing when and how to work the clutch.

HondaBobber: Exactly. I don't go but 5 over posted as well.
 
#5 ·
Welcome Travuti. Good choice on the Rebel as a bike that will take you through the learning process and will take you a good many miles after that. Take the MSF course, it will be the best thing you ever do. Take you time learning the bike, ride in parking lots (empty parking lots of course). This is the best forum for New riders everyone here was new once. Check out some of the threads. And remember there is no such thing as a silly question. Hope you get your bike soon.
 
#10 ·
Welcome. One of the preparatory things I recommend is reading the Hurt motorcycle accident report. Lets you see some of the common factors in mc accidents. I can't remember where I found a follow up analysis, but it sounds like you are doing most of the things that reduce the odds of being involved in an accident. Also suggest you search the internet for motorcycle safety/riding tips. Knowing the risks, mentally and physically preparing yourself, using the gear, and riding within your skill limits are all part of safe riding. Think you are doing very well so far. A lot of MSF courses have Rebels available to ride. That might be your opportunity to see how you like it.

Check your local paper and craigslist.com for used rebels. Lots of folks quickly outgrow them (or think they have) and they can be had rather inexpensively if you are patient. If you have a friend that rides, have him go with you to look at prospective Rebels. Also, google used motorcycle buying tips and review them so you know what to look for. We're here is you have any questions.

I'm 5'5" - 5'7" ish and about 260-270lbs (something i'm working on reducing)
Haven't heard of anyone wanting to reduce their height before! ;)

Yeah, I'm wanting to reduce too, but it ain't workin' for me!
 
#11 ·
I am from england and i think the rules are different in the US re riding, we have to pass a training course (CBT) to ride with L plates and can only ride up to 125, then you have to pass both theory and practical to ride without, once you pass that you are restricted to the size of bike you get. I passed my test and got the rebel cos i am short (minibird might sort of give you a clue lol) i love that bike it is so easy to ride. you sound pretty sensible and the rebel is good for short distances, i ride less than 2 miles to work every day but also good at distance, have held a comfortable 70 -80 mph on the motorway, I have also found it cheap for insurance ÂŁ84 for a year and can get well over 100 miles on a full tank of petrol.
am new to this site but have found the support and advice i need from a very friendly group
Happy riding
 
#12 ·
Welcome to the forum. Buy the bike (when funds are there), enjoy life, & don't worry about other's opinions. At first glance, I guess I look like a typical "biker". I'm tattooed, and generally crude. I personally enjoy riding for the feeling of freedom. I can get on my bike, hit the road, and forget about things for a while. I don't give a fuzzy rat's rear end about image. I ride for me, and me alone. I hope you get to enjoy that feeling as well, and soon! Good luck.
 
#17 ·
I've yet to see someone that looks pissed while riding.
I have seen people on the scooters that refuse to look at 'big' bikes, actually look away. I still smile and wave =)
 
#18 ·
The more I ride my Rebel the more I like it, probably because I'm getting better at it. Taking the MSF course really helped too, even though the first day seemed REALLY basic since we already knew where all the controls are and how to get it moving without falling. There are still plenty of skills that are essential. Take it from someone who (honest) got into riding because his WIFE wanted too (she wears the pants by the way LOL), it is totally fun and completely life changing. Personally, I love the "brotherhood wave" which you just don't get in a car (unless it's the middle finger version). If you're smart about it like it sounds like you will be, you're going to have an awesome time. Also, you become a better car driver after becoming a rider. Trust me, everyone should know what it's like to be defenseless and surrounded.
 
#19 ·
i have a rebel 450 and honestly i never drive fast on it which have only been on highway once with it they are good learning and handeling bikes to ride and yes i hadnt rode in 10 years myself bought a ninja and flew everywhere but with my rebel just sit back and cruise and enjoy the ride
 
#20 ·
Travito, If you haven't decided yet, then I suggest the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSC). Its relatively inexpensive, lets you ride their bike of which mine had Rebels in the group and if you don't like it, your only out some cash and time. The cool part is that for someone like your experience they start out from the very beginning. They teach you the controls and tell you how to safely handle bike. For most people the first day is pretty boring as black06putput implied. But if you've never done it, your in the seat to learn it right.

In my class we had a 16YO kid that rode dirt bikes since he was 6YO...he aced everything. We also had a girl that only wanted a moped, but her only experience was bicycles. All kinds of people go through the course.

My suggestion would be to take the course and decide from there.:p
 
#21 ·
Sorry guys, been away for a few.

Dad definitely doesn't like the idea, he thinks I'll go out and get myself killed, and I must admit, it's a pretty dangerous proposition. Perhaps if I restrict myself from the highway as much as possible...

Anyhow, I've tried giving the wave to some bikers i've seen (there's a LOT more these days) and either they haven't seen me or I guess they just weren't expecting it or didn't know how to interpret it when it's coming from a guy in a 97 chevy cavalier. I'm hoping the ones that did look at me didn't think I was shooting a bird. I've switched to the peace sign just to make sure, seeing I'm not on a bike.

Ran into some harley snobs this afternoon, tried to compliment one on his bike, he just looked at me, drove off with his buddies.

Oh well.
 
#22 ·
You won't get any response from 99% of bikers if you are waving from a car. They are not watching you per se. They are watching traffic in general. And to them (us) am arm coming out of a car window generally means there is some debri to follow.

As for trying to be freindly, just smile, nod towards the bike if you like it and keep going. Don't get your feelings hurt if you don't get aknowledged. Same is true for anything, people are a fickle bunch. But as far as Harley Snobs, most aren't, but don't have time for cagers mainly because of the general treatment/stigmas attached to riding in general. (Look up Hollister, CA 1947 to understand why/where this started).

When/If you start riding you might understand it. Heck, even 75% of people who ride these days don't understand it...

JMTCW
 
#23 ·
Yes, the biker wave is just that; a wave for when you are on a bike. Folks will only be confused if you use it from a cage.

As for the snobs, just write it off as their loss. They are missing out on the opportunity to receive compliments on their ride, share their love of riding with newcomers, meet potential riding companions, etc. I'm guessing it's because of my gear (red helmet, black mesh jacket and pants and a blaze orange reflective vest), but about 90% of the Hardley riders here don't return my wave. I'm the only rider around who wears all the gear in the summer, and I don't fit the mold. That's OK. I still wave, and will stop to see if they need help when I see them on the side of the road. The goldwing folks always wave, as do most of the sport bike riders.
 
#24 ·
Yeah, I figured as much as those two points. Thanks guys.

Tell you one thing though, I want one of those goldwings when I grow older and have the dough. They're already impressive now in their featureset, I can only imagine what they'd have on them when I can afford to drop the money on one.