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Uncle Skeleton · May 21, 2007, 09:46 AM

My g/f and I are shopping for our first bike. Right now we're looking at a Honda rebel 250 from within the last 10 years. She is concerned that it won't be powerful enough for us in a few months when we've actually learned to ride (so far we've only taken The Class). I'm concerned that anything bigger is either out of our price range or too old to be safe/reliable. Also I think once we ride for a few months, we'll be much better able to evaluate used craigslist bikes before buying.

Our needs (in order): a bike to learn to ride on, look cool doing it, not cost too much, carry two short distances (not highway), learn to ride on the highway.

Anyway, anyone have an opinion on the power of the Rebel 250 for our needs?

PS, used pricing in the northwest seems to be OMG crazy high. We can deal, as long as we can sell in that market later. But anyone know why?

Cipher13 · May 21, 2007, 10:02 AM

I suppose the biggest question I can think to ask is whether you want a sports bike or a cruiser... I'm assuming you're set on a cruiser since you mentioned the Rebel, which I don't know very much about. When I was looking into 250 cruisers I ended up narrowing them down to the Honda VT250C, Kawasaki Eliminator, and Suzuki Intruder... mostly because of looks, but they also have relatively good reputations. In the end, though, I found them all lacking power... and that'd be especially evident if you often have someone riding pillion. I didn't look much past that point as I decided to go with a sports bike, but for what it's worth, I wouldn't go for a cruiser less than 600cc.

Uncle Skeleton · May 21, 2007, 10:39 AM

in the end, though...

That's the main point, I guess. How long had you been riding before this occurred (your total riding, not with that bike)? And was this everywhere, or just doing 65 mph?

The thing is, when we go to look at 600 or above bikes in our price range, we feel totally out of our depth trying to test ride them, having not ridden over 20 mph before. So it's either beg friends to come along and do it for us, or get an unter-bike first to get our comfort zone up. I'm leaning towards the latter right now, but...is that a dumb idea?

And we're both set on cruisers. We dislike the sport bike look and feel, and we like the look and feel of the lower seat-to-handlebars ratio. We're both about 5'10" if that makes any difference (I'm a little worried the rebels might be too physically small for us even before they're too small in power yet)

Cipher13 · 06:49 AM

My experience is extremely limited, and I don't even have my full license yet, so keep that in mind... and my current license limits me to 80km/h (50 m/h), even on highways (not that I obey that, but anyway...). I've only been riding a few months.

I decided not to get a cruiser from the test drives I took them for, and reading a lot of online bike forums. I found that going up steep hills the 250 cruisers (especially the Eliminator) just didn't feel all that "comfortable" doing it (power wise), though these were some rather significant hills (mountain region of Sydney)... I thought it may have just been that bike, but reading up a lot of people have the same issue.

I never took a 600 cruiser for a ride because they were out of my price range, and went with a sports bike in the end (YZF250).

I hope that's somewhat useful info, but don't take my word for it - if you can, try out a 600 cruiser on the road and see how you go.

EDIT: Typo, was reading about YZF600s and typed that instead of FZR250.

Uncle Skeleton · May 21, 2007, 11:25 AM

Thanks, that helps

CMYKid · May 21, 2007, 12:16 PM

Those 250's are great to learn on but I really wouldnt expect much satisfaction with two of you on it.

My lilbrother lives out thattaway so I'm curious, what kinda pricing are people asking for those older 250s?

Which class did you take? Here the state pays dealerships to teach them and then you take your driving test as a component of the class. The bikes they provide for the participants are all usually Honda 250s so if you both have ridden on one and DIDNT think it underpowered then thereya go. You'll definitely not go wrong with the Hondas tho. I ride an Aero 1100 that is probably a bit too big for me, especially at 666 pounds, but it was such a good deal it couldnt be passed up.

If you're looking for a good trade-off between price and a still decent sized engine, see if you have a Hyosung dealer out your way, or at least check cycletrader.com for used ones. Theyre an import with great looks for the price.

Uncle Skeleton · 01:34 PM

You weigh 666 pounds?!

Here the class is private, but certified, and about 1/3 of them are subsidized down to $100, and if you pass you get your license just for standing in line at the DMV:

Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety

(there are many but that's the one I took). We both used Virago 250s in the class (there were others there as well, no hondas though). But again, you can't necessarily tell by driving in circles in a parking lot what a bike will feel like on the road.

Most of the 250s are asking about 25% over Blue Book retail value. We went to see one whose blue book was 2000 but he wouldn't go lower than 2200. It was in good mechanical shape, but it had a crappy repainting job and it needed new tires. Prices were better before it got sunny out, but not much better. And the selection was worse too.

Anyway, we know this bike isn't going to be our keeper either way, but we just don't want to waste time on something that won't even do for a beginner bike.

nonhuman · May 21, 2007, 01:33 PM

Try sitting on one first. I find Rebels to be way too small. Not in terms of engine displacement, but in terms of frame size. I can't ride them because with my feet on the pegs my knees stick up above the handlebars which makes it a little difficult, not to mention dangerous, to maneuver.

Uncle Skeleton · May 21, 2007, 01:36 PM

How tall are you?

nonhuman · May 21, 2007, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Uncle Skeleton

How tall are you?

About 6'1". So a little taller than you, but I'd still say it might be a little small for you. I'd definitely recommend trying one out, or at least sitting on one at a dealership.

Laminar · May 21, 2007, 01:54 PM

He's riding this:

ghporter · May 21, 2007, 01:58 PM

The Rebel has one MAJOR feature that most other bikes don't have: its seat is low enough to the ground that a medium-sized woman can actually put her feet on the ground and control it at a dead stop. I don't care if nonhuman doesn't like this-your GF may LOVE it. It's why my wife had a serious jones on for the Rebel until she got pregnant and stopped riding. The 250 is a good engine size to get comfortable with riding too, just don't expect to be able to go REALLY fast on the highway. You might think about a 450 as a first bike because of the larger amount of power available, but if you're going to be doing mostly city riding, that's not a big deal.

Way back when I still had a bike I rode everywhere, and loved it. But you are smart to think hard about this first, before you buy anything. Most accidents happen with new riders or riders who are new to their bike-put the two together and you have some real problems. Getting used to the two-wheel paradigm (it IS different from a bicycle, but I cannot put the difference into words) is a Major Challenge™, and one you should address with patience and a well thought out set of road experiences.

I FIRST rode a Honda Passport; 73 screaming CCs of motorcycle power!

It was a real motorcycle, though it looked a lot like a scooter. I had all my "mishaps" on that, which is fortunate. All I have to show for those three goofs is a bit of scarring on my elbows and a healthy respect for "what you can't see inside that puddle" (which is usually a pothole the size of a Buick). Starting on a small bike is, in my opinion, a VERY good idea. Starting out on a small bike in a very controlled environment (your neighborhood, for example) is a GREAT idea.

Uncle Skeleton · May 22, 2007, 02:06 AM

Well we bought a Rebel tonight. It's a '99, great condition, 2500 miles, red with black accents. $1995, a few over blue book value (which as I've said is a good deal for around here).

Nonhuman, I see what you mean about the knees. If I was any taller it would definitely be a problem. I just barely can't quite turn it all the way without moving my knees. But how often do you turn the handlebars all the way...

Pics soon

PS: ghporter, thanks for the great advice

nonhuman · May 22, 2007, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by Uncle Skeleton

Well we bought a Rebel tonight. It's a '99, great condition, 2500 miles, red with black accents. $1995, a few over blue book value (which as I've said is a good deal for around here).

Nonhuman, I see what you mean about the knees. If I was any taller it would definitely be a problem. I just barely can't quite turn it all the way without moving my knees. But how often do you turn the handlebars all the way...

Pics soon

PS: ghporter, thanks for the great advice

Cool glad it worked out for you. The Rebel is a great bike, just not for everyone.

ghporter · May 22, 2007, 07:18 AM

When you post pictures, how about a description of where you're riding to get the feel for the bike. Some of us are curious, and others may have some advice about what to try-or what to avoid. My wife, for example, found out that gravel parking is a Bad Thing unless you enter it straight on and very slow. Not pretty, but only slightly painful (and a little expensive; we needed to get her a new speedometer cable and have the fork aligned).

G4ME · May 22, 2007, 11:33 AM

The rebal is a great bike for what it is and doesn't try to be more then what it stands for. A small easy to ride bike, comparing it to a sport bike or a full on cruiser is kinda pointless, cause its not trying to be one.

As your gain experience chances are you guy will both grow out of it, but still its better to learn on something you can handle then jumping in the deep end head first.

BTW look into the older 350-450s, they deff have enough pep to keep up on the highways and their frames were noticably bigger back in the mid 70s mid 80s.

Uncle Skeleton · May 22, 2007, 11:45 AM

Pics (about 400K each):
http://noah2.home.comcast.net/DSCN6153.JPG
http://noah2.home.comcast.net/DSCN6154.JPG
http://noah2.home.comcast.net/DSCN6155.JPG

We'll mostly just be on normal paved Seattle streets, where drivers are annoyingly courteous and dirt is washed away hourly the natural way. Our condo has a nice covered spot for it. And we live about 1 mile from work (UW), where I'm told motorcycle parking is about $2/day.

Yeah, after riding it around the parking lot this morning I agree that we'll be grown out of it, probably before the end of the summer. But then, that's exactly what we were looking for (at least I was). I think we picked a bike that will retain most of its value though, knock on wood.

G4ME · May 24, 2007, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Uncle Skeleton

And we live about 1 mile from work (UW), where I'm told motorcycle parking is about $2/day.

umm whats wrong with a road bike? 1 mile, heck can just coast to work. You will probably waste more gas warming the rebal up then actually driving to work.

Uncle Skeleton · May 24, 2007, 12:34 PM

What's a road bike? Bicycle?

It's quite a congested mile...

irunat2am · May 24, 2007, 01:57 PM

Hey bud. When you're done with it at the end of the summer, I'll drive up from Portland and give you a crazy $199.99 to take her off your hands! WEE-HAW!

How depressing..I want a bike, too! Good luck! Nice looking bike!

finboy · 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by nonhuman

About 6'1". So a little taller than you, but I'd still say it might be a little small for you. I'd definitely recommend trying one out, or at least sitting on one at a dealership.

It's going to be too tiny and underpowered, esp. for two people. Now, TWO of them would be OK, especially for learning your way around. You need something you can throw down if necessary.

A 250 on the interstate isn't fun, no matter how big you are.

Rebels are sweet bikes. My brother had one for a few years and they're fun to ride and easy to control. But not big enough for two, and not powerful enough to get out of the way of stuff on the big roads.

screamingFit · May 25, 2007, 06:32 AM

You're in Seattle and you didn't buy a scooter? What's wrong with you?

Uncle Skeleton · May 25, 2007, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by finboy

It's going to be too tiny and underpowered, esp. for two people. Now, TWO of them would be OK, especially for learning your way around. You need something you can throw down if necessary.

A 250 on the interstate isn't fun, no matter how big you are.

1. Some people do take them on highways, and the highways around here aren't the fastest (speed limit = 60 plus lots of congestion in the day time)
2. I don't necessarily need to go on highways, and when I do I don't need it to be as "fun" as a bigger bike
3. It will still be plenty fun on surface streets
4. It gets better gas mileage than bigger bikes, up to 80 mpg
5. We are planning to upgrade once we learn to ride...

Uncle Skeleton · May 25, 2007, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by screamingFit

You're in Seattle and you didn't buy a scooter? What's wrong with you?

Heh, it has certain propterties of a scooter

Don't tell it I said that...

Tenacious Dyl · May 25, 2007, 03:01 PM

A friend of mine who was married not too long ago bought a Honda Shadow for himself, and he loved it, but his wife wanted to go riding with him too. They decided on the Shadow 250. As far as I know she just loves it, and they both go out and ride together on the nicer days. I'd say go for it... but don't expect it to please 2 people, maybe buy it, and if you like it... buy another one later?

Uncle Skeleton · May 25, 2007, 03:49 PM

I didn't think there was a shadow that small. Yeah I might end up keeping the rebel and just getting a bigger bike in addition. I do like the looks of the shadow too. I'll definitely test drive one when the time comes.