Honda Rebel 250 full review
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- čas přidán 24. 06. 2012
- I review the honda rebel 250 or CMX250C.
is it the right bike for you?!
the bike I reviewed was a 1987 with roughly 2200 miles on it, everything was stock.
(sorry for the whistle speak I had to throw it in there!)
I'm 6ft6in 246lbs and I've been riding my Honda rebel 250 for eight years and I've been on the highway several times doing 110kph, don't listen to everyone who says its too small, you be your own judge. I have no problems with mine and its a 1985 model.
Thanks Bob,
bob wilson is the best
😀😀😀😀😀😀
Hi, I wanted to buy one in the Philippines, the Honda dealer ships over here say they cannot help me.
I have had my 1985 Honda Rebel for 4 years now and have never regretted it. This is a fantastic bike. I am 6' tall and 190 lbs. It feels perfect. It feels great riding in town. I feel in control and love the way it handles in traffic. I have no problem getting to 80 - 85 on the highway but it does tend to vibrate more past 55. I feel like I have plenty of power on the highway. I often have made 80 mile trips each direction on my Rebel. Mine is modded with hard saddlebags and sissy bar / luggage rack. I am thinking about doing a trip from Salem, Oregon to Chico, California on my bike this year. Next week I am putting in iridium sparkplugs for added power. Another great feature of this bike is easy maintenance. No oil filter, just remove 1 bolt for an oil change.
Dale Roller right on Dale!! that sounds like an awesome ride!.... will you follow the Coast? and then what, the 36 to go inland?.... I can just imagine, that's the type of road trip I love, so jealous..
Check out this blog from this guy that traveled across the US on a Rebel 250...what an awesome adventure
www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?18512-7500-miles-across-America-on-a-Honda-Rebel-250
This bike is super comfy and (usually, if well maintained) incredibly reliable. I don't see why not.
Your video confirms that this is the perfect bike for me. Thanks!
5'10" 225lbs. when i got it, it was terribly cramped to ride. Raised the seat 3" changed front sprocket 14t to15t. love the bike now. the bike is very light & nimble, absolute blast around town. get many complements from strangers. never any when i ride my hd.(to common)
The 250 Rebel is one of the best work and utilitarian bikes you can own. No, you can't use it on the freeway, but for short rides to work, the store, your friends house. It will do just fine. The max you should consider riding this on a trip is an hour at 60 mph and unlimited at around 50 mph. This thing will last you 25 years easy. 250's are the world standard in utilitarian, "use it every day" bike.
Yes you can use it on the freeway, I've done it, for several thousand miles.
I started watching this video because I'm thinking of buying a Honda Rebel, but then I realized you were riding in a town I lived in about 4 years ago!
You're awesome for replying to all the comments!
Great review my dude, an actual review vlog talking about the bike instead of the weather of how their day's going.
I have one of these guys and this video played a good role in convincing me to buy one. It's a very honest review and I knew it wouldn't be a powerful bike to begin with. That said, it's a wonderful bike for a beginner like myself. It's fun, the mileage is wonderful, and it's incredibly reliable. I've done 75ish on a freeway and he's right, it wasn't terribly fun. Also, I'm 5'8 and do feel a little bit cramped on it.
The only statement I disagree with is the one about not getting it if you want a bike that'll last you a long time. You might get sick of this bike, but these things are known to run forever.
The 250 Rebel is also a great bike for older riders who want something smaller so they can continue riding. As we age we get weaker and many of us still want to ride but can't handle a large bike.
If you change the sprockets you can achieve a much better ride at highway speeds. I owned one years ago and now that I'm OLD I'd love to own another 250 Rebel.
I just turned 65, I've been riding since age 16, I've owned around 50 bikes, and ridden around a million miles. Way back in 1985, I bought a brand new Rebel 250, even though I had a Yamaha XS850 at the time, and had already been riding on the street for 10 years. It was cheap and I loved the look. It was kind of an impulse buy. I rode it around for a couple of years, including a couple of trips of over 1,000 miles, and wound up selling it. Then back in 2016, I saw what Honda had done to the Rebel for 2017, and was horrified. I immediately went to my local mom and pop Honda only dealer, and bought a new 2016 Honda Rebel 250. 2016 was the last year for the beautiful little Rebel 250. They were seriously overstocked with them, and I got it OTD for well under MSRP. I got it just for the reason you mentioned. I have 4 bikes, counting the Rebel 250. A 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, a 2006 Sportster 1200L, a 2007 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, and the 2016 Rebel 250. When I get to where I can't ride the bigger bikes safely, I will ride the little Rebel. I have already put a backrest, luggage rack, saddlebags, and a forward controls kit on it from a place called bluecollarbobbers.com that moves the pegs, shifter and brake almost 6" forward. I also have a 14L magnetic tank bag that fits perfectly. I recommend sticking with the stock gearing. It is geared perfectly. It's just below redline at full throttle. And it will run at full throttle forever, or at least a lot longer than I will be riding it. A guy that used to run a Honda Rebel forum had put over 80,000 miles on one, most of it at full throttle on the freeway, and it was still running fine. It tops out at 75 mph GPS on a flat level road, and will hit 85 mph with a slight tailwind or downhill. It will lose speed climbing a hill, and that's where the stock gearing comes in really handy.
Thanks for the review. I've been debating getting the rebel or a suzuki tu250 for a bit now. Im 6'3 though so Im glad I watched this.
I had an '86 Rebel I loved. Also Harley Sportster, Moto Guzzi 850, Suzuki LS 650, Honda 550, and probably more. My sister is givig me her (unused) Rebel 250, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it! Perfect around town, especially.
I have one, and it's fine unless you want blistering acceleration. It's actually quite peppy, if you're not comparing it to something with a much larger engine. Nice & light - easy to move around the garage, and you never have to worry about it being an issue righting it if it goes over. Handles well, looks good, and even sounds surprisingly good for a 250.
I've owned mostly larger bikes, but I'm quite happy with this thing. Dirt cheap insurance, so it's a really inexpensive ride fore someone like myself that only gets out once or twice a month, if that. (around $200/yr comprehensive & theft)
Thanks for the review!!
sweet 1987!!, and with so few miles!
totally agree it is a good beginner bike. One of the best to learn. Overall a great, reliable little bike
Awesome review. Funny at the end, "This a bike you'll probably grow out of in like, a month or two, but you know."
really helpful review, cheers dude
I'm 6'4 and 250 lbs, and I have got one, it's even the smaller one 125 cc, .
It wasn't too comfortable for me but I turned the risers 180 degrees, so now the handlebars are way more forward and up higher which helped a lot.
I ride a Honda Rebel. I am 6ft tall, and I love speed. I am pretty hefty, so I weigh the bike down, but I manage to do 82mph (had a car with digital dashboard ride next to me) on the highway. In the city, I do usually 5 over the limit. I would recommend this bike to anyone. Even if experienced. But that is me only because I love riding motorcycles.
Planning on getting a bike soon and this is my top choice, I'm 4'11, and finding a comfortable bike has been a bit challenging because of that... Definitely trying this out!
Fine choice it is! Cheap to run, cheap to insure and is as reliable as a Zippo lighter. PLUS: coolest looking 250! It's a Honda, so parts/service are no problem! (of course, since it's a Honda, NEEDING parts/service is rare! LOL).
I love mine and I am 7' 8". It is an excellent commuter bike as far as affordability goes. This bike is bigger than you think.
awesome review! thanks.
I'm 5'9 and I have the Rebel 250... is perfect for me. I drive everyday to my job in freeway 65 to 75 and in the traffic is the best.
hey thanks for the review I'm a beginner and I need to gain experience on riding one before I go out and buy a better one and not know how to ride it on the future lol but this really help me alot thanks again g
the rebel sounds like the perfect starter bike for you. There are tons of aftermarket parts available for it so you could customize it anyway you want which should keep you enjoying it for a long time. Of course, I reccomend going to the dealership and riding one, maybe look into yamahas v-star/virago also. Good luck man, let us know how it goes!
does zipties on wheels really help traction during the winter? this would just be to get around small city streets, ie 30+ that aren't busy.
I don't know of any good ones myself but maybe that's something we will have to make! Congrats on the purchase and ride safe!
Thanks, that was informative. Kept wondering what you meant by it not being right for a taller person-I'm 5'9-but you addressed that. Am looking for a first bike, new rider, and don't want to spend a fortune. Seems a teensy bit slow but ya gotta start somewhere. Loved the double take at the end when you see (your gf/wife?) on the porch waiting! I'm near you geographically, how much do these go for? Thanks!
Thanks. I am female 5'4 tall and a beginner so this bike sounds perfect for me.
Hi Good Luck God Bless.Im looking at this video. I'm in the same boat .I do think this is a good Option for new riders .Be Safe.Enjoy Riding.
Good review thanks
Great video!
how do i access the battery. Is it on right side . There is a cover but I dont want to break it. can you assist.
I will disconnect negative first and then positive. am i right
Is it hard for beginners to drive at low speed (30km/h ~20mph) and is it hard to turn a sharp turn?
I have this bike but an '06. My very first bike and am proud to have paid for it myself. Only $2,300 was a score to me. Ive put a new exhaust on it called jardine rumblers so it now sounds like a bike, not a scooter anymore. Im soon putting a smaller cog in the front and bigger in the rear as it is not great for the highway. You will find yourself wanting more out of first gear for sure, and more in fifth. Its a great bike for beginners and easy to modify making you and the bike grow together.
I am 5'7" and 155 lbs.. I drive side streets to work and never hit a busy street. Perfect for me...this review is spot on..it sucks on the freeway dont even try.. its slow and it isnt a performance bike in any way...but 60 miles per gallon for my fifteen minute ride to work everyday it saves a fortune on gas... ( my truck has a V-10.)
I rode mine on freeway for several years at 55 and 65 mph did fine
nice, have fun with it!
I always end up looking for that 6th gear specially after riding the the R1 or the bigger bike, I'm 5'7" 162lb and it's pretty good fit but it can go 70 down hill no problem, of all my bikes it's the rebel I ride the most and it's not how fast you go it's how you enjoy the ride. I love my rebels 08 and 09 it's a blast ride around town.
2 wheels down always.
Hey there, my first bike was actually a ninja 250. I had no previous riding experience and felt that the bike was a great one to learn on. I mean the bike has no trouble on the freeway, has a great feel and look and is very comfortable. I had more fun on the ninja, but it all comes down to what you prefer. My best advice is to go to the dealership and try both!
I'll check that out! Thanks
I'm 6'1" is there a bike that's around the same price range similar look but bigger?
best advice I can give is to go to a Honda dealership and test ride one, as long as you have your endorsement they should let you. Personally I wouldn't mind the cramped ride if it is a fairly short commute, but again I really urge you to go test one out! Good luck man!
Thanks for watching it!
I think the fact that this guy is riding a 25 year old antique, probably with very little maintenance throughout its life, and its rock solid bullet proof cranks up every time, and is still fun to drive, says a world about the Rebel. Another 25 years from now this bike will still be cruising on the road. All those Lifans, Viragos, and Ninja bikes with their plastic fairing and complicated engines will be rotting in some boneyard somewhere in the rain. The Rebel is a rock solid stone cold jeep
I'm 5'9 and 300 lbs(I know, it doesn't sound good) but I've recently become interested in motorcycles, and this one seems like the best one to start on. Is this a worthwhile purchase for someone like me?
Do you know what year they started adding a fuel gauge?
I have a 1987 Rebel best bike love riding it
Im 1.83m 6ft or so. Do I fit for this motorcycle without getting back pain
Great video! just wondering. I'm 18 and want a bike to go to school/work is this bike a good idea? I love the style of it and looks quite easy to ride but can I keep a bike like this for at least 4/5years?
Thanks I plan to. Does it have a carburetor or is it fuel injection?
Also, do they make newer models of this bike?
Thanks for sharing this video! You mentioned it might be a bit small for the taller beginner. I am 6'1" and still very much a beginner (I've only ever ridden a 50cc moped)... can you recommend a bike for us taller beginners? Thanks.
Good and honest review. Thanks for posting. I'm looking to buy a bike but I wouldn't want it to not be able to handle the highway. I'm a beginner so I'm kind of stuck in trying to decide just how much power I'll need. I've already taken the course and all and the bikes that we used were fine but we didn't ride around town or anything. Something a bit more powerful would probably be better right?
well, as I said in the vid, the rebel I had was fine up until around 70ish where it topped out. So if you need something that can handle 70+ day in and day out a bike with a bit more power (yamaha bolt/v-star ect... ) might be a better choice. Good luck and happy riding!
nwOutdoorAdventures Thanks!
Yea, I was looking around and saw that there as 1986 Honda SHADOW VT500 around my area. We'll see if I get that.
250 is good for beginners
I am currently riding a 1986 Honda Rebel 250. This is my first bike, been riding for about 6 months. It has been a good bike for learning on and I enjoy riding it, but will be upgrading in a few months. It is just a little too small for a 6'1" guy to ride long term. Still, a fun bike for zipping around town.
Where are you and what will you be trying to get out of it?
Sorry, the bosslady(the wife) wants it to learn on when I upgrade.
I understand. It's a great bike for that... I had 1 in 1984 when I was to stationed at Ft Hood
I bought a used 2013 model in great condition for $2,500. I had it for 2 years and then traded it in to a Honda dealer and then bought a 2015 CBR500r which was an enjoyable but also a funny and awkward transition to make to go from a slow cruiser to a medium range streetbike. 250 cruisers are definitely the perfect motorcycles for beginners to get.
I just learned to ride this year. I bought a 2007 Rebel with 9k miles off of Craigslist for $1600. The bike is solid. It is about the easiest bike possible to maintain, anyone can do it.
Only issue is, after you learn to ride, you start wanting more power and a more comfortable bike for longer rides.
But, in what I have read, a Rebel will last as long as you want it to.
How do I hit 85 mph on my 2006 rebel, max I get is 65mph?
Neighbor has one with only 219 miles on it. We just rebuild the carburetor & it fired right up. Nice little bikes.
Is there a tutorial video somewhere that explains how to operate one of these? I'm a beginner and just bought a used '06 model today and was hoping to see how to use the hand and foot controls. I'm excited to start riding.
I'm 6'1 would this be a good start out bike for me? If not, other suggestions? Thanks!
I picked up a 2001. I really like your Z Bar,can you tell me what kind it is?
What maximum height would you recommend?
i'm 6ft 6in and i've been riding my 250 rebel for 5 years and I don't find it too small, I ride it all summer long, no problem. A great little bike. I've had suzuki 500cc, Honda cx 500cc, Jawa 350cc, vespa scooter, I have a Honda gl 500cc another good bike.
I have always wanted a bike and now im close to the chance of getting one would you say this would good for a new rider? I am about 6'0 -6'1 I think it might be small for me. But what other bikes would you suggest for a beginner that has a little space.
sorry for the late response, I have had friends over 6' that owned and enjoyed a rebel, but I have also had shorter buddies that couldnt stand the fit. My best advice is to go to a dealer and sit on one, they have been made the same for the past 30 years nearly so it is the best place to start!
What bike would you recommend for taller person? And I would prefer a cruiser! Thanks!!
My Honda rebel 250 just turned over 30,000 kilometers that I put on it, just waiting for new chain and sprockets and an oil change. ( I change my oil every year or 3,000k)
Lol Here you there man I'm six foot three two hundred and fifty pounds people stare all the time I just give it hell
I always had this question. How do you tackle a flat tire on a motorcycle?
I am 6'2", a little cramped at times but really enjoy my 250. Will upgrade eventually but for computing back and forth to work in the city, great gas mileage. Would like more power in this bike - any suggestions?
great vido im buying mine tomrow
How would i go about blacking everything out.
Do you think this would be a good first bike for me? i am almost 16 and am about 5'4, pretty short dude and i doubt i'll get much taller.
I'm 6'2" and I am new to riding would you suggest this? I just need a bike to get me from point A to B and not really long rides.
What do you exactly mean with tall? is 6'2" tall for you?
So, is the honda rebel good enough for just highway driving?
I am just starting, don't even really know enough about bikes but I've always liked them. I'm 19, 5'7 and a dude with very little hopes of getting any taller. Never had a bike before, I'm looking for a starter bike, but also one that I would be able to have for a while. My friends who ride recc that I start with a 250 haha but thats all they say. They've reccomended ninjas and such but I'm not looking for a "street bike" look. I like the look that the rebel has or similar to it. Reccomendations?
I started on a cbr 600 f4. Then bought a 05 rebel 250, then bought a 07 600rr then bought a 09 1000rr repsol and now going back to a rebel 250! Best gas mileage out of all my bikes... On my 1000 I would spend about as much in gas then I would in my truck. Always in the throttle! Rebel will out last any bike I know of with way less maintenance. That motor will take a beating and ask for more! Great bike to have in the stable!
How tall is too tall? I'm about 6-1 260 so would this be too small?
Hey there, love your video. I am planning to pick up an 07 for $600. It will be the bike I learn on, and my first bike. I am 6'0", 250 lbs. I love the look, price, and what you mentioned about the ease... but will it be enough bike for me? I don't want to get it just to have it be too small to use properly. If it would be too small, could you suggest something in a similar price range? I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I would appreciate it very much. Thanks again!!
or is it an upside down clubman? do they handle good?
thanks
im buying one of these as my starter bike!
Thanks for the review. I've been looking for a while and although I would like to start small my dad rode and says 250 doesn't give you that kick you might need should you need to scoot your ass. Are there any in the 500cc with a similar inseam? I'm only about 5'4".
Old video but I'm sure people are still watching so I'll say what I feel I have to say. I'm 6ft, I have long legs, bad back, and I started out on a 2001 rebel and I still ride it now. If people ride grohms around, why is this considered too small? I bobbed mine out, solid struts, Springer seat, etc. It doesn't "top out at 70". That's just incorrect, it will do at least 80 depending on weight, incline, and other things. They will last forever, and will always start right up. Don't listen to anyone trying to say "oh just get a 600, I did and I was okay". Stupid. I have a 750 for when I wanna go fast but when I wanna ride, there's nothing like getting on the rebel and cruising at 55. It's not a girls bike, not a beginner bike, it's just a bike. If you wanna ride it forever, that's a perfectly viable option.
Well said and i totally agree
if it sounds like it runs well and has been well maintained then yes! make sure you give it a proper test ride before committing to anything
I'm about 5'11" and was planning to get this. Read reviews and I'm definitely too big for this. I am going to get my Motorcycle license so I am new to this. I just want a cruising bike and thought this would be perfect, but if not what about your thoughts on the Honda Shadow RS or any of the Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes?
Did I hear no fuel gauge?
thats a 1987?!
wow it looks amazing dude
no prob
perfect!
I am 5'11-6'0 but i wanted to know if this bike would fit me for a beginner bike? If not what bike would? I want it to look similar to the rebel
Would this be a good bike for school?
86 450 rebel for 1500? good deal or not? 4500 miles.
any advice? first time buyer n rider?
Yeah it's smallish, but I'll fabricate some forward rider pegs. Getting my 2nd Rebel next month, had one decades ago. Just gonna run it around town, it's perfect for that. I'm 6' and about 180 pounds, and on short jaunts (and hour or so) it's fine. I've run bigger bikes, like a '73 Moto Guzzi Ambassador 850, and others of all sizes. An average of 65mph strikes me as honest; a perfect around-town bike, not a long-distance cruiser.
Im 6'3" and for me it rides great!
Though I might have to add, im about the width of a blade of grass, so that might add to the comfort a bit too :P
Personally, I can recommend it as a beginner bike, especially when you have a restriction on your licence like me (Some European countries have a max 25 kw rule)
And well, gas mileage rules :P
If you are hard on the throttle you are able to pull away from all normal powered cars, up untill about 40-50mph (if you are both gunning it)
I had to chuckle when I heard the narrator say he's always searching for "that sixth gear". I've been driving a Yamaha 250 Virago for several years and I STILL keep searching for "that sixth gear." The reason, I suppose, is that at highway speeds the engine really sounds like it's revving at the point you'd usually shift to a higher gear. If I want to travel anywhere at 60 MPH (c. 100 KPH) I have to endure the sound of the engine working hard the whole time.
yeah at 5'11" I could see this bike being a bit too small for you, personally I would take the shadow rs over the Harleys. I loved the look of the iron 883 but after I test rode it I was disappointed. Best advice I can give is test ride a few bikes and see what you like the best. If you are a true beginner (no previous riding at all) though starting on a small bike like this for a few months may be worth the experience. They are very easy to resell and are the perfect starter bikes
I'm 5'7 and 140 and just starting off...
would you say its probably the best bike out there for me?
Get a V STAR 250
im not looking for a speeder i just need something to get me from home to school. BUT i suck at riding bicycle...is this bike good for beginners?
Complaints I've heard: loose shifter, can't find neutral. No gas gauge. No rpm gauge. vibration. True?
itd
I'm wanting a bike to travel all around on in towns. not highways and such sort. to start out on. Good bike to start out on?
DrWitch Fantastic bike for that.