Want some opinions about the Honda Rebel 250

Question

I am planning on buying a 08 Honda Rebel soon. I am a young average size woman, and novice, rider. And I don't have a big budget (around 5k). I plan on using it mainly around town and on state routes with a little highway time (like 20 mins).

I also am planning on getting a simple custom paint job so it will match the gear I'm getting. I've gotten a quote for that and figure I can get the bike, gear, and customization all for under 5 grand.

And I do plan on keeping it for awhile (like til I'm settled down aka at least 5 years).

Just want to know what people think! Thanks!

Oh yea... can the little passenger pad part of the seat be removed? I don't plan on taking anyone else on since it is a small bike, and I'd like more space for the custom paint to show.

Answer 1

For the price those are fantastic bikes, reliable, fun to ride, good handling, they hold value well and get great gas mileage.

Not sure about the buddy seat but my guess is yes it can be removed.

Have Fun!!  

Answer 2

check out the suzuki boulevard S40 first.  It is an excellent starter bike with a little more power so you will not quickly outgrow it (652 CCs).  It has a narrow frame, which is perfect for a petite woman ( I'm 5'2 135 lbs).  I am also a novice rider, but feel very comfortable on this bike.    It has nice lines and turns heads stock.  I have the 2006 in ice blue. After taking the rider's edge course, I was able to get on this bike and continue my learning experience.  If you can find one, it should work with your budget.

Answer 3

FYI - You may want to also check out the Suzuki GZ 250 and the Yamaha V-Star 250.  They have similar characteristics to the Rebel, but have a bit more of a "stylish" look to them for about the same price.

Answer 4

I have to say that even though I don't have one, every time I see a Rebel, I get a flashback to like 1986, when Honda had this TV ad with a snappy little song: "Ridin' Ridin' Ridin' on a Rebel, Rebel, Rebel.."  My buddy said that me and three others should go into hock and buy them and form our own biker gang.  We were going tocall it "h**l Dogs" or "Invaders', or something like that.  We were like 17 at the time.  The friends are either somewhere else or passed beyond this mortal coil, but everytime I see a rebel, I hear that song and smile.  So PLEASE get it and do exactly what you are planning.  I'm sure that I won't see it, but knowing that it's out there gives me a feeling of solidarity.  As for the seat, I think that your custom paint shop may have the answer to that.  My paint guy totally told me to get a smaller seat, move the license plate and get rid of the saddle bags.  He pointed me the right way and everything.  Also, with that price, you'd make a Scotsman proud.

Answer 5

You sound like you've done you homework on this and are on the right track. I would leave the passenger seat pad on because you'll need it to protect the paint from the time you'll need to carry a backpack, saddlebags, or just stuff from the store. You could paint under it and put it on when you need it.

Answer 6

From your description of yourself, it sounds like a good match.  Honda Rebels are small cruisers, but for a younger person or average size woman I would think you would be quite comfortable.  My only warning would be that you may outgrow this bike in a few years and want a bigger bike.  It might be hard to part with if you put allot of custom work into it.

I havn't ever looked at the seat for the rebel but every bike I have looked at you can get different seats for.  I would be pretty sure you can get a seat from the dealer or an aftermarket dealer (or even get a custom one).

Answer 7

From everything I have heard, they are great reliable bikes. If it were me, I would get a used one. They just seem like such a good deal when I see them. (Which isn't often!) If you can afford a new bike and you think you will use it a lot, there is something really nice about a new bike. Of the more than 20 bikes I have owned, I only bought one new, but it was very cool to know nobody had ridden if but me.

As long as you are willing to deal with the initial depreciation, you really can't go wrong with your plan of a new 250 Rebel.

PS

The 250 Ninja would be my choice though. If you have 5 grand to spend, that would right in the budget too. It's just a matter of riding preference though.  

Answer 8

You might want to look at the Kymco Venox or the Hyosung GV250

both are excellent bikes and a better value than a rebel. They are fine on the highway and will handle two up all day long. These are good companies not imported Chinese  junk.  They are also both water cooled VTwins and the rebel is a air cooledverticall twin  water cooled bikes run longer. You might go to www.prideinwhatyouride.com to find out about them more many owners and riders there it is a forum for owners.