Is the Honda Rebel 250 really that underpowered?

[repair_guy]

I keep hearing how this motorcycle is underpowered. I'm looking to get into riding, I am not a big guy I'm 5'10" 170lbs. How would this bike do for a first timer. Would it get to say 50 mph in at least 10 to 20 seconds, I don't want cars going around me, that scares me. The cycle guys say this thing is the same power as a scooter, I've rode a bicycle with small engine on it with clutch and wouldn't take that on the road, I hope this bike is alot more powerful than that was. From what people say, I'm guessing it's at least 5hp, I couldn't find any horsepower ratings. Sure looks like a great bike. If I get it I'll probably take a motorcycle riding course. This one is a 1985 Hond rebel 250, don't know the miles yet.


Thanks
Keith

 

[ra7c7er]

I don't have any knowledge of that bike but don't buy a bike unless you can take a test ride. I've seen a lot of guys buy their first bike, without riding it, and in less than a month or two they are already wanting to sell and get something they really wanted.

 

[opa1]

My son had one. I rode it some. I'm 5-8 about 135lbs. It had enough power to ride easily in town. Don't even think about getting on the interstate with it. Top speed is about 65mph.
A lot of riding courses use the Honda to teach students with. It was very dependable too.

As stated above. You will want another bike soon if you like riding. A 85 model should be had for cheap. If it works well, it would be a ok starter bike. I think its a bit small for you though. I felt a bit cramped on my sons bike. YMMV.

Mark

 

[Judas Priest]

If you can find one, I would recommend a Honda NX250. I´ve had two of them.

The US version has 25 HP, which should be enough.

It is becoming very hard to get original parts for them though.

 

[zebra03]

I have a Honda Reflex 250 scooter and it is roomy and fast enuff .

 

[hjames]

Thats probably great for learning to ride and your license test - good for a first bike in town, BUT - give half a chance, I'd really recommend something a bit more peppy (but not really heavier) if you can find a single or twin cylinder bike in the 300-350cc range. You'll get a little bit more power and you'll be able to grow with it a lot longer. Then again, around here (DC area), if you can't take it on the smaller highways you can't go very far.

Stay off the interstates tho!

I keep hearing how this motorcycle is underpowered. I'm looking to get into riding, I am not a big guy I'm 5'10" 170lbs. How would this bike do for a first timer. Would it get to say 50 mph in at least 10 to 20 seconds, I don't want cars going around me, that scares me. The cycle guys say this thing is the same power as a scooter, I've rode a bicycle with small engine on it with clutch and wouldn't take that on the road, I hope this bike is alot more powerful than that was. From what people say, I'm guessing it's at least 5hp, I couldn't find any horsepower ratings. Sure looks like a great bike. If I get it I'll probably take a motorcycle riding course. This one is a 1985 Hond rebel 250, don't know the miles yet.


Thanks
Keith

 

[Wigwam Jones]

I keep hearing how this motorcycle is underpowered. I'm looking to get into riding, I am not a big guy I'm 5'10" 170lbs. How would this bike do for a first timer. Would it get to say 50 mph in at least 10 to 20 seconds, I don't want cars going around me, that scares me. The cycle guys say this thing is the same power as a scooter, I've rode a bicycle with small engine on it with clutch and wouldn't take that on the road, I hope this bike is alot more powerful than that was. From what people say, I'm guessing it's at least 5hp, I couldn't find any horsepower ratings. Sure looks like a great bike. If I get it I'll probably take a motorcycle riding course. This one is a 1985 Hond rebel 250, don't know the miles yet.


Thanks
Keith

I had a 1981 Yamaha Exciter 250 that I bought new in Southern California when I was in the Marines. I was 5-10 and 170 pounds at the time. I rode it everywhere up and down the coast, often carrying a passenger with me. It did fine, including on the highway. It was not a speed demon.

I rode it home to Colorado when I was sent overseas, across I-10 and up I-25 over Raton Pass. It lacked power at altitude and I had to draft behind semi trucks to get over the pass without putting myself and other traffic in danger due to my not being able to keep up with traffic.

I think 250cc is on the small side, although it was a fun bike and I liked it. I am not a fan of monster bikes with more power than my car, I think they're foolish and dangerous, so you won't see my fat ass on a Hyabusa anytime soon. However, if I had it to do again, I'd consider 350cc as a minimum size, and would probably be looking at a 750cc for any kind of highway touring.

Hope that is helpful to you.

 

[Larry_NYC]

300 cc is enough for us over 50

I just completed a MFC riders course. The motorcycles were of the 250cc type the scooter was probably 125. I own a 300 cc SYM scooter. It can get me up to 80-85 mph, and I feel that it's not the bike or the HP, it's the cars that don't respect the smaller, quieter bikes. Get what you are comfortable with and can handle. It's your choice. Ride as many bikes as you want, or can.
Be safe out there

Larry

 

[stereofanboy]

When I was about 150 lbs, I purchased a 500 cc Honda Shadow. It was fine around town, but frightening on the highway. I owned it less than a month before I went and got a 750 cc Shadow. These were early '80s bikes, the current ones look to be kind of tubby, although I haven't ridden one.

 

[olson_jr]

From what people say, I'm guessing it's at least 5hp, I couldn't find any horsepower ratings.

Here are the specifications including HP ratings.

• Manufacturer Honda
• Also called Rebel 250
• Predecessor Honda CM250C Custom
• Class Cruiser
• Engine 234 cc (14.3 cu in) air-cooled SOHC two valves per cyl. straight-twin [1]
• Bore / stroke 53.0 mm × 53.0 mm (2.09 in × 2.09 in)
• Compression ratio 9.2:1
• Top speed 70 mph (110 km/h)[2]
• Power 16.1 hp (12.0 kW)[2]
• Torque 12.4 lb·ft (16.8 N·m)[2]
• Ignition type CDI
• Transmission 5-speed, chain drive
• Frame type Tubular steel double cradle
• Suspension Front: 33 mm fork; 120 mm (4.7 in) travel
• Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 2.9-inch travel
• Brakes Front: Single-disc with twin-piston caliper
• Rear: Drum
• Tires Front: 3.00"-18"
• Rear: 130/90-15
• Rake, trail 30° 40', 113 mm (4.4 in)
• Wheelbase 1,450 mm (57 in)
• Seat height 676 mm (26.6 in)
• Weight 139 kg (306 lb) (dry)
• 145 kg (320 lb)[2] (wet)
• Fuel capacity 9.8 L (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal), incl. 2.6 L (0.57 imp gal; 0.69 US gal) reserve
• Fuel consumption 52–62.6 mpg-US (4.5–3.76 L/100 km; 62–75.2 mpg-imp)[3][2]
• Related Honda CM200T Twinstar
• Honda CMX450 Rebel
• Honda CB250 Nighthawk

All from Wickipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CMX250C



There is also a great site for comparing bikes and specifications...

http://www.bikez.com

 

[Andyman]

I rode a 1978 Yamaha DT175 Enduro for over 17,000 miles on roads, but not much on the highway. It did a great job of getting me around, but it really wasn't designed or intended for a lot of riding over 55 mph. Trips up north were on the two lane blacktop highways, not the freeways.

The 250 rebel isn't a pavement shredder either, but is probably a fine bike for getting around and vastly superior to any scooter as it has real brakes, wheels, tires and an engine.

But something 350cc+ would suit you far better if you want to include any freeways or longer trips in your future. I haven't owned a bike in 15 years, so I'm out of touch with what's current and can't really recommend anything less than 30-40 years old...

 

[EV-Fan]

The Rebel has about 13bhp and is fine around town but not enough for (safe) highway use. It makes a good starter bike and would help when taking a riding test if you have not ridden before. Cars would not be passing you, at least not in normal around town riding. It's not slow, especially up to about 50 mph or so. The problem is that it's never safe to have to ride or drive anything at it's top speed. Having extra power on demand is always safer than not. I have a 150cc Piaggio scooter that will go 60mph but I never see more than 50mph because it gets a little wobbly. I also have a 250cc Aprilia scooter that will do 90mph and it always feels planted and in control. My wife rides it to work on nice days. At first she rode the 150 and was afraid the 250 was too big and heavy. Now she would never go back. That extra power allows you to move around in traffic with ease. It also has full motorcycle size wheels and that helps stability.
So if you want the bike to run around town it would probably be suffice. But if extended trips, highway rides or taking a passenger are on the list I would look for a different bike. Like others have said, 350cc and up is where I would start. Another person commented that you would soon be looking to trade up from the Rebel, they are 100% correct. I ride a 650cc and there is plenty of power. Would I take more? Of course.

Some sellers will not let you test ride it without a motorcycle endorsement or license. Have a friend who does have one test ride any bike you are serious about buying. btw- how much do you want to spend?

 

[Fisherdude]

I rode a Honda 305 Scrambler from Fresno to Death Valley and back, but I was young.

I'm getting back into riding after a long break, and just bought a bike, my eighth. I'm glad you mentioned a riding course! TAKE IT!! There are very specific techniques involved in safely turning and stopping a motorcycle, and learning the way many of us did it 40+ years ago, by "figuring it out" yourself, is just foolish. Even though I had ridden a lot, and ridden a lot of different bikes, I took the full day course. It was fabulous!

To your question, obviously price and condition for the bike you're specifically looking at are important, as is the question of whether or not you're going to ride on highways with 65 mph speed limits, how often, and for what distances. That 250 is not a highway bike. Getting on and getting off a few exits up, fine. Actual trips somewhere, no. I'm assuming an '85 is no more than $1,500 tops, so if you think of it as a learning bike, iow if you don't like riding you can sell it with no great loss, or if you end up liking riding you can move up, that's great. However, if you kinda sorta think you're going to like riding, I'd be thinking of a 350.

Just my input. Have fun, and be careful!! Full coverage helmet!! :yes:

 

[Andyman]

Ha! It's funny how so many of us keep mentioning 350cc as a starting point.

I bet this has something to do with it....

But this was more my style....

 

[68custom]

rebels have good pick up but run out of wind at about 60 mph. great in town, keep it off the highway.

 

[hjames]

Yep - my first real bike was a new '72 CL350 - replaced within a year by a '70 Triumph Trophy 500 ...

Ha! It's funny how so many of us keep mentioning 350cc as a starting point.

 

[Eric n Kc]

When I took my safety class to get my mc. licsense they used rebels. they are good bikes to learn on but your quickly going to want to move up to something bigger/faster.
Me I would take a safety class (even if you have ridden before). The best $200 youll spend and chances are theyll teach either with rebels or something very similar. Then I would go find a used 883 sportster (harley davidson) .Test ride that. If you like that and later on down the rode you want to upgrade you have trading materal or you can put a 1200 kit on it and it will be as fast as you want. Just my .02, Eric

 

[hjames]

When I took my safety class to get my mc. licsense they used rebels. they are good bikes to learn on but your quickly going to want to move up to something bigger/faster.
Me I would take a safety class (even if you have ridden before). The best $200 youll spend and chances are theyll teach either with rebels or something very similar. Then I would go find a used 883 sportster (harley davidson) .Test ride that. If you like that and later on down the rode you want to upgrade you have trading materal or you can put a 1200 kit on it and it will be as fast as you want. Just my .02, Eric

Sporty and a hog are kinda big for most folks to start on - even as a 2nd bike it can be a handful.
Its also a different league of budget than the OP probably has ... he's probably interested in the under 500cc classes ...

 

[Judas Priest]

I rode a Honda 305 Scrambler from Fresno to Death Valley and back, but I was young.

A friend of mine rode an XL50, (yes, 50cc) from northern Germany all the way down to Austria, through parts of Switzerland and France.

That was an adventure

 

[AlphaEcho35]

Single cylinder 400cc - lots of oomph!

I had this bike back in my '20's. Tons of torque from this single cylinder 400 cc 2 stroke engine. It was a great bike, but always wanted to get out from underneath me - scare me on quite a few occasions. :yes:

Even though it had a lot of power, I never felt comfortable riding it on the interstate - it was just not really built for that.

I would follow other's suggestions and find a street bike of at least 400cc, twin cylinder.