Is the Honda Rebel 250 really that underpowered?
- Thread starter repair_guy
- Start date
Well, OP clearly has a very specific bike in mind
" This one is a 1985 Honda Rebel 250,"
But if we compare current models ...
Suzi is double the price +, and 100+ lbs minimum more
(not sure if the Suzi is dry weight - the Honda specs clearly show the Rebel's weight is not).
==========================
2013 Honda CMX250C MSRP $4,190*
Curb Weight 331 pounds
(Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
==========================
2013 Suzuki SFV650BASE MSRP: $7,999
Curb Weight 446lbs
" This one is a 1985 Honda Rebel 250,"
But if we compare current models ...
Suzi is double the price +, and 100+ lbs minimum more
(not sure if the Suzi is dry weight - the Honda specs clearly show the Rebel's weight is not).
==========================
2013 Honda CMX250C MSRP $4,190*
Curb Weight 331 pounds
(Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
==========================
2013 Suzuki SFV650BASE MSRP: $7,999
Curb Weight 446lbs
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eteller
Addicted Member
Fine bike for around town, old Rebel parts are kinda unobtainium from what I hear. I had a friend sell two Rebel 450's to a Rebel parts place in Georgia for a good price because parts are kinda rare. That said they are pretty much bullet proof. Personally my first/budget bike choices would be:
Yamaha XT225
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Nighthawk 250
The first two I think would be more fun than the Rebel
Yamaha XT225
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Nighthawk 250
The first two I think would be more fun than the Rebel
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
Clearly you are correct but he was also asking specific questions as to the performance of the bike and didn't specify what he was willing to spend.
I was figuring a used SV or V-Strom. Way less than 1/2 of list new. SV's ~ $3000 so are the Wee's. And those at least were made in this century.
I have my share of vintage bikes and they aren't worth the tinkering for a daily rider. And I don't think any 250 is good for a daily rider. Then again, don't ride above your ability. And practice, practice practice. In fact falling on dirt hurts less than pavement. Take the MSF and get a nice reliable XR-250 honda to learn on
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I completely agree - something made in this century is a much better plan than anything that old ...
Though it sounded like he is a newcomer to riding and if he was looking at an '85 anything, he's probably on a tight budget.
Back when I rode regular I had a friend that started on a (then new) Triumph 650 Bonneville. John made it through those days ok, but really, anything in the 600cc and up range can be a lot of power for a newcomer & its easy to get over their head.
Though it sounded like he is a newcomer to riding and if he was looking at an '85 anything, he's probably on a tight budget.
Back when I rode regular I had a friend that started on a (then new) Triumph 650 Bonneville. John made it through those days ok, but really, anything in the 600cc and up range can be a lot of power for a newcomer & its easy to get over their head.
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
Yeah, I see the results of inexperience most every weekend I ride in the Texas Hill Country
Ya know the Honda CBR250 looks kinda intriguing too, and you can get one with ABS :scratch2:
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Well, it's been two days and the OP appears to be AWOL, but at least we're enjoying the conversation! 
I'll add one more thought to the "best for beginners" topic...in addition to not too heavy and not too powerful, I also think a sportbike is not a good first bike. The riding posture is forward, the peg position is to the rear, and that is not good for a beginner as far as balance and low speed turns. I think a more neutral, or normal riding position is best.
I'll add one more thought to the "best for beginners" topic...in addition to not too heavy and not too powerful, I also think a sportbike is not a good first bike. The riding posture is forward, the peg position is to the rear, and that is not good for a beginner as far as balance and low speed turns. I think a more neutral, or normal riding position is best.
It is a sweet looking smaller bike for playing around with.
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
Well, it's been two days and the OP appears to be AWOL, but at least we're enjoying the conversation!
I'll add one more thought to the "best for beginners" topic...in addition to not too heavy and not too powerful, I also think a sportbike is not a good first bike. The riding posture is forward, the peg position is to the rear, and that is not good for a beginner as far as balance and low speed turns. I think a more neutral, or normal riding position is best.
The sit up and beg position is far and away my favorite. Small "standard" bikes are just so hard to find anymore that will get out of their own way.
grillebilly
Empty Head
the OP bought a ZZR 1400. Didn't wanna be seen on no sissybike. 
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
the OP bought a ZZR 1400. Didn't wanna be seen on no sissybike.
Not underpowerd fer shure
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
Love the passenger seat and footpegs.
dan-c
Perpetual Lurker
Love the passenger seat and footpegs.
I keep the rear seat off my GS. "No Riders"
If anyone would ride on the back of that it would be from necessity or ignorance
Roy Skinner
Active Member
I rode the 250 Rebel in the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic course many years ago. I did not care for the feet out front riding position. The bike wasade for moderate performance and high reliability. As someone suggested you may want to check out the 250 Night Hawk. It has the same engine, but a standard riding position. Feet down below, and handle bars where you can easily reach them.
If you need to get a small used bike, but want to enjoy the ride more, check out the Kawasaki 250. It is much more competent.
If you need to get a small used bike, but want to enjoy the ride more, check out the Kawasaki 250. It is much more competent.