Honda Rebel vs Kawa Elimator for first bike

Message

Penguin_master · Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:29 pm

So, I know I already posted a couple of things of this nature before, but I have some questions about some other bikes.

Which seems like a better overall bike, the Honda Rebel, or the Kawa Eliminator? How fast will I be able to get them? I know they are not built for speed, but I was wondering if they would be safe enough to take on a short road trip.

Reliability is my main concern. I know honda has that reputation, but reputation isn't everything. Anybody have any other suggestions?

--Scott

VermilionX · Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:40 pm

rebel - 80mph
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersgu ... -Rebel.htm

eliminator - 70mph
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersgu ... tor125.htm

#3 Unread post by **Big B** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:37 am

yes, honda does have a repuation of being very reliable, and as far as i'm concerned it's well deserved. i've beaten the hell out of several hondas and they've never failed me. that's not to say that kawasaki doesn't make a great bike though. i don't think you could go wrong with either bike, the best one for you will be the one you feel most comfortable sitting on.

#4 Unread post by **bok** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:41 am

i'd get the honda. i am biased and i admit it. i've ridden both and the rebel (for me) was more comfortable and had more power.

i wouldn't want to try and run for an 8 hour all interstate cruise on it, but it is comfortable at 55-60 for short road trips, and a good bike to learn on.

J.R. Bob Dobbs · Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:40 am

I bought a used Rebel 250 as my first bike. As a total newbie, it actually seemed POWERFUL to me for the first several months.

On a good day under the right conditions (no headwind or hillclimb), it would run 85mph indicated. I think it would go a tad faster but that would exceed max engine speed in top gear so I didn't try. That was holding the throttle WIDE open almost continuously.

It can cruise at 75 all day long, but at that speed further acceleration is best measured by sundial.

rnr262 · #6 Unread post by **rnr262** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:53 pm

I love my Rebel, and commute on it to work. It's a great little bike, and will do 85 if needed, but it have any "go" after about 70. It's pretty peppy through 55 or so, and then it takes a bit of time to keep climbing.

I often find it's my bike of choice when I'm going out on my own. It's not a powerful bike, but it is a fun one.

Scott58 · #7 Unread post by **Scott58** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 5:04 am

My 05 Rebel has had no issues in 15,000 miles. I love this little bike.

scan · #8 Unread post by **scan** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 5:36 am

We owned a Rebel as our first bike (Loonette and I), and it was a great starter bike. It ran well and sold for almost the same price paid. I'm a bit heavy myself, a few blocks north of 200lbs, so the bike did have speed limitations - max 75 or 80 MPH. I would not have felt comfortable at extended high speed, but in the 55 to 65 range the bike is just great. It had no problem accelorating my rear end around town.

roscowgo · #9 Unread post by **roscowgo** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:10 am

<<would personally love to have a lil rebel or a virago.

Even though i am a er..fatguy

Been eyeballing a white one down the road.... been eyeballing a savage down the road too though heh.

goodcruisin · Sun Oct 22, 2006 1:52 pm

the virago 250 actually had the best review for those little bikes, better look two than a parallel twin.
heres the link
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... omparison/