Honda Rebel vs Kawa Elimator for first bike

Message

jstark47 · #11 Unread post by **jstark47** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:18 am

Besides the link goodcruisin posted, there is this test on Motorcycle Cruiser that includes the Rebel and the Eliminator head-to-head. (This is a little hard to find due to some misplaced redirects on their site...) They concluded that the Eliminator doesn't belong on the highway, it's straining its guts out above 65mph. (I think there are jurisdictions where the Eliminator's 125cc displacement legally disqualifies it for highway use.) That's strictly an in-town bike, IMO.

jonnythan · Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:47 am

I dunno if I'd get something *that* small.. you'd want to upgrade by the end of the first week, I'd think.

#13 Unread post by **Wrider** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:06 pm

No experience with the Eliminator, but a friend has a 250 Rebel that I took around the parking lot a few times when I was getting interested at first. I like it, a little cramped for my 6'2" frame of course, but she loves it! She rides it around town all day, to and from work, etc. It doesn't fail her, and it has enough power to get me (280 lbs) going just fine...
Wrider

Ian522 · #14 Unread post by **Ian522** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:27 am

I sat on a rebel yesterday and although it looked very nice, it felt pretty cramped for a cruiser. Im only 5'10 with a 32 inch inseam and the bars would contact my knees if I turned them more than halfway in either direction. I was considering buying a rebel since it seems like a good bike but the seating position might have me looking elsewhere.

Scott58 · #15 Unread post by **Scott58** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:27 am

My Rebel suits my 32" inseam fine. Forward controls would be a nice addition, but not mandatory. It certainly is reliable and i'm coming up on owning it 2 years next month and with 17,000 miles on the clock I've had no issues. I've riden it through 14 states and canada. It is the most enjoyable and economic purchases i have ever made.

brbolin · #16 Unread post by **brbolin** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:13 am

FWIW...
During my MSF course, I rode an Eliminator.
It was the only one with a "cruiser" feel that we had to choose from, and I was planning on buying a cruiser.
It was very easy to ride on, but I could see where it would be hard-pressed on the road.
I haven't been on a Rebel, but from what I hear they're GREAT.
I don't think you'd be too upset going the Rebel route.

insaneman_12 · Wed Nov 08, 2006 3:44 pm

Go Rebel for sure. I have been riding for 21 years now and have worked on them for 17 years and the Rebel has always been the best. Even 85-87.

-Curly- · #18 Unread post by **-Curly-** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:23 am

At my MSF Class, they had rebels, eliminators, and viragos. Go take the MSF class and try them all out and see which one fits you the best.

andrwhock · Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:35 pm

I'd have to say that I'm a fan of the rebel. I'm a honda fan and have ridden a rebel around for a while, on loan from a friend, and was going to buy one until I found an unbeatable deal on a ninja EX500 and had to buy it. I'm looking for a honda Shadow vlx now, because I preferred the cruiser style, but on a side note, I would also be happy getting the smaller honda rebel. It really is a great, reliable bike. It may not be able to keep up with some people on the highway, but there really is no need to be going 80+ unless you are a fan of full body casts.

Randy · #20 Unread post by **Randy** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:56 am

I think an appropirate question would be, what do you intend to do with the bike?

Both bikes get pretty good MPG and are very durable. The rebel has the longevity, whereas the eliminator has the price.

If you want to ride the bike for the rest of your life, I would go for the honda. If you want a bike to learn on then move on, I would get the eliminator.

I have sold both and have the typcial sales knowledge of both of em.