I rode!

[Eric C]

I went to a bike shop today and they taught me how to ride a Rebel! I have to say it was hard to balance but once I gave it some gas it got much easier.

The bike I rode was a 1986 CMX250 Rebel with 7664 miles. I was told it was owned by an older gentleman who had it in a garage and had not driven it for many months. It has the saddle bags, crash bars, and a sissy bar. Most of the parts are original. It has some scratches, a button falling of the seat cushion, a couple little dents, and a little rust by the license plate. It also was making a little squeaking sound (the starter?) when starting. They serviced the bike once they got it and cleaned out the carbs (?) and other areas. They said they would sell it to me for 1600 with taxes. I put a 100 dollar deposit down on it and am going to talk with my wife. What do you all think?

The bike was a little small but I really think it would be good to learn on. I am also looking at an 04 Alphasports but the Rebel would be cheaper...

I am going to be gone for a few days so I will check responses later. Thanks guys!
Eric

[SuperRookie]

$1,600 for an '86? That can't be right...

[scan]

Yeah, I think that is too much. New ones are just over $3000. And the milage is dangerously low. Remember, a bike likes to be ridden, and unless the "older" gentleman rode the bike very often for low miles, I'd say it probably sat for long periods of time. You never want a bike to sit unused, unless you use very careful storage techniques.

[Eric C]

I did think of that, that the miles were low. It is 1499 before taxes.

[Shiv]

Still pretty high.

The suggested retail (by KBB) for an 86' (new) is $1,250.

I'd pay maybe $750. I think the dealership is taking you for a ride in more ways than one.

[BRUMBEAR]

Iam sorry but thats alot of money for that bike, run don't walk away from that. I also think a 250 is to small you will outgrow it in no time at all. They hav alot of 500-900 criusers that will suit you with low horsepower and more stability. I personally find it much easier to ride the bigger bikes but thats just me. Anyway glad to here you rode.

[Motofiend]

there's a reason many people call them the stealerships..

[paul246]

I own and ride two old Hondas, one is a '65 C200 and the other is a '73 CL350. Both bikes had fairly low mileage. Both bikes sat, garaged, for years. Both bikes required cleaning of the carb(s) after which they ran perfectly and still do.

Things to watch for in your case is an internally rusted gas tank and etched or corroded engine bearings. Hopefully the previous owner changed the oil before storing it and stored it properly out of the weather.

Check the tires closely for rot or cracks. Is the paintwork sunfaded? If so, chances are good it sat outside unprotected for a good deal of time.

There is every possibility that this Rebel IS a good bike, but you should take it to an independant mechanic to give it a go over, including a compression test. If it doesn't pass consider yourself out the deposit plus the cost of inspection. It could be worse.

As far as price, ya, you could likely get one cheaper, BUT, Rebels only go so far down in price then level out. The main reasons are the bike is still current, parts are easily available, and they are popular as beginner bikes. You'll easily resell the bike at close to what you are thinking of paying, or just keep it forever (I would).

Rebels have their own following in some European countries, and many people actually tour on them. This bike is capable of taking you anywhere you wish to go.

Good luck on your possible purchase.

[scan]

On more thing to think about as far as rust goes. The cylinder walls are iron. They can rust as well. Paul mentioned the compression test, and I'd say I agree. One thing a lot of people forget to do with this bike is fog the cylinders for storage. On some bikes this isn't a big deal, but with iron cylinder sleaves, it is critical. Just another 2 cents.

AND it is possible this could be a great bike just as much as it could be a junk bike. I hope it is great bike. As stated again by Paul, they have been a round a long time, and they have changed little. There is a reason for that that, and as with most bikes, a well treated one can last forever.

[DivideOverflow]

I vote for the 04 Alphasport, it is in mint condition, and it won't look like a mini-cycle when you are riding it plus, it is a much nicer ride. hehe

//even ignoring my vested interest, I would still suggest an alphasport over a rebel, just because it is so much better.