Quick question about Honda Rebels.

Message

Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:42 pm

if you plan on riding on the interstate highways and the other traffic is like it is here you would be well advised to get something that will cruise at 80 mph.

Shiv · #12 Unread post by **Shiv** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:59 pm

Yah I was thinking of a 500cc Sportsbike or a 500-600cc cruiser.

But I'm always up to other options, especially cheaper ones.

I think an EX500 (or GS500 but Ninjas are much more common it seems) is still my top choice though. Rather inexpensive and easy to find.

The Rebel is a good looking bike but if it only comes in 250cc I don't think I'd much be interested in it.

#13 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:07 pm

Shiv wrote:Yah I was thinking of a 500cc Sportsbike or a 500-600cc cruiser.

The Rebel is a good looking bike but if it only comes in 250cc I don't think I'd much be interested in it.

Here's a couple of pictures of 450 rebels...

http://tinyurl.com/7vlz6

There a link to even more on this page...

http://tinyurl.com/actfh

#14 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:28 pm

You could pick up a savage or c40. If the frame size is right... I mean that's the same frame with a 650cc one thumper shoehorned into it.

Of course, if you think the rebel is to small, you'll hate this one.

-Curly- · #15 Unread post by **-Curly-** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:29 pm

If you are looking at fuel mileage, the Rebel will get you 60+ MPG. Otherwise, I would get something a little bigger. If you want a cruser, get a suzuki S40 (650), Honda VLX (600), or a Yamaha VStar (650). All are good starter bikes.

Shiv · #16 Unread post by **Shiv** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:41 pm

I don't want a cruiser but I do want a bike and I'm willing to sacrifice my first choice in bikes to actually HAVE a bike. There'll be more chances to get the bike I want down the road.

But I want the bike to be practical. I dont' want a 250 if I can't take it on the highway, which is why I'm planning on getting a 500cc.

I think the Rebel is a nice looking cruiser and it's a shame they don't make it in a 500cc or up.

Scott58 · #17 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:35 am

They made the 450 in 86 and 87 model year then harley sued them (apparently harley can't compete with a 450cc honda). When looking at a rebel it's going to be more about your inseam then how tall you are. I have a 32" inseam and still find my rebel to be more comfortable then my Suzuki S50. For highway use I don't see the concern. I have hit 80mph on this bike and get 80 mpg while doing it. It will cruise at 75mph all day with no worries. The other thing that may concern you though is your body weight (i'm 140lbs) so if your a 200+lb rider you may want to look elsewhere. We're still only talking about 18hp so your getting into the right tool for the right job kind of thing. From the economy stand point you won't find anything that can beat a rebel however. This bike gives alot and asks for very little in return. Cheap to maintain, cheap on insurance and sips gas like it's fine wine.

Gummiente · Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:03 am

Scott58 wrote:They made the 450 in 86 and 87 model year then harley sued them (apparently harley can't compete with a 450cc honda).

Yeah, they were terrified of it.

Get real. The lawsuit had nothing to do with the 450 Rebel or Honda itself, it was all about the "unique" sound that a 45 degree V-Twin makes. Honda's decision to cancel the 450 Rebel was, IIRC, due to poor sales.

Scott58 · #19 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:24 am

More then enough to read here about it.

http://www.rebel250.com/rebelforum/viewtopic.php?t=5877

Gummiente · Sun Jan 15, 2006 5:05 am

Scott58 wrote:More then enough to read here about it.

http://www.rebel250.com/rebelforum/viewtopic.php?t=5877

Once I dug past all the "I love my Rebel" and the usual Harley bashing stuff I found no concrete proof that Harley specifically sued Honda because of the way the Rebel looked and sounded. I did, howver, find numerous references to Harley's botched attempt to trademark the sound of a 45 degree V-Twin which was directed against ALL manufacturers, not just Honda. I think this guy sums it all up nicely:

"From what I've dug up, there definitely WAS an attempt in the 90s to 'trademark' the sound and that was tossed after three years. Also, there was the famous convincing of Ronald Rayguns (by HD) to put high import tariffs on all Japanese bikes over 700cc for five years beginning in '83, which HD themselves petitioned the gov't to withdraw a year early in 87, once they were on their feet."

*EDIT* Found this little tidbit on the internet that deals specifically with the sound issue. You'll note that it has no mention of the Rebel, nor does it specifically indict Honda: http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org ... 01101.html

Can't find anything relating to any lawsuit launched by Harley over Honda's 450 Rebel.