Does a 1985 Honda Rebel have enough power?

[cb360]

Amen Kal. I've softened my stance somewhat for folks wanting to start on larger bikes here in the US. But I'm still not gonna tell a guy a 250 is too small if they are leaning in that direction. I've been around the world and seen too damn many people (or whole families!) riding on them. Hell, I rode my wife's rebel on the interstate yesterday - she had some left at 85 and I pulled back!

[jmillheiser]

For a standard or sportbike I would recommend a 500. I have a CX500 and am glad I started on that. There is more than enough power to cruise at 80 all day, but the power level has never felt overwhelming. the bike has proven easy to ride despite the CX500s rep for being top heavy (it is top heavy but its not that bad if your not a short person).

I am very glad I did not start on a 600 sportbike. a bike with twice the power of mine and twitchy handling would have been overwhelming.

If your wanting a cruiser I would recommend a 600-800cc cruiser, like a shadow VLX or spirit, V-star 650, vulcan 750 or 800, or a marauder 800 (now known as the bolevard M50). I have sat on most of these and they all felt like they would be pretty easy for a new rider to handle.

[Chapman]

I've found an affordable 87 Rebel 450. Should this bike be substantially more powerful than the 250? Is the 450 physically any bigger than a 250?

Thanks,
Chapman

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

1) Buy it!!
2) Yes it's physically a little larger (not necessarily a bad thing)
3) They're somewhat rare, so parts will be alot harder to find
4) Don't know the specs, but almost twice the displacement should be quite a bit more powerful.

[earwig]

What kind of riding do you see yourself doing if I may ask? Do you plan on riding with other people or mainly just solo?

[cb360]

The rare rebel 450 is a sweet bike. It'll have quite a bit more get up and go than the 250, but it still has a relatively small form factor.

[jmillheiser]

snatch up that rebel 450, FAST. They are rare but a great starter bike.

Take everything that is good about the rebel 250 and give it more power.

[Chapman]

It must be a rare find because the guy had already sold it by the time I talked to him the next day. Listed and sold in less than 24 hours. I'll have to keep looking.