Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I know there are always these whiny what bike should I buy thread but I guess I don't know anywhere else to go.

I recently am getting into motorcycles and its a little bit daunting. I have been riding a Honda Elite 250 for quite some time now. Id say 6 months or so. I have been wanting to move up to a Vtwin for a while. I don't want too much more ccs because I like a small engine size becuase they are easier to work on in my experience. (which is very little.) A 1984 125 honda elite and a 1985 honda elite 250. Both did need nothing short of an engine rebuild due to partbreaking, overzelous rednecks who dont know what reinstalling a gasket is.

I have been looking at two bikes, Honda Rebel 250, and the Virago 250. Does anyone have any first hand experience with either. THe only difference I see is the honda parallel vtwin for a heck of a lot cheaper than the virago normal vtwin.

I had a Honda Twinstar 185cc in 1979. It was an early predecessor of the Rebel. Looked very similar. I had a windshield and 2 Montgomery Ward mail order saddle bags. Got 79+ mpg over 9500 miles. No problems running 55 - 60 mph. Needed a new rear tire and ended up trading it in on a CM400 Custom instead. It looks to me like the Rebel is basically the same parallel twin bored out. I would expect it to run for a long time given basic maintenance.

Regards,

Ken

The Virago is more expensive, but you get a little more bike for your money. The Virago's V-twin will deliver more power, particularly at the low end, that the Rebel's parallel twin. I thought the suspension on the Virago was better overall.

If I were buying a general purpose 250 tomorrow, I'd probably go for a Kaw EX250. Better overall power and suspension that either the Virago or the Rebel, at a decent price too. After that, I'd probably pick the Virago over the Rebel, just because of the zippier engine and smoother ride.

Have you seen this article? http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... omparison/

If I had seen that AlphaSports GV250 I may have started on that. Not only does it look good, but its' controls are a little more forward than the other little bikes.
I don't believe I have ever seen one here, though.

blues2cruise wrote:If I had seen that AlphaSports GV250 I may have started on that. Not only does it look good, but its' controls are a little more forward than the other little bikes.
I don't believe I have ever seen one here, though.

They are now in Canada sold as Hyosung. Same bikes I believe...I could be wrong however.....

I've never riden a virago, but my 05 rebel is great. Good mpg, low insurance costs and low maintenance costs. I've taken 1500 mile trips on it with no problems. I take it on the interstate often also. Good little bike. You won't win any races on it, but it will run at 75mph all day long and get 80mpg while doing it. Starts right up every time. With almost 12,000 miles on it I have had zero issues. Gonna get tires next month. Other then the 600 mile and 4000 mile service I've changed the oil every 2000 miles. That has been my only maintenance costs. If you have a 32" inseam (which I have) or less you should be ok comfort wise. I'm considering forward controls and a sheep skin cover for the seat which will make it alot more comfortable. I got mine for $2895 out the door in Dec 04, got a national cycle flyscreen for it a few months later (less then $100). Just got willie and max raptor series compact bags ($85). With the addition of forward cocntrols ($350) and a sheepskin cover ($40). It will be a well equiped economical bike for about $3500. Gas prices aren't going to get any cheaper i don't think and I will probably never sell this bike.

I started on the Alphasports/Hyosung GV250, great bike!

If I was to pick between the Virago and the Rebel, it would definitely be the Virago. It is physically bigger (I felt like the rebel was a minibike) and it has a lot more power. I am 6'0 220lbs, btw.

This is suprising. I never would have guessed the Alphasports 250 would get such a shining review. I am constantly told to steer clear of chinese bikes becuase they don't have the quality control necessary for daily riding.