Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone! I'm a newbie. I took the MSF course 2 years ago this spring and bought a Yamaha XT 225 that I enjoyed but had to sell due to finances. I didn't ride last year but a couple of times before selling it. I really want to ride this year...found an '06 Honda Rebel which I think will be ideal for me...will go see it later this week. I have no interest in speed or hwy riding...just cruisin' to work and back roads so the size will suit me fine. My question is are these bikes typically easier to handle than say the the Yamaha dual purpose (but more of a dirt bike) that I had? I'm hoping for smooth shifting and easy cruisin' round town. Since I'm very much a beginner I'd like to hear how these 2 bikes compare for beginners. Some folks have told me t he Rebel will be much easier for me. Thanks for all the great tips!

mtsteelhorse wrote:found an '06 Honda Rebel which I think will be ideal for me...My question is are these bikes typically easier to handle than say the the Yamaha dual purpose (but more of a dirt bike) that I had? I'm hoping for smooth shifting and easy cruisin' round town.

Tell us more about the handling issues you had with the XT225, and we can answer you better. For sure, a Rebel and a XT225 are very different bikes.

I didn't really have problems with the XT 225 but the clutch was a bit grabby compared to another bike I rode. Naturally the seating position is different and I'm hoping that will be a comfortable, easy adjustment. Thanks...I'm hoping this little cruiser will be the ticket! The Rebel has sure been around a long time and I'm learning they are good little bikes. I'm new so don't have a lot to compare it to.

Yeah the Rebel is a great little bike. First bike I ever rode on! Granted it was around a parking lot and my knees were hitting the handlebars but I loved every minute of it!
It oughta be fine for any and all backroads and commuting use.

I was gonna warn you about smacking your knees with the bars too! You might look at a Suzuki GZ250 as well...

I still have my xt225. Its a great little bike. It's very different from the rebel your looking at. If all your doing is cruising around town and back roads I'd stick with the XT. I mean with the XT you can go over curbs, dirt roads, turn it into a supermoto, take short freeway trips (although you said your not interested in freeway riding), the riding position is comfortable, more responsive steering than the rebel I think. Let us know what you end up with.