Considering a Ninja 250 or Honda Rebel

[dustin32]

Hi all, I'm new to the world of motorcycling and recently passed the MSF course. I am now looking to purchase a bike. I am considering purchasing a Honda Rebel, and I know this question has been asked before but still looking for feedback. I'll be using it to commute approximately 60-70 miles a day mostly freeway riding at around 65-70 mph. I am 5'6" and weigh about 155 lbs. Will this bike meet my needs sufficiently? I plan on riding it for a year or so, then selling and moving up to something with more power once I have experience under my belt.

The bike I am looking at right now is a 2009 model with 12 miles on it. The owner purchased it, had the dealer drive it home for him, then realized he was too old to be riding it and so is selling it (I know, interesting). So basically it is a brand new bike. He is asking $2800 for it -- do you think this is a good deal? He has had the bike for a year now, so it has been sitting a bit and the warranty is now up.

Any feedback appreciated!


Update: Decided on a Ninja 250 after getting feedback and testing each out.

[Tennif Shoe]

honda rebel is a good choice even for highway driving can do 75 wide open with my 230 lbs butt on it, friend of mine has one does the same thing it now has 20,000 miles on it...... when asked what he will do when it gives out he says throw it away and buy me a new one

[jstark47]

The bike I am looking at right now is a 2009 model with 12 miles on it. The owner purchased it, had the dealer drive it home for him, then realized he was too old to be riding it and so is selling it (I know, interesting). So basically it is a brand new bike. He is asking $2800 for it -- do you think this is a good deal? He has had the bike for a year now, so it has been sitting a bit and the warranty is now up.

Hope he de-fueled it or at least put fuel stabilizer in it. Doe it start up and idle OK?

[Velocity]

Hi all, I'm new to the world of motorcycling and recently passed the MSF course. I am now looking to purchase a bike. I am considering purchasing a Honda Rebel, and I know this question has been asked before but still looking for feedback. I'll be using it to commute approximately 60-70 miles a day mostly freeway riding at around 65-70 mph. I am 5'6" and weigh about 155 lbs. Will this bike meet my needs sufficiently? I plan on riding it for a year or so, then selling and moving up to something with more power once I have experience under my belt.

The bike I am looking at right now is a 2009 model with 12 miles on it. The owner purchased it, had the dealer drive it home for him, then realized he was too old to be riding it and so is selling it (I know, interesting). So basically it is a brand new bike. He is asking $2800 for it -- do you think this is a good deal? He has had the bike for a year now, so it has been sitting a bit and the warranty is now up.

Any feedback appreciated!

If you're riding 65 - 70 mph on a Honda Rebel, you're pretty much flat out, from what I'm seeing from the reviews. Add in some hills or headwind and you may have a problem with maintaining 65 - 70 mph.

Do a web search for "Honda Rebel top speed" and you'll get some interesting results.

[Thumper]

You can get a Rebel up over 80 once you learn to really wind it up. I had mine on the Interstate at definite ticketable speeds more than once, and I'm no lightweight.

It was a very good first bike...once in a while I wish I still had it.

[dustin32]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'm also looking at 2008 Ninja 250's, which seem like they'd fit what I need more for freeway commuting. Any thoughts on this bike versus the Rebel?

Downside is it will likely cost me a little more. But I think I can possibly get a slightly used one in the 3 k range.

[Thumper]

I think you'd find either to do what you need it to do...it's really a matter of what floats your boat the highest.

[flynrider]

The little Ninja is definitely a more capable freeway bike. Whereas the Rebel would be running nearly flat out, the Ninja has much more power to spare and tops out at around 100 mph.

The problem I see with the Rebel is that you'd be running that thing at near max power for 60-70 miles every day. Even though it's a Honda, those kinds of demands on that engine are going to shorten its life considerably.

[Greg .]

My MSF Instructors specifically recommended that we NOT get a 250 cc bike for the interstate in our area (NC Piedmonts). That said, I tend to agree with flynrider.

[gsJack]

...............The bike I am looking at right now is a 2009 model with 12 miles on it. The owner purchased it, had the dealer drive it home for him, then realized he was too old to be riding it and so is selling it (I know, interesting)...................
Any feedback appreciated!

You tweaked my curiosity, how old was he? I started on a CB400T about 25 years ago at age 52. Ride a GS500 now and have always felt a 400-500cc size bike is about right to start on and is a good all around go anywhere do anything size. I'd consider a Ninja 250 but only suggest a Rebel 250 for very short persons as a starter. It's nice to be able to get your feet flat on the ground as a new rider.