Im thinking about buying one but itll be my 3rd or the 5th if ridden. I have a sedan i own outright worth 6k and literally all i need is something to go buy my sandwhich and a family sedan is a lot of insurance. It really isnt but i just need my sandwhich, man. The top speed is only 45 to the store
Same here! I just took it on the highway yesterday for the first time. Edit: I got it up to almost 60 and could take it higher. It was so much fun. The only problem was an open face helmet and it started to rain. It stung my face so next time I use a real helmet!
Thanks 🙏🏾 for that statement , I don’t know how to ride and I’m purchasing a 2012 Honda rebel just to get me around town and get the hang of riding a motorcycle
The Rebel 250 does make a great beginner bike, as well as a great commuter. It is also a great bike to modify if you are into that kind of thing. Unfortunately that has led to a large number of Rebel 250s being cut up and turned into bobbers. But believe it or not, a Rebel 250 can also be a great solo touring bike. I have owned 4 Rebel 250s, 2 of them bought new, two used. I got my first one in 1985, brand new. It was the first year for the Rebel 250. Now in my case that might seem strange, since I started riding on the street in 1975, at age 16. I had already had several bikes, including an 1100cc inline four cruiser. But something about the little Rebel 250 appealed to me. And it was dirt cheap. $1200 brand new back then. I rode it a lot, and eventually sold it. I then proceeded to buy 2 more used Rebel 250s, and eventually sold them as well. Then in 2016, I saw what Honda was going to be replacing it with for 2017. I was absolutely horrified. The new 2017 "Rebel" was easily the ugliest bike Honda had ever made. Honda has made some great bikes, and a lot of beautiful bikes. That's why I was so shocked to see just how hideous the "new" Rebel was. It seemed so out of place for Honda to come up with something so hideous and disgusting. I immediately went down to my local mom and pop Honda dealer. Turned out they had a bunch of 2015 and 2016 Rebels in their warehouse, and they weren't selling well. They needed to get rid of them. I bought my fourth Rebel 250, a red 2016, OTD for several hundred $$$ under MSRP. I still have it and will never get rid of it. It is beautiful. Bright shiny paint, lots of chrome and bright aluminum. It looks like what a motorcycle should look like. I wish they had made a 750 version of it. But being small does not make it incapable of doing a lot of things many people would never consider doing with it. I have over 100,000 miles on the four Rebel 250s I've had. I have ridden them from coast to coast. I've done a couple of Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000s on them (1000 miles in 24 hours) I've ridden them to 29 states. The Rebel 250 is capable of reaching 80+ mph on a flat highway. It is capable of being ridden at full throttle for as long as you want. A guy who used to run a Rebel 250 forum put almost 90,000 miles on one, most of them at full throttle on the highway, before it began to show any signs of wear. A couple of people I know about have ridden them to Prudhoe Bay Alaska and back. It is the ultimate small displacement touring bike, unless you really need a dual sport. The Rebel 250, being a twin, does a lot better on the highway than a single cylinder 250 dual sport bike. It's engine design dates all the way back to the early '70s. It's built like an anvil. I have owned and ridden over 50 motorcycles, including a couple of Goldwings, 1500cc cruisers and an 1800cc cruiser. I'm going back down to smaller bikes. To me they are just plain more fun. You really can't go wrong with a Rebel 250, whatever you want to use it for. It's a shame they don't make them anymore.
I think the new rebel is uglier but being a tad more displacement will be nice for all the 2000 dollar used ones coming for the next 30 years. It will mile munch more than this old one
I went from a ten speed pedal bike commute (8 miles, each way), to THIS, as my first 'Street/Hwy. Legal' motorcycle, and LOVED IT! Perfect for new Riders, and it's light weight saved me more times than I care to count! Going from the 250 to my NEXT bike, a GL1100 was a HUGE learning curve, but I'm happy the Rebel was my first Tutor!
I plan on using it to work- it's at least 3-4x better mileage than my car. Saving money was one of the reasons I wanted it. I also have wanted one for a long time!
I have the 2015 Rebel in Rubidium Red! It's flickable.Why is it so flickable? It's weight & form, @ 329 lbs it is a light bike! The form; well it has an 18" spoked wheel in the front and a 15" in the rear. With that Big Wheel set up, it handles like a dream. Also... In 2022, the base Price has increased one thousand dollars and is now in the 4K range. IMO, these will be collectable as 2016 was the last of the 250cc Rebel.
I use my 05 to go to work. One thing I like compared to larger bikes I've had is I've never scraped in hard curves like my vulcan did, the kickstand on the left would always drag.
Great starter bike! A sprocket swap, K&N filter, and CDI upgrade can really help this thing fair well on the highway. A big bore kit & re-ground cam can REALLY wake this little bike up big time, though I only recommend such an upgrade to those who got their rebel for free or close to it.
I traded for a 1987 250cc Rebel in 1988 and sold it quickly. But it was a fun bike. I even rode my wife on back a few times. The passenger foot position is actually much better on a 250 Rebel than it is on a VLX. (I've owned both). I just sold the last Harley I will ever own, a $37,000 motorcycle that broke down four times within the first year of ownership. I also had a lot of trouble with Yamaha's over the years. No more Yamaha's for me. My wife and I have rode well over 300,000 miles but she has battled cancer eight times and is currently in a nursing home. I doubt it she is ever able to ride with me again. This is where another 250cc Rebel comes in to play. I still want to go for a ride once in a while, maybe not hundreds of miles a day like we use to, but a nice enjoyable ride. I found a 2013 Rebel with only 1700 miles and I am thinking about buying it just to have something to ride once in a while. If I buy this Rebel I plan to buy a small Puig windscreen not much larger than a flyscreen to help cut throught he wind. I also plan to buy a 30 tooth rear spocket to replace the stock 33 tooth which will lower the RPM's at highway speeds and will reduce the vibes quite a bit. At 70 years old, and with my wife not being able to ride with me, the 250cc Rebel is all I need. Thanks for the video. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
Its all maintinance and how you treat it. I had an old 87 honds and it ran great and i sold it to a buddy and he sold it and none of them did the oil change or soemthing man because i saw it around not long after and it went from running great I rode it all day long and the guy who had it cranked it up and it was BAD. it went from bone stock to a clapped out crapper in no time flat.
I'm looking into getting a bike for city commuting, I now live in the city and our bus system SUCKSI COULD "get away" with a scooter, But would rather have a "real" bike. (I had a CB-750 in the "good old days") I actually WANT the older styling, Was looking at the 450cc Rebels, But when I thought of WHERE and HOW I'd NEED to ride, The 250 is a very valid option. It's only ME and no "cargo" for about 10 miles one way. More MPG is more MPG! One of these might be my next bike! It would give me at least 8 months out of the year without dealing with our local "transit system"! (and it would be CHEAPER than the damn bus!) 👍😊👍
@@davidm4566 I'm late to MY OWN comment, But I ALSO got a Reb 250 last year!, Its a REAL bike at SCOOTER cost, AND Scooter MPG!, My ONLY concern is when MORE people find out what this motorcycle is about, the prices will go UP. Even with it's small engine displacement, It's a "cruiser" , have done many trips in PA, W.VA, Ohio and Indiana. It's a bitchen' Lil' bastard that WILL GET YOUTHERE!
@@jamesslick4790 I hope the prices do go up! Or at least stay the same. When it's time to sell, it would be nice to get a good return. I've only been driving for a month and can feel the light weight and small size. It's not terrible, just would be nice if it were a little bigger and heavier. I do really like the helmet lock on it, though. I've never heard of it before on a motorcycle or seen anyone comment on it. It's nice to lock my helmet on the bike without having to leave it out in the open for anyone to steal or have to take it in the store with me.
I just got my first motorcycle a month ago and it's a Rebel 250. Why do you find it so great, as an experienced rider? I like it a lot but have no frame of reference.
That little bike is dang near bullet proof .. not overpowered by no means but a great little bike none the less. Not so much for my 6'2 300 pound gorilla butt ..lol a great bike
@@centralcal6604 In the meantime, the wife would have thrown a hissy fit. It wasn't worth the stress in my household. Not to mention, once I got my hands on it, it wasn't going anywhere.😁
Most people that buy those are beginners. They never change the oil or airfilter etc, they end up burning out the engine. I had 3. 1 had a bent valve with trashed piston. The other had a bent valve and the oil was like molasses. The third had a distroyed engine. I made several videos severely modifying my Rebel 250's They are under powered not good for speeds over 50 mph. They are real good on gas. I would classify the old Rebel 250 as a comuter bike for city comuting only. Personally i would never buy another.
I'm doing my research and wanting to get my first motorcycle after completing the course etc. I've never driven a motorcycle before and it's intimidating but I am heavily leaning towards a Honda Rebel 250. I'm 4'8", is this still too big for me you think?
Having problems regarding my Honda rebel, put the slow jet in number 40, and put the manger in which is 118, having problems getting fuel to both sides of the cylinder chamber, one side definitely runs hotter than the other and one’s just backfires and just doesn’t sound right. Is anybody putting on the double carburetors that I’m seeing on eBay, is that why the bike only wants to run on half the side? I am also at Sea level, This all started when I put barber pipes on, and a pod air cleaner. Looking for some help on the great TH-cam people!! Thanks Dave
The honda rebel is not a super bike but honda got the 250 rebel just right if you not interested in hogh speed and just crusing around town or to the beach its perfect . Its like ultralight aircraft build for calm weather flying and slow and people critize them because they want to fly in windy and cinduction not suitable to the aircraft tje want a fighter jet proformance wont happen and this is the same with the honda 350 rebel use as it is made fpr and you will want to keep it its fun
Bought my rebel like a month ago as my first bike. Absolutely love it
Im thinking about buying one but itll be my 3rd or the 5th if ridden. I have a sedan i own outright worth 6k and literally all i need is something to go buy my sandwhich and a family sedan is a lot of insurance. It really isnt but i just need my sandwhich, man. The top speed is only 45 to the store
@@TheAnnoyingBossIf your weight is under 300 pounds 45 mph is not a problem.
Same here! I just took it on the highway yesterday for the first time.
Edit: I got it up to almost 60 and could take it higher. It was so much fun. The only problem was an open face helmet and it started to rain. It stung my face so next time I use a real helmet!
I learned how to ride on a Honda 250 in 2022 so the answer is yes
Thanks 🙏🏾 for that statement , I don’t know how to ride and I’m purchasing a 2012 Honda rebel just to get me around town and get the hang of riding a motorcycle
@poopie3405 its an awesome bike to learn on good luck!
The Rebel 250 does make a great beginner bike, as well as a great commuter. It is also a great bike to modify if you are into that kind of thing. Unfortunately that has led to a large number of Rebel 250s being cut up and turned into bobbers. But believe it or not, a Rebel 250 can also be a great solo touring bike. I have owned 4 Rebel 250s, 2 of them bought new, two used. I got my first one in 1985, brand new. It was the first year for the Rebel 250. Now in my case that might seem strange, since I started riding on the street in 1975, at age 16. I had already had several bikes, including an 1100cc inline four cruiser. But something about the little Rebel 250 appealed to me. And it was dirt cheap. $1200 brand new back then. I rode it a lot, and eventually sold it. I then proceeded to buy 2 more used Rebel 250s, and eventually sold them as well. Then in 2016, I saw what Honda was going to be replacing it with for 2017. I was absolutely horrified. The new 2017 "Rebel" was easily the ugliest bike Honda had ever made. Honda has made some great bikes, and a lot of beautiful bikes. That's why I was so shocked to see just how hideous the "new" Rebel was. It seemed so out of place for Honda to come up with something so hideous and disgusting. I immediately went down to my local mom and pop Honda dealer. Turned out they had a bunch of 2015 and 2016 Rebels in their warehouse, and they weren't selling well. They needed to get rid of them. I bought my fourth Rebel 250, a red 2016, OTD for several hundred $$$ under MSRP. I still have it and will never get rid of it. It is beautiful. Bright shiny paint, lots of chrome and bright aluminum. It looks like what a motorcycle should look like. I wish they had made a 750 version of it.
But being small does not make it incapable of doing a lot of things many people would never consider doing with it. I have over 100,000 miles on the four Rebel 250s I've had. I have ridden them from coast to coast. I've done a couple of Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000s on them (1000 miles in 24 hours) I've ridden them to 29 states. The Rebel 250 is capable of reaching 80+ mph on a flat highway. It is capable of being ridden at full throttle for as long as you want. A guy who used to run a Rebel 250 forum put almost 90,000 miles on one, most of them at full throttle on the highway, before it began to show any signs of wear. A couple of people I know about have ridden them to Prudhoe Bay Alaska and back. It is the ultimate small displacement touring bike, unless you really need a dual sport. The Rebel 250, being a twin, does a lot better on the highway than a single cylinder 250 dual sport bike. It's engine design dates all the way back to the early '70s. It's built like an anvil. I have owned and ridden over 50 motorcycles, including a couple of Goldwings, 1500cc cruisers and an 1800cc cruiser. I'm going back down to smaller bikes. To me they are just plain more fun. You really can't go wrong with a Rebel 250, whatever you want to use it for. It's a shame they don't make them anymore.
I think the new rebel is uglier but being a tad more displacement will be nice for all the 2000 dollar used ones coming for the next 30 years. It will mile munch more than this old one
awesome comment... Thank you 4 sharing!
btw just got my 1st bike.. 85 rebel...
She is an absolute banshee.
Thank you for sharing 👍❤
I agree... the new rebels are ugly!
I went from a ten speed pedal bike commute (8 miles, each way), to THIS, as my first 'Street/Hwy. Legal' motorcycle, and LOVED IT! Perfect for new Riders, and it's light weight saved me more times than I care to count!
Going from the 250 to my NEXT bike, a GL1100 was a HUGE learning curve, but I'm happy the Rebel was my first Tutor!
My wife went from a cx500 to that exact bike in that color and year. She'll be happy with it for the next 20 years.
I ride that same bike everyday to work. I love it. It's cheap on gas. And insurance is cheap
What is the average cost of insurance if you don’t mind sharing
@@paintingandlife4288 I pay full coverage up to 3000 dollars worth of insurance for 70 dollars a year
@@keithcarlton7858 thanks for the reply! That’s crazy cheap!
I plan on using it to work- it's at least 3-4x better mileage than my car.
Saving money was one of the reasons I wanted it. I also have wanted one for a long time!
I picked up an '03 to learn on and am so suprised how easy it is to handle. Perfect for getting around town, stop and go. Still have a lot to learn.
awesome!
Cool 😎, I’m purchasing a 2012 to learn to ride and get around town , is it hard to handle and we’re you nervous????
I have the 2015 Rebel in Rubidium Red! It's flickable.Why is it so flickable? It's weight & form, @ 329 lbs it is a light bike! The form; well it has an 18" spoked wheel in the front and a 15" in the rear. With that Big Wheel set up, it handles like a dream. Also... In 2022, the base Price has increased one thousand dollars and is now in the 4K range. IMO, these will be collectable as 2016 was the last of the 250cc Rebel.
I had a 99 Suzuki intruder, it was getting too big and heavy for my age. Got a rebel, and it's just perfect for me now. I can ride again!!!!
Awesome! Keep on riding and thanks for watching! 🤘🔥
I use my 05 to go to work. One thing I like compared to larger bikes I've had is I've never scraped in hard curves like my vulcan did, the kickstand on the left would always drag.
I got my Rebel 250 , 1998. Still loving it. Clutch plates wearing out.... Ordered for a new Set of clutch plates.... It will be flying again....
How many miles are on it
my 85 has 27k @@TheAnnoyingBoss
I just bought a '14 Rebel from Bluegrass with only 900ish miles on it, and looking forward to using it to commute.
Great starter bike! A sprocket swap, K&N filter, and CDI upgrade can really help this thing fair well on the highway. A big bore kit & re-ground cam can REALLY wake this little bike up big time, though I only recommend such an upgrade to those who got their rebel for free or close to it.
I still got mine1985 ride every day 💪
Just got one of these bad boys!
I traded for a 1987 250cc Rebel in 1988 and sold it quickly. But it was a fun bike. I even rode my wife on back a few times. The passenger foot position is actually much better on a 250 Rebel than it is on a VLX. (I've owned both).
I just sold the last Harley I will ever own, a $37,000 motorcycle that broke down four times within the first year of ownership. I also had a lot of trouble with Yamaha's over the years. No more Yamaha's for me.
My wife and I have rode well over 300,000 miles but she has battled cancer eight times and is currently in a nursing home. I doubt it she is ever able to ride with me again. This is where another 250cc Rebel comes in to play. I still want to go for a ride once in a while, maybe not hundreds of miles a day like we use to, but a nice enjoyable ride.
I found a 2013 Rebel with only 1700 miles and I am thinking about buying it just to have something to ride once in a while. If I buy this Rebel I plan to buy a small Puig windscreen not much larger than a flyscreen to help cut throught he wind. I also plan to buy a 30 tooth rear spocket to replace the stock 33 tooth which will lower the RPM's at highway speeds and will reduce the vibes quite a bit.
At 70 years old, and with my wife not being able to ride with me, the 250cc Rebel is all I need.
Thanks for the video. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
I have the 86 and still work like charm
Its all maintinance and how you treat it. I had an old 87 honds and it ran great and i sold it to a buddy and he sold it and none of them did the oil change or soemthing man because i saw it around not long after and it went from running great I rode it all day long and the guy who had it cranked it up and it was BAD. it went from bone stock to a clapped out crapper in no time flat.
I'm looking into getting a bike for city commuting, I now live in the city and our bus system SUCKSI COULD "get away" with a scooter, But would rather have a "real" bike. (I had a CB-750 in the "good old days") I actually WANT the older styling, Was looking at the 450cc Rebels, But when I thought of WHERE and HOW I'd NEED to ride, The 250 is a very valid option. It's only ME and no "cargo" for about 10 miles one way. More MPG is more MPG! One of these might be my next bike! It would give me at least 8 months out of the year without dealing with our local "transit system"! (and it would be CHEAPER than the damn bus!) 👍😊👍
Sounds like the perfect bike for your situation!
I just got a Rebel 250 a month ago. I like it so far.
Cheap and fun.
@@davidm4566 I'm late to MY OWN comment, But I ALSO got a Reb 250 last year!, Its a REAL bike at SCOOTER cost, AND Scooter MPG!, My ONLY concern is when MORE people find out what this motorcycle is about, the prices will go UP. Even with it's small engine displacement, It's a "cruiser" , have done many trips in PA, W.VA, Ohio and Indiana. It's a bitchen' Lil' bastard that WILL GET YOUTHERE!
@@jamesslick4790 I hope the prices do go up! Or at least stay the same. When it's time to sell, it would be nice to get a good return.
I've only been driving for a month and can feel the light weight and small size. It's not terrible, just would be nice if it were a little bigger and heavier.
I do really like the helmet lock on it, though. I've never heard of it before on a motorcycle or seen anyone comment on it. It's nice to lock my helmet on the bike without having to leave it out in the open for anyone to steal or have to take it in the store with me.
Haven't watched yet... but yes.. they will always be timeless
Right yes sir. Mr.
I just got my first motorcycle a month ago and it's a Rebel 250.
Why do you find it so great, as an experienced rider?
I like it a lot but have no frame of reference.
Thought you had like at least 100k with the quality of this video
Thank you! Haha hopefully one day
That little bike is dang near bullet proof .. not overpowered by no means but a great little bike none the less. Not so much for my 6'2 300 pound gorilla butt ..lol a great bike
mine has 26k (85)
runs like a banshee
I almost bought one last week. It had less than 200 miles. Asking price was $2,200.
Why didn't you buy it?
@@benjamindorko2182 I just wasn't sure if it was right for me. I have so many toys around here that don't get enough attention.
@@4150CHF could have bought it and re sold it for more
@@centralcal6604 In the meantime, the wife would have thrown a hissy fit. It wasn't worth the stress in my household. Not to mention, once I got my hands on it, it wasn't going anywhere.😁
@@4150CHF 🤣 I understand
Most people that buy those are beginners. They never change the oil or airfilter etc, they end up burning out the engine. I had 3. 1 had a bent valve with trashed piston. The other had a bent valve and the oil was like molasses. The third had a distroyed engine. I made several videos severely modifying my Rebel 250's They are under powered not good for speeds over 50 mph. They are real good on gas. I would classify the old Rebel 250 as a comuter bike for city comuting only. Personally i would never buy another.
I'm doing my research and wanting to get my first motorcycle after completing the course etc. I've never driven a motorcycle before and it's intimidating but I am heavily leaning towards a Honda Rebel 250. I'm 4'8", is this still too big for me you think?
The rebel 250 is definitely one of the best options for you. Go for it!
Having problems regarding my Honda rebel, put the slow jet in number 40, and put the manger in which is 118, having problems getting fuel to both sides of the cylinder chamber, one side definitely runs hotter than the other and one’s just backfires and just doesn’t sound right. Is anybody putting on the double carburetors that I’m seeing on eBay, is that why the bike only wants to run on half the side? I am also at Sea level, This all started when I put barber pipes on, and a pod air cleaner. Looking for some help on the great TH-cam people!! Thanks Dave
38 slow and 125 main should do the trick
Your in Clarksville Indiana
Yep!
Great
Anyone who gets these, drill a few holes in the end of the outer baffles. Thank me later.
Abba Zaba Powersports
The honda rebel is not a super bike but honda got the 250 rebel just right if you not interested in hogh speed and just crusing around town or to the beach its perfect . Its like ultralight aircraft build for calm weather flying and slow and people critize them because they want to fly in windy and cinduction not suitable to the aircraft tje want a fighter jet proformance wont happen and this is the same with the honda 350 rebel use as it is made fpr and you will want to keep it its fun