Honda Rebel (CMX250C) reviews

I just bougt the Honda Rebel and I think it is a great bike for a beginner to learn to ride and develop confidence. I am 34 and have literally never ridden a motorcycle (or dirt bike for that matter) until my MSF basic riders course. Getting such a late start riding I was not sure what to expect so I wanted to make sure I didn't get a bike that was too big. I just finished the BRC course and have had the bike out on the road a few times and I really like it. I have not made it to the highway yet, but will after more experience. The only thing I would improve on is the seat is a little uncomfortable after a while, but is tolerable. I plan on using the bike this year and upgrading to a Shadow next year. Show less

I just started riding motorcycles at 43 and was looking for a bike that wasn't too much to handle, reliable, and wouldn't mind passing on to the wife or children if/when I moved up. I decided on a new 2006 White Rebel. Although it is a little small for my large body, it's a real pleasure to drive on the country roads in central Maryland. I've had it on the highway a few times and at those speeds you feel every bump. 50-55 is much more comfortable and manageable. I'm averaging 77mpg and really glad I made the choice I did. I'm planning on keeping it until I hit around 3,000 miles and then look to move to a Shadow Aero 750 and hope that my wife will get an itch to start riding again. Show less

I bought my Rebel from a friend recently and although it was dirty from storage, it was in good shape. The bike needed new fork seals but that is a cheap fix. I was suprised with the power of this bike when I started riding because I thought it would be sluggish due to engine size. The bike handles great and is easy to ride. The bike starts to feel a bit uncomfortable on long rides because the footpegs are so close to the seat but not to the point that I will avoid a good ride. The engine runs amazing for its age and never hesitates to start when ignition button is pressed. I love the gas mileage with this bike because 80 miles to a gallon is nothing to complain about. I am very pleased with the reliability of this bike and know that I will not be stranded when I leave home. A downside to this bike is that due to the small motor and gearing you have to rev the bike up a bit to get it to 60-70 mph. This is not a highway bike but it is a great bike that I am happy to own. Show less

Great starter bike. Just the right size for someone my size and just learning to ride. I can stay on it for hours. I will keep this for a couple of years and when ready would like to move up to a Shadow. Show less

To begin, I am a novice rider. Commuting to work 26 miles, typical stop and go city traffic, in the pouring rain, freezing temps ect., don't know how long the bike will last because of it but will find out. But that's why the bike was purchased (was going to buy a scooter but it was a couple thousand more). The bike has been fun to ride. It gets between 73-78 mpg, top speed just for me and my about 10 lb backpack (total weight 185) and no luggage is about 70-71 mph. It's got enough get up and go that it doesn't hinder traffic flow. I think I feel safer on this smaller bike than a big one, not to mention a savings as much as 20 miles per gallon. Its light, small wheelbase and low seat height makes it great for parking, and moving it out of the garage, also for passing abate class. If you are looking for something that's safe, reliable, economical, and did I mention fun to ride in the city I would highly recommend this bike. Misc. notes Gear shifter too low when I purchased it. Honda rotated it up a notch, great now. Comes with no kick start. No center stand, chain needs to be oiled about every 600 miles. (You can buy stand to make it easier). Front brake squeals, Honda says normal for that bike. Little cold natured a couple minutes of choke takes care of that. Shifted hard in weather below 40f. But I bet I didn't have the right oil for the weather. Will check next year. Warmer weather seems to give about 2- 3 miles better mileage. Riding position relaxing, all controls within easy reach. Surprising amount of after market accessories available for it. Show less

I bought this bike to get the feeling again. It has been quite awhile since I have ridden on the highway and I am starting to get the old feel back quickly. I checked the mileage after I had to go to my reserve. I got 175 miles on 2 gallons of gas. Mine is black. I have added saddle bags, windshield and foot pegs (sometimes I have to stretch my legs). It is a little cramped for my size, but for someone smaller it would be perfect. I am planning on getting a bigger bike maybe this August, but will be keeping this little Rebel. It is a very nice little machine and my female friend keeps teasing me to get a Harley. (That is what she is used to riding. If things go right with us, I might give it to her and if she accept it, I will be able to tease her.) I am having my next move to either a 600 or 750 Shadow. Unless she want to buy me a Harley. ha ha I love this bike. It has good pick-up and rides really good around 45-55 mph. Anything faster and it starts feeling all the little dips and bumps. But 87 miles to the gallon-I still love it. I love this little machine and I will probable add it to my collection with the little Trail 90. Good luck and safe riding. Show less

I would have to say the Rebel is a fine beginner cycle!!! It is great for someone like myself just learning how to ride (at 41 years of age no less!!!) It is easy to ride and great on fuel. I will be keeping this little bike even when I eventually get something else. It is a fun, cheap and easy to ride cycle... what more could a beginner need? This is the cycle our MSF uses in my neck of the woods, so even they know this is a great trainer!!! I have a feeling my family and I will be enjoying this simple little ride for many years to come! Show less

I purchased a Rebel recently after a 7 year lay-off of riding. What a joy it is! This bike is tailor made for the beginner and for people getting back into riding. I was used to crotch rocket riding but after a couple hours getting used to the design, I was in heaven. Perfect for under 6-footers. I was going to just use it a step up till get a 750 but I think I will keep this baby awhile. Show less

I bought a Rebel for my wife when she expressed a wish to ride, rather that sit behind me. The bike is super. She can flat foot easily with the low seat, the engine has enough power to make novice clutch/throttle mistakes less trouble, and the whole package has Honda quality. Show less

I got my first bike, an 05 Honda Rebel (nothing has changed but colour) and it was easy to learn on. My first ride on a motorcycle was off the dealers lot. I don't really know if it was a good idea but oh well. Being 6 foot tall made the bike a bit cramped for me and on a 2 hour ride (which I made weekly) I would be sore in the rear. I (being my 200 lbs) would only get 65 mpg on the Rebel. Still the Rebel was a blast to ride and had it not gotten stolen, I would still have it. I'm actually planning on getting another Rebel even though I had a 700cc bike for awhile too. Great starter bike... kinda like riding a british sports car when your used to a American v8. Show less