- This topic has 8 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years ago by scottrngr.
New here, buying a Rebel I think
-
AuthorPosts
-
February 15, 2009 at 12:27 am #2538MedicParticipant
Hi everyone, I found this site the other day and have spent a good deal of time reading over all the posts and articles. Very informative so far.
Anyway, I’m looking to buy my first motorcycle. About me, I’m 29 years old, 5’9, about 170, I rode a bicycle until I was about 19, and bought a 50cc Honda Elite in 2001. Rode that for a few years. Still have it in storage, but I don’t ride it since it needs some work and I want a bike anyway.
So I’m looking at the Honda Rebel since they’re affordable and a good lightweight bike to get started on. I never had any problems on my moped, but I realize that there’s a difference when stepping up to a bike, and I don’t want to get in over my head. But here’s the thing, for the cost of a new Rebel, I found a very clean Honda Magna 750 with like 4000 miles on Craigslist. I’ve liked the Magnas for a while now, but like I said, I don’t want to go overboard.
So what do you guys think? Should I get the Rebel or go for the Magna and just be “extra” careful?
Thanks
February 15, 2009 at 12:30 am #16494MunchParticipantWelcome!
First and foremost it will depend on your comfort level. Only you can answer that one. The little bit that I know of about the Magna it should be relatively cool for a first bike, just make sure as you said You are VERY careful in the early goings. Make sure to take the MSF or equivalent to help you get a better start. Sit on them both, see which one feels right to YOU.February 15, 2009 at 12:45 am #16496MedicParticipantThanks for the reply.
I forgot to mention I guess, I’m signed up for the BRC in March, which was the first class they had open. It’s a requirement here anyway, so I kinda have to. But I’m glad it’s required really. And it’s free so why not!
I’m just not sure I guess, the Rebel seems like a good choice, but it’s so small. I don’t want to get too much bike, but I don’t want to feel like I’m riding a kid’s toy either. That moped got pretty old pretty fast.
February 15, 2009 at 3:12 am #16497SantaCruzRiderParticipantThe Magna is a very cool bike, but it’s a power cruiser with a V4 engine that puts out more power than a lot of 1000cc cruisers.
It’s not an unmanageable weight or size, but the horsepower is not ideal for a beginner.IMHO: You’d be better off with a used Intruder, Vulcan or Virago. Sure the ccs are all similar (750-800), but these bikes have V-twin engines with lower reving engines and more manageable power. They are also relatively cheap — usually even less than a Magna. Better yet, find a 500 cc cruiser (assuming that’s what you want) and trade up in a year or two.
February 15, 2009 at 3:40 am #16498MedicParticipantThanks for the advice. I see what you’re saying about the horsepower thing I think, and I guess that makes sense. I just like the looks of the Magna for some reason.
I’m definitely looking for a cruiser, not into the sport bikes at all, just not my style. I just want something to take to work and more importantly, to take on nice scenic rides on the weekends.I don’t want to sound like I think I’m a tough guy here, but I think I can handle a bigger bike than the Rebel. Nothing huge, maybe a medium cruiser. I’ve been looking all over craigslist and ebay but most of the good deals are not in my area. Just got to keep looking I guess.
February 15, 2009 at 5:51 am #16500SantaCruzRiderParticipantYou want to ride a bike, that’s not for weenies! LOL
I agree with you on the looks of the Magna. I’ve never owned one, but it’s always been on my purchase radar and it a nice bike. But when you mention that you’re thinking Rebel and lightweight, it doesn’t bring to mind Magna. The Magna is an oddity of sorts, a performance-turned engine placed into a middle-weight cruiser. I think it was way ahead of it’s time and could be an ideal 2nd bike (for those looking for an older performance cruiser).
Also, I wouldn’t argue with you that you could handle more than a Rebel. But there is a BIG gap between Rebel and Magna. If you’re looked at used bikes, check the ones I mentioned, plus maybe a ’90s Shadow 600 — smooth accel, shaft drive, nice balance. Ride it a year or two and then start looking for the Magna (or more modern Suzuki M50) of your dreams.
Anyway, lots of more experienced cruisers here are sure to offer better choices. Take your time looking and have fun.
February 17, 2009 at 1:26 am #16547Clay DowlingParticipantMy picture is the first tip off that I might be biased. It’s true that the bike can generate a lot of horsepower. It’s also true that the power band is pretty linear, and it won’t rocket you off into a wall unless you, for some strange reason, decide that you need to twist the throttle all the way around without stopping in the middle. The bike doesn’t have a sudden spot where it suddenly develops torque.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Rebel. It’s a tried and true starter bike, they’ve got a cool retro style, and they’re good solid machines that hold their value. Wouldn’t mind having one around to play with.
February 17, 2009 at 2:07 am #16548MedicParticipantHaha well I’m still not completely decided yet, but I have been leaning toward the Rebel based on input here and on other sites.
I’ll know for sure once I take the BRC and see how I do and what I think of actually riding one.
I’ll definitely keep everyone posted though.
Right now I’m just going nuts buying gear. Helmet, jacket, gloves, vest, etc. (The vest is required on post, got a Scorpion Vision, nice).
The mail room guy is gonna think something’s up with all these packages coming in haha.March 20, 2009 at 2:11 pm #17183scottrngrParticipantI bought a Yamaha Virago for my first bike, based on reviews pitting the Virago against other 250’s. It has a v-twin engine, that just looks bigger than the Rebel’s and also sounds beefier. I have had people tell me it looks like a bigger bike. The first tank of gas I got 80 mpg. Now though, about 70 since I ride it harder, and ride in on cold mornings so I let it warm up a while before I take off. I will say that I do like the old school look of the Magna or Nighthawk. If I could’ve found a used Nighthawk 250 when I was looking for a bike I would’ve got that instead just based on the looks.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.