Re: Looking to start riding, need advice

Posted by sgtslag on
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Looking-to-start-riding-need-advice-tp4038137p4038182.html

The Honda Rebel 250 is the classic starter bike, and for good reasons.  They're usually in the $2,000 range for bikes from 2005, and newer, and they tend to always be available on the market, at any given time, in most locations.  They're not powerful, they are not hi-tech (carbureted, not fuel-injected), they have one disc brake, typically, but they do get 60+ MPG.

When my wife, and son, got their permits to ride, I told them it would be best to ride our 440cc bike, for the first year, to learn to ride without biting off too much bike.  They both agreed (in retrospect), it was the wise thing to do.  Learning to ride takes time, and with a smaller bike (<500cc engine displacement), there are fewer things to handle (much less chance of over-accelerating, over-braking, getting out of hand, in general, when riding), while learning hand-eye-foot-balance coordination/control issues.

The Rebel is a rock-solid bike.  They have good handling, they're affordable, re-sellable, and economical on gas and maintenance.  Once you decide you really enjoy biking, and you master the basic skills required, you will be ready to move on to a bigger, more powerful bike.  You may discover you prefer a different style of riding:  touring, cruising, sport touring/riding, or even off-road-riding/dual-sport.  With a Rebel in your stable, you won't have a fortune invested in something you don't care to ride.  A lot of people love the idea of riding, but fall out of love after they get a year of riding under their belts (convertibles offer much of what a bike does, but they are all-weather compatible, and can be driven year-round).

Some sites with reviews on the Rebel 250:  link1; link2; link3.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!  Cheers!