Bike Questions

1336 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by RonK, Jan 8, 2019

Winstont11

Discussion Starter · Jan 6, 2019

Hi there!

Newbie looking for some suggestions on a few things.

I’ve been researching entry level bikes since the summer. A good number of folks recommend starting with the Honda Rebel. We went to a dealership yesterday and sat on a couple. My feet were flat on the ground and it felt comfortable. Question on the bike... Any noticeable difference between the 300 and 500? Would you recommend getting a bike with ABS? Not sure if it’s a matter of preference. The rebel comes without it and I’m just trying to figure it out. Any other entry level bikes I should consider?

Any questions you’d suggest I ask the sales rep when buying? About the bike? Dealership? Financing/manufacture specials?

Thanks!!

Melissa

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cmonSTART

· #2 · Jan 6, 2019

Personally I would go for the 500. While I think it's good to start small I think any responsible adult would be fine with the 500's power and reach the useful limit of the 300 pretty quickly.

ABS would be a nice feature to have I suppose, but even if you didn't good technique and practice would make up for it. Plenty of riders out there without it. I would look for some crash bars rather than ABS - odds of a parking lot/stop sign drop are much greater.

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Offcenter

· #3 · Jan 6, 2019

I agree. Get crash bars. Sooner or later it's going to fall over.
Crash bars will save you from some expensive damage to the bike.
ABS? I've been riding more than 50 years and never had it. Don't need it. Just my two cents.

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Miss Mercedes

· #4 · Jan 6, 2019

All of my bikes are too old or too Chinese to have ABS. It's a luxury I've been happy to live without. ABS brakes better than a human can (unless that human is trying to offroad) but they aren't absolutely required.

I also recommend the 500. The 300 will be fun but you may grow out of it quickly. And unlike the previous generation Rebels that are already at the end of the depreciation curve, you'll likely lose money selling a new one.

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77/7 Series

· #5 · Jan 6, 2019

What the Fluck is going on??????

This is the only Thread I can Understand!
Japanese of Chinese or some other Asian Language!
Help me find Americans again.

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Miss Mercedes

· #6 · Jan 6, 2019

A spammer got in. And since we don't have super active Admins those threads are going to be there for a while.

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77/7 Series

· #7 · Jan 6, 2019

Thanks for the Info MM

Miss Mercedes said:
A spammer got in. And since we don't have super active Admins those threads are going to be there for a while.

Thought we were Sneak Attacked Again.
Charlie

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Winstont11

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 8, 2019

Thanks everyone.

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RonK

· #9 · Jan 8, 2019

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You didn't get a lot of suggestions here, but that's okay. The main thing to know is the sequence of riding. First is taking a riding class to see if it's something that you feel you'd like to pursue. Second is to consider how much money you are willing to commit both with the bike AND your personal protection clothing. Then go to dealerships and sit on many bikes to get the feel of what you like. (A note here, this will not be your last bike so it doesn't have to be perfect.) It just has to be something you feel good about and can handle. (For example, don't start out on a fast sport bike, or a large touring bike.)

Then start looking at dealers and on Craig's List for used bikes that have low miles and low price. Consider what you may have to do to get it ready to ride--like new tires, oil change, license, insurance. Remember, this is your training bike. Whatever bike you choose, have a mechanic look it over (like pay him for an hour) before you purchase. Keep in mind the best deals are during the late fall and winter.

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