Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on October 31, 2005
I bought a 2001 Rebel new in 01. Other than some dirt bikes as a little kid I never really rode. After some research, determined this was the best beginner's bike to buy. And boy howdy, is it ever.
She is a good bike with a lot of forgiveness for first timer stupidity. I have laid it down twice...
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I bought a 2001 Rebel new in 01. Other than some dirt bikes as a little kid I never really rode. After some research, determined this was the best beginner's bike to buy. And boy howdy, is it ever.
She is a good bike with a lot of forgiveness for first timer stupidity. I have laid it down twice practicing in a parking lot (wet (from rain) cement, locked up the front brake). Each time the same side. Stood up and did it again. Then learned my lesson. And survived with only a skinned knee.
That was then. Now I own a Goldwing (GL1200) and the Rebel is much too small for me. But, I use it to teach others to ride. First my mom, then my brothers wife, now my wife and our 18 year old boarder. This bike is the best to get your riding skills on.
I have taken the Rebel on 100+ mile trips, but get a bit butt sore at about 50 miles. I never developed an Iron Butt to go further, and don't need to with the 'wing. The 50mpg I tend to get on the Rebel is great, but the small tank (just over 2 gals) means your refilling at about 110 miles.
This bike does not lure you into a false sense of confidence. Instead it makes you completely aware of the world around you, and improves your fledgling skills as a rider. And it lets you learn to not do things like drop down a gear at to high a speed, with out killing you along the way.
At 300 pounds, you'll learn to pick up a bike without pulling a muscle. (Go ahead, try and pick up a goldwing. :/ ) She isn't a racing bike, but she'll get you there and at around $3000.00 (US) she is the best first new bike to get.
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