2006 Honda Rebel Review

Features

New For 2006
Pearl White color joins classic Black.

Engine/Drivetrain

Proven twin-cylinder 234cc SOHC four-stroke engine is smooth, quiet, economical and easy to maintain.
Convenient and reliable electric starter.
Screw-type valve adjusters simplify maintenance.
Constant-velocity carburetor gives excellent throttle response.
Easy-shifting five-speed transmission.
Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner.
Radically styled twin-muffler exhaust system.
Maintenance-free solid-state CD ignition.

Chassis/Suspension

Semi-double-cradle frame allows a long wheelbase and extremely low seat height.
Hydraulic front fork with dual Syntallic bushings.
Dual rear shocks feature five-position spring preload adjustment.
Rectangular-section swingarm.
Front disc brake with twin-piston caliper.
Wide 15-inch rear tire.
Spoke-type wheels with chrome rims.
O-ring-sealed chain for increased durability.
Low seat height of only 26.6 inches.
Pullback handlebar.
2.6-gallon teardrop fuel tank.
Two-piece custom-styled seat.

Additional Features

Custom-styled, chrome-plated headlight case.
Stylish chrome-plated taillight housing.
Simple, straightforward instrumentation.
Chrome-plated turn-signal housings.
Maintenance-free battery.
Push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
Key-operated steering lock for added security.
Easy-to-use helmet lock.
Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Ownership includes one-year complimentary membership for an individual in the Honda Rider’s Club of America (HRCA). Benefits include: discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance, one year of Honda Red Rider magazine, access to HRCA Clubhouse Web site (www.hrca.honda.com) and access online to Honda Common Service Manual.

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SPECS

Model: CMX250C
Engine Type: 234cc air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 53mm x 53mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Carburetion: Single 26mm diaphragm-type constant-velocity
Ignition: CD
Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension:

• Front: 33mm fork; 4.6 inches travel
• Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 2.9 inches travel

Brakes:

• Front: Single disc with twin-piston caliper
• Rear: Drum

Tires:

• Front: 3.00-18
• Rear: 130/90-15

Wheelbase: 57.1 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 30º 40’
Trail: 113mm (4.4 inches)
Seat Height: 26.6 inches
Dry Weight: 306.4 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve
Colors: Pearl White, Black
MSRP: $3,099.00

First impression

The Rebel is a great all around fun/commuter motorcycle. The Rebel is just a fun machine. It won’t go 0 to 60 in but 3 seconds but it handles 70 mph with no problems and every time you ride, it will put a smile on your face.

If you want an overall great bike, this one is for you. It’s light and responsive. It’s light enough to move around the garage easily. The mileage is awesome. This bike is fun even for an experienced rider.

It is an amazingly comfortable bike. The ride is smooth, and the bike has enough power for freeway and city rides both. Riding this bike is a pleasure, and I would recommend one to beginners and veterans alike.

It handles well, gets great gas mileage (about 80-90 mpg) and is quiet. For the beginning rider, there is no substitute. It’s light weight (306.4 lbs) and nimbleness makes for a pleasurable ride.

The suspension gets a little tight after 50 miles or so. It doesn’t really look that good with bags, as it is a bit small. The 234CC engine is as reliable as can be and nearly "bullet proof". I don’t think there is a better "first bike" out there anywhere.