2008 Honda Rebel Review

Test ride

Great starter bike. I think it is a great bike for a beginner to learn to ride and develop confidence. A great bike for those who haven’t ridden for quite some time and especially for those who want to get the old feel back quickly. It is a fun, cheap and easy to ride cycle... what more could a beginner need? Needless to say, the bike is super. She can flat foot easily with the low seat, the engine has enough power to make novice clutch/throttle mistakes less trouble, and the whole package has Honda quality.

It’s light enough to be easily controlled, fast enough to keep up with the city traffic, the valves are a little loud but the ride comfort and ease of use more than makes up for that little shortcoming. Another thing I would improve on is the seat because it’s a little uncomfortable after a while, but is tolerable.

Conclusion

Great starter bike, awesome gas mileage, far less expense for maintenance than any Harley. It’s a bike to keep even when you’ll eventually get something else.

Features

New for 2008

• New Silver Metallic color joins classic Black.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Proven twin-cylinder 234cc SOHC four-stroke engine is smooth, quiet, economical and easy to maintain.
• Screw-type valve adjusters simplify maintenance.
• Constant-velocity (CV) 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.

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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
Induction:  Single 26mm diaphragm-type constant-velocity (CV) carburetor
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): 30º40’
Trail:  113mm (4.4 inches)
Seat Height:  26.6 inches
Fuel Capacity:  2.6 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve
Colors:  Silver Metallic, Black
MSRP: 3199
Meets current EPA standards.
California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.