New Bike just passed - advice

[Allanmania]

Hi all,

I recently passed my full license and therefore looking to upgrade from my 125.

Im looking for cruiser style so I have 3 in mind.

just for info Im 46 driving for 25 plus years.

I rode my 125 for 2 years 4000 miles ish.

 

Honda Rebel 500 

Honda Rebel 1100

Harley Davidson Nightster 

 

what’s your thoughts as I’m still learning do I just go for the 500. Or am I best just skipping that and jumping on something bigger???

 

I know it’s different for everyone but interested on what the consensus would be 

 

thanks in advance 

 

 

[KiwiBob]

Just go for the one you really fancy!... Get a test ride if you can and if you like it and can afford it then buy it!

[Simon Davey]

As above, whichever bike you really want. 

You don't want the financial hit of buying a bigger bike after six months. 

Besides, with that style bike, you'll not be jumping on something that does 120Mph in 5 seconds, you'll have have plenty of control, and easy balance. 

[Fiddlesticks]

I'd knock out the 500 and make it a two horse race between the Rebel 1100 (non-DCT: my preference) and the Harley. Definitely try them both.

If it was my money I don't know which way I'd go. The Harley probably has more cool factor and a better sound. I'd be surprised if the Honda wasn't cheaper to buy/run/insure and Honda build quality (ie good). It's also quite a nice looking thing. I believe the Harley is belt driven, and the Honda is chain drive.

 

[S-Westerly]

Forget the 500, you'll be bored in 6 months. Try both the others out and see which you prefer. If cost is an issue remember to compare the insurance costs.

[RideWithStyles]

Id go 1100 - rebels or most cruisers are not particularly fast or owt.

Personally I found the rebels the most uncomfortable cruiser bike off memory, im not particularly a HD fan but for resale value and a bit more “special” (your interpretation) HD ticks the boxes for me.

[onesea]

As normal for me I would not necessarily agree, through your leg over bikes lots of bikes.

 

Decide what you want to use it for, if your, the practicalities of each bike.

 

I started thinking my bike was going to be an occasional toy.  Now I use it daily to commute.

 

Its your first bike and blokes often change bikes like women change handbags,  don’t get to hooked up.

 

Like women they can also be high maintenance cleaning chain adjustment, tyres servicing.

 

Another thing about big bikes is they can be thirsty

Harley Davidson Nightster 45mpg.  
Honda Rebel 500 80mpg.

125cc 120++ mpg 

If your using it to go 20+ miles a day to work that can soon mount up.  Possibly enough to justify 2 bikes.

 

Buy a bike you like in good condition with good history at the right price, second hand.

[Ian Frog]

I would definitely listen to the advice above from @onesea particularly if he is going to explain his maintainence regieme.

Like women they can also be high maintenance cleaning chain adjustment, tyres servicing. I would also like to know how to adjust the chain on a woman !

Maybe get the Harley at least it`s belt drive and possibly has the best residual value if you look after it (again like a woman).

Cheers

Ian

[bonio]

I guess you've read the reviews? I've found this one on the 500 from Bennetts https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/honda/honda-cmx500-rebel-2020-review-price-spec. I like the way he says its not underpowered, it's just a bike that's not intended for rushing about on. For me, the soft suspension would put me off, but again, you only newd sporty suspension if you want to rush around. If you're after a chilled Sunday afternoon style ride, then the bike sounds spot on.

[Nick the wanderer]

Since you ask I'd have a Honda over a Harley every day of the week.

There is a size guide on here somewhere where you can put in your height etc to get an overview of fit on specific bikes. May help.

[muldoon74]

12 hours ago, Nick the wanderer said:

Since you ask I'd have a Honda over a Harley every day of the week.

There is a size guide on here somewhere where you can put in your height etc to get an overview of fit on specific bikes. May help.

https://cycle-ergo.com/

[Fleck]

Honda 1100 over the HD. The Harley maybe cooler but you won't look very cool when you're miles from home and there's a problem with it

[Nick the wanderer]

10 hours ago, muldoon74 said:

https://cycle-ergo.com/

That's the one.

[muldoon74]

On 29/11/2024 at 13:35, Allanmania said:

Hi all,

I recently passed my full license and therefore looking to upgrade from my 125.

Im looking for cruiser style so I have 3 in mind.

just for info Im 46 driving for 25 plus years.

I rode my 125 for 2 years 4000 miles ish.

 

Honda Rebel 500 

Honda Rebel 1100

Harley Davidson Nightster 

 

what’s your thoughts as I’m still learning do I just go for the 500. Or am I best just skipping that and jumping on something bigger???

 

I know it’s different for everyone but interested on what the consensus would be 

 

thanks in advance 

 

 

Don’t know where you are but I’d imagine your local dealer will be doing similar to this at Edinburgh Harley Davidson… 

 

pretty good for a brand new bike…

 

 

[Allanmania]

Yeah Edin is closest a was in a few weeks ago might go back in and try it out 

[Essexboy]

If you like the look of it and the sound of it. Buy it whatever it may be.

You'll have a massive grin on your face whatever you get