[Rybo]

Hi all,

I just joined this forum after it appeared on a Google search for the 2017 Rebel. I am a potential new rider (trying to decide on a bike) so I won't have anything of good experience to post. But it's pretty neat to be a "charter member" -- looks like I'm member #21.

Last summer I went on a bike-sitting spree, and I was introduced to the NC700X, the (Kawi) Vulcan S, the 300/500s and finally the CTX700 (among some others). I was mostly interested in the CTX700, and I visited a couple of local dealers and sellers in response to Craigslist ads looking for good deals on a used one. It turns out I really wanted something a little smaller and lighter, so when the new Rebel was introduced it piqued my interest. It seems to meet that sweet-spot for me with regard to style and size (though I'm still undecided between the 300/500 engine).

 

[Saint]

Welcome to the forums. Have you gotten your license as of yet?? I'm a new rider as well and the 300 will be my first bike

 

[shortyg83]

Hi all,

I just joined this forum after it appeared on a Google search for the 2017 Rebel. I am a potential new rider (trying to decide on a bike) so I won't have anything of good experience to post. But it's pretty neat to be a "charter member" -- looks like I'm member #21.

Last summer I went on a bike-sitting spree, and I was introduced to the NC700X, the (Kawi) Vulcan S, the 300/500s and finally the CTX700 (among some others). I was mostly interested in the CTX700, and I visited a couple of local dealers and sellers in response to Craigslist ads looking for good deals on a used one. It turns out I really wanted something a little smaller and lighter, so when the new Rebel was introduced it piqued my interest. It seems to meet that sweet-spot for me with regard to style and size (though I'm still undecided between the 300/500 engine).

Welcome to the forums.

I have sat on the Vulcan S like you have and really liked the style of it. My biggest complaint was its weight. It honestly felt heavy just sitting on the bike and standing it up. I understand it isn't overly heavy or actually hard to deal with, but when I was learning how to ride having a light bike really helped. To me they seem so much more fun to ride.

Deciding between the 300/500 will be difficult. Out the door price for the 500 would likely be between 6600 and 7100 depending on dealer fees and if you get ABS.
The 300 between 5100 and 5600.

The reason it is a hard choice is the price gap. It is 1500-1600 more for the 500 when the only difference is the engine. Everything else on the bike is identical.
But the fact is the 500 engine is better. It has more horse power and torque. But not so much where it would be bad for a begginer. In fact the power would be better suited if you plan on keeping the bike long term. The 300 has less power than every other 300cc engine on the market. It also has less power than some of the 250cc engines. It is also single cylinder and will have more vibration while riding it.
The 500 actually is made to actually compete with other 300cc bikes if that gives you a better representation of what you will be working with power wise.

I love the design of the bike, but I do think the 500 may be slightly over priced given the differences between the bikes. You would likely be happy with either purchase, but in the back of your head may wish you have gotten the 500.

To be honest I actually have considered buying the 300 and in a year or 2 just replacing they engine to a 500 from a rebel or cbr500 since they are the same engine.

 

[st.rebel]

Hopefully you already had a chance to sit on either one of the new Rebels since Honda made its way around the nation with them, in the process allowing the public on them, have yet to see any restrictions at shows.

 

[Rybo]

Welcome to the forums. Have you gotten your license as of yet?? I'm a new rider as well and the 300 will be my first bike

I just have my Lerner's so far. I have ridden enough in the past to know how to shift without any issues, so not quite that new, though.

 

[Rybo]

Welcome to the forums.

I have sat on the Vulcan S like you have and really liked the style of it. My biggest complaint was its weight. It honestly felt heavy just sitting on the bike and standing it up. I understand it isn't overly heavy or actually hard to deal with, but when I was learning how to ride having a light bike really helped. To me they seem so much more fun to ride.

Deciding between the 300/500 will be difficult. Out the door price for the 500 would likely be between 6600 and 7100 depending on dealer fees and if you get ABS.
The 300 between 5100 and 5600.

The reason it is a hard choice is the price gap. It is 1500-1600 more for the 500 when the only difference is the engine. Everything else on the bike is identical.
But the fact is the 500 engine is better. It has more horse power and torque. But not so much where it would be bad for a begginer. In fact the power would be better suited if you plan on keeping the bike long term. The 300 has less power than every other 300cc engine on the market. It also has less power than some of the 250cc engines. It is also single cylinder and will have more vibration while riding it.
The 500 actually is made to actually compete with other 300cc bikes if that gives you a better representation of what you will be working with power wise.

I love the design of the bike, but I do think the 500 may be slightly over priced given the differences between the bikes. You would likely be happy with either purchase, but in the back of your head may wish you have gotten the 500.

To be honest I actually have considered buying the 300 and in a year or 2 just replacing they engine to a 500 from a rebel or cbr500 since they are the same engine.

Excellent overview of the differences, thanks. I'm leaning toward the 500 but admittedly wonder if it might be a little too much power or heavier at first. But I can always go easier on the throttle, too. I am concerned about wishing I had stepped up after a while.

 

[st.rebel]

well there have been rides happening with reviews of them posted online.
those rides took place overseas (Thailand...I think?).
for now those should give you a good idea of what to expect since of course too much or too little power and weight comes down to the individual

 

[Rybo]

well there have been rides happening with reviews of them posted online.
those rides took place overseas (Thailand...I think?).
for now those should give you a good idea of what to expect since of course too much or too little power and weight comes down to the individual

Yep, I've watched them as well. Rene from Germany and his wife Tik in Thailand, and a few others not in English. I'm sure we'll see a lot more coming soon as the bike is released stateside.

 

[Djdavies]

I think the beginner runs a higher risk of wanting more power than a seasoned ride. Someone that's ridden before knows pretty much what there gonna get from any given motor size whereas the beginner will learn this after buying their first bike and riding awhile.

After riding a 150 scooter for several months, I'm going straight to the 500 knowing I would want more power in a few months if I got the 300. Maybe it's just me.