[macjosh1]

Hey everyone, as post states, taking the 300 to the limit.


So yesterday, and last few days, I've been depressed. Depressed that perhaps I bought the wrong bike, not what I really wanted or looking for, just generally down in the dumps that I'm not gonna be happy with this little underpower (it seems) rebel 300.


But yesterday, yesterday ladies and gents, I was at a rest spot on a highway, just out for a lonely cruise thinking nothing but the worst of this bike, and I decided just to say screw it, lets see what this thing can really do.


Where I live, we have ALLOT of straight flat roads. It was 11pm, sun still shining, no wind, no traffic, I needed some inspiration or something.


I have always been pretty conservative since owning the bike, no reving the piss, just nice easy cruising, enjoying the fact that I can get 280kms - 175miles to a full tank, and only cost $10 to fill. But last night, last night, I needed to do something. Never stretched this bike out yet, but it was time. It was the right time.


Broke out from a start, 1st and 2nd gear, I didn't like, didn't feel anything but the awesome numbing vibration, no real pull. Hit 3rd and took it to what I thought was close to redline, since there's no tach, can only guess. Anyway, got to what I think was the last quarter of the rpm range, and it was like vtec in their civics, bike took right off. Actually had to hang on tight, lol.


Into 4th, same thing, get to the last bit of rpms and she took right off, changed gears at 95kms - 60miles, and into 5th, same thing, took right off, 5th gear took me to 140kms/hr - 90mile ish, and into 6th. 6th gear treated me a little different, didn't get that kick back I felt earlier, but it still took me to 165kms/hr - 105miles/ish. Eventually I ran out of road and pretty sure 6th had nothing more to offer me. Though it didn't actually take all that long to get there, lol.


Just so everyone knows, I was in control, maybe not me emotions, but I think the bike lol, wide open highway and no other traffic in site. lol.Don't judge.


So after that, had that big grin back on my face, bobbing my head that Honda still has something, they didn't completely disappointment me. They made a decent machine between my legs. For a little 300cc (286cc actual), I was once again, like the day I bought it, surprised. Even the notorious vibrations disappeared for that brief time.


Point of all this, you have doubts, take it to the limit, see what it can really do before passing judgment, or passing the bike off to another owner. lol. (Not that I'll get much, Harley offered $1000 max).


There is still a few setbacks despite my renewed appreciation for the bike, the seat, the hand grips, lack of accessories and mods (all on back order from dealer). Bike is too quiet, some parts just look really cheaply made, not enough power(just me jealous of all the Harley ppl I hang with), suspension too soft, the display sucks cuz it doesn't display everything I would like, the front turn signals, held in by rubber, which is starting to warp and droop, one turn signal is coming out of the rubber mounting piece, try as I might, can't get the stupid thing to stay flush.


The windscreen is a joke and a sad piece of plastic. Too tight to get anything, like the air filter!


All the cons listed, I am sure with time, can be changed, rectified, or modified. I'm impatient. lol. All and all, I'll keep the bike a little while longer yet. Gonna plan a road trip in a few weeks, see if I still feel the same after that. lol. I might have a pillow for a seat, foam tubing that covers the hand grips that you would put on copper pipes for a water heater. And a milk crate strapped on for storage, instead of the cumbersome backpack. lol.


Wow, wrote a book. Way to go me, and feel bad for the blokes reading it too. lol. Enjoy!!! Reply as you feel, pos or con, I'll take it in stride. Cheers!!

 

[Lyoko]

I found it to be an interesting read this.
I kinda share how you feel, as the Rebel wasn't the bike I was supposed to get. It wasn't my first choise, but it ended up being my only choise, and thus..

But I'm surpriced to read that you managed to get your 300 up to 165km/h?!
Not sure why, or where I have it from, but I had it before me that the 500's top speed was in the 160 range. Seriously makes me curiouse to as what the 500's real top speed is then..?!

 

[dollarbill181]

First of all...I'm jealous cause I can only get my Rebel 300 up to 79-80mph. Might be a slight incline on my roads or strong winds...or weight most likely.
I'm going through the same phase of buyers remorse, but realistically the 300 is all I really need. I rarely if ever ride highway, but whenever I do it cruises 70 mph comfortably all day.

Not sure where you're ordering your parts, but I've gotten all factory options I've ordered from ebay within a week of placing the order.
As far as storage you might want to invest in the same saddlebags I've bought (vikingbags), cheap and offers decent space.
For vibration I use Joe Rocket Eclipse gloves w/ gel padding in the palm, really don't feel any discomfort.
Seat comfort hasn't been an issue for me, so can't comment on that.

I agree the bike is WAY WAY WAY too quiet. I'm honestly not even surprised when people accidentally merge into my lane, bike is near silent w/ wind noise.
I'll be shopping around for a cheaper alternative for a slip on, under $100 so stay tuned if interested.

 

[shortyg83]

I found it to be an interesting read this.
I kinda share how you feel, as the Rebel wasn't the bike I was supposed to get. It wasn't my first choise, but it ended up being my only choise, and thus..

But I'm surpriced to read that you managed to get your 300 up to 165km/h?!
Not sure why, or where I have it from, but I had it before me that the 500's top speed was in the 160 range. Seriously makes me curiouse to as what the 500's real top speed is then..?!

The actual top speed on the two bikes is going to very similar and depend on rider weight. The difference will be in how much power you have at those speeds over 50mph.

 

[shortyg83]

Hey everyone, as post states, taking the 300 to the limit.


So yesterday, and last few days, I've been depressed. Depressed that perhaps I bought the wrong bike, not what I really wanted or looking for, just generally down in the dumps that I'm not gonna be happy with this little underpower (it seems) rebel 300.


But yesterday, yesterday ladies and gents, I was at a rest spot on a highway, just out for a lonely cruise thinking nothing but the worst of this bike, and I decided just to say screw it, lets see what this thing can really do.


Where I live, we have ALLOT of straight flat roads. It was 11pm, sun still shining, no wind, no traffic, I needed some inspiration or something.


I have always been pretty conservative since owning the bike, no reving the piss, just nice easy cruising, enjoying the fact that I can get 280kms - 175miles to a full tank, and only cost $10 to fill. But last night, last night, I needed to do something. Never stretched this bike out yet, but it was time. It was the right time.


Broke out from a start, 1st and 2nd gear, I didn't like, didn't feel anything but the awesome numbing vibration, no real pull. Hit 3rd and took it to what I thought was close to redline, since there's no tach, can only guess. Anyway, got to what I think was the last quarter of the rpm range, and it was like vtec in their civics, bike took right off. Actually had to hang on tight, lol.


Into 4th, same thing, get to the last bit of rpms and she took right off, changed gears at 95kms - 60miles, and into 5th, same thing, took right off, 5th gear took me to 140kms/hr - 90mile ish, and into 6th. 6th gear treated me a little different, didn't get that kick back I felt earlier, but it still took me to 165kms/hr - 105miles/ish. Eventually I ran out of road and pretty sure 6th had nothing more to offer me. Though it didn't actually take all that long to get there, lol.


Just so everyone knows, I was in control, maybe not me emotions, but I think the bike lol, wide open highway and no other traffic in site. lol.Don't judge.


So after that, had that big grin back on my face, bobbing my head that Honda still has something, they didn't completely disappointment me. They made a decent machine between my legs. For a little 300cc (286cc actual), I was once again, like the day I bought it, surprised. Even the notorious vibrations disappeared for that brief time.


Point of all this, you have doubts, take it to the limit, see what it can really do before passing judgment, or passing the bike off to another owner. lol. (Not that I'll get much, Harley offered $1000 max).


There is still a few setbacks despite my renewed appreciation for the bike, the seat, the hand grips, lack of accessories and mods (all on back order from dealer). Bike is too quiet, some parts just look really cheaply made, not enough power(just me jealous of all the Harley ppl I hang with), suspension too soft, the display sucks cuz it doesn't display everything I would like, the front turn signals, held in by rubber, which is starting to warp and droop, one turn signal is coming out of the rubber mounting piece, try as I might, can't get the stupid thing to stay flush.


The windscreen is a joke and a sad piece of plastic. Too tight to get anything, like the air filter!


All the cons listed, I am sure with time, can be changed, rectified, or modified. I'm impatient. lol. All and all, I'll keep the bike a little while longer yet. Gonna plan a road trip in a few weeks, see if I still feel the same after that. lol. I might have a pillow for a seat, foam tubing that covers the hand grips that you would put on copper pipes for a water heater. And a milk crate strapped on for storage, instead of the cumbersome backpack. lol.


Wow, wrote a book. Way to go me, and feel bad for the blokes reading it too. lol. Enjoy!!! Reply as you feel, pos or con, I'll take it in stride. Cheers!!

Just want to comment on some of your set backs.

1. The seat: while it isn't the best seat in the world I don't see a bike in that price range coming with anything better stock. The bike was really made as a city cruiser, and in the city on short rides the seat is actually perfectly fine.

2. Grips: to be honest, even though i changed them, the grips are top notch. They may not be the best looking thing out there but they have great actual grip. I'd take them over the terrible cushy rubber I've seen come on Harley any day.

Speedo: for everyone who complains about good speedometer, no one seems to realize it does more than any cruiser in is class. The Harley street which is the bikes direct competitor has nothing besides speed. No gas gauge. Cruisers don't come with tachs or gear indicators normally.

The suspension to me could be better. You can get adjustable fork caps very cheap to improve the front suspension.

And are you saying Harley offered you 1k for your rebel? If so they did that to insult you and make their product seem that much better. I would have told them to screw off.

 

[dollarbill181]

I think most people go through these phases after riding their bikes for a bit.
My buddy has a newer Harley Iron 883. I've ridden it a couple times and the power difference is tremendous when compared to the rebel 300.
But...it's much heavier, tank is lower so feels like you're sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" the bike like the rebel accomplishes.
Oh, and yea we get almost twice their gas mileage. After a while I missed being on my Rebel and was happier on it, despite being slower.

Classic case of "greener on the other side of the fence".

 

[01-7700]

anyone sitting on the fence about the 300 or 500 might have an easier decision because of your write-up - well done @macjosh1

 

[st.rebel]

Your not the only one talking about how underpowered the 300 is and odds are Honda is well aware of it. Most 300's will end up in the city as commuters, anyone serious about performance and wants the best of low end and top end performance will go 500. Its the harsh truth about 300's.

 

[macjosh1]

anyone sitting on the fence about the 300 or 500 might have an easier decision because of your write-up - well done @macjosh1

Thank-you and everyone else for the feedback. Glad to know I'm not the only one scratching the head on the decision on the new rebel. lol. All and all, end of the day, I am kinda glad I got the 300 and not the 500. Looking at the spec and all the reviews, there is honestly not much of a difference between the two models. The 500 has, of course, higher cc's, but other than that, basically the same. Your paying 2k extra for a few more cc's, and, correct me if I am wrong, the 500 only has a few more torque more than the 300. Might be setup for better highway comfort, but still, vibrations can be managed with the right mods. I'm still doing research into parts etc. I live in Canada, and exchange/shipping is almost worth more than what the part is worth.


If someone has doubts, like I did, on what the 300 can do, think I just proved that the 300 can do more than what seems possible for a small cc bike. lol.

 

[500]

Thank-you and everyone else for the feedback. Glad to know I'm not the only one scratching the head on the decision on the new rebel. lol. All and all, end of the day, I am kinda glad I got the 300 and not the 500. Looking at the spec and all the reviews, there is honestly not much of a difference between the two models. The 500 has, of course, higher cc's, but other than that, basically the same. Your paying 2k extra for a few more cc's, and, correct me if I am wrong, the 500 only has a few more torque more than the 300. Might be setup for better highway comfort, but still, vibrations can be managed with the right mods. I'm still doing research into parts etc. I live in Canada, and exchange/shipping is almost worth more than what the part is worth.


If someone has doubts, like I did, on what the 300 can do, think I just proved that the 300 can do more than what seems possible for a small cc bike. lol.

A couple hundred more cc's. I love my 5. It's so beastly
It just keeps banging

 

[Benggolf]

Good to hear everyone is having great fun with their Rebel in their own way.
Enjoy! Just be careful and exercise caution....be safe.

 

[dollarbill181]

I'll tell you what though, it's kind of nice to rip through gears near redline and tackle the suburban streets/roads and not have to worry about breaking major speed limits lol. I went out with my boss on lunch break (him on his harley me on the R300) and had a blast in the curves, the only time I felt discouraged is when you glance down at the speedometer and realize how slow you're actually going.

 

[Saint]

Now this was a good read and I actually got a bit anxious reading through it haha! Hey, once you were doing it out in the open where nobody was around and frankly nobody to get hurt, power to you. A lot of guys will go out there and try this with others on the road and that's just idiotic.

Glad you got a bit of re-invigoration with it !!

 

[shortyg83]

Your not the only one talking about how underpowered the 300 is and odds are Honda is well aware of it. Most 300's will end up in the city as commuters, anyone serious about performance and wants the best of low end and top end performance will go 500. Its the harsh truth about 300's.

I am not sure why it comes as a surprise to anyone. The engine has been out for a long time and reviews on it have been around forever as well. It is a an engine primarily made for a light city riding bike.

 

[Ryandavis1555]

I feel that you and I are in the same boat. This is my first bike, had it for 2 weeks and ride it every day. I feel as if when I'm in the city *small city of 30,000 people*, I am confident and aggressive and off the red light much faster than any car and I'll look back and nobody will be near me...but when I am going down the highway *speed limit of 60 mph*, I feel frail in comparison to those around me and with all of the drag, not willing to go much faster than 67.

Fun bike out of the gates and speeding up to 55, but not much fun trying to keep up with traffic on the highway. Also, I feel as if I am always trying to shift into a higher gear when already in 5th....

 

[macjosh1]

I feel that you and I are in the same boat. This is my first bike, had it for 2 weeks and ride it every day. I feel as if when I'm in the city *small city of 30,000 people*, I am confident and aggressive and off the red light much faster than any car and I'll look back and nobody will be near me...but when I am going down the highway *speed limit of 60 mph*, I feel frail in comparison to those around me and with all of the drag, not willing to go much faster than 67.

Fun bike out of the gates and speeding up to 55, but not much fun trying to keep up with traffic on the highway. Also, I feel as if I am always trying to shift into a higher gear when already in 5th....

6th for me. cruising the highway listening to the motor scream, I always catch myself trying to shift another gear. lol. Is what it is I guess. I've riden in groups and in traffic on the highway. Its really not too bad, I can keep up with traffic easily enough. The drag and the wind only made me nervous a few times, but after awhile you kinda accept it, and go with it. small corrections. now unless your somewhere getting hurricane winds, then no, pull over, take a less open road. lol.


But driving with traffic in the highway, honestly, do a bit under if its too nerve racking. not so much to cause an accident, but enough ppl will pass you or give you space cushion. find a tail gater, have some ball bearings handy and flip them behind ya. haha. (Harley guys do, but wouldn't recommend it. lol. )

 

[FLrebel]

Just have fun on what you have and don't look back. When the time comes and you want or need to upgrade, just do it. Both the 300 and the 500 are great bikes with various pros and cons based on your likes and dislikes. Ride like you love it and enjoy the ride.

 

[HiViz5]

I felt the same with the 5. I never felt it was underpowered, but I am coming from an R6 and wanted more. But, now I am loving when you hit the sweet spot and it really goes. I think the 5, for me, will be fun for a long time and I'll never get bored with it.

 

[Hmoobphajej]

Nice to hear your renewed emotion with the bike. I started to feel the same after some riding, but I know that's my ignorance talking out of my ass. I'm still too new to be thinkingIi'm too good for a 300 cc bike. All it takes is 1 mistake plus I'm doing exactly what I want with this bike, City commuting only. I haven't even gotten on the highway yet. But I'm still in my break end period so I haven't attempted to go past half throttle yet. I'm sure I'll get a renewed feeling once I pass that point and let it rip.

I do wish there was a tachometer... or gear indicator.... I find my self always trying to up shift from 6th on the city roads, lol. I'm just waiting for the aftermarket support to come through and I'm sure my wish will be fulfilled.

 

[macjosh1]

Nice to hear your renewed emotion with the bike. I started to feel the same after some riding, but I know that's my ignorance talking out of my ass. I'm still too new to be thinkingIi'm too good for a 300 cc bike. All it takes is 1 mistake plus I'm doing exactly what I want with this bike, City commuting only. I haven't even gotten on the highway yet. But I'm still in my break end period so I haven't attempted to go past half throttle yet. I'm sure I'll get a renewed feeling once I pass that point and let it rip.

I do wish there was a tachometer... or gear indicator.... I find my self always trying to up shift from 6th on the city roads, lol. I'm just waiting for the aftermarket support to come through and I'm sure my wish will be fulfilled.

patiently waiting for an exhaust to come out for it. lol. Bike is too quiet. This time next year market probably be flooded in demand. lol.