[dpizz]

I own a rebel 500 and compared to bikes such as a road king or bmw rt/gs, it definitely is on the smaller side.

Do you think the rebel 300/500/1100 is visible to motorists compared to a bigger bike? Or do you guys think that if you are on any bike it is still too small to be as visible as a car?

 

[sonwon]

When riding a motorcycle you should always assume the cars and trucks do not see you.

 

[Kaptor]

Assume they are all trying to kill you and plan as best you can. It's not SUPER difficult in the forward sector but trying to watch the mirrors as well gets a little "task saturated" at times.

Is the Honda Rebel too "short" to be seen by...

 

[nbsdave]

Conspicuity is what you are looking for.
The ability to be seen.
Daytime use of driving lights is a big help.
Frequent change of position in your lane is a big help also.
look here for good info:
Conspicuity | Skilled Motorcyclist Association (smarter-usa.org)

 

[synnamdammit]

you can ride with yer hair on fire and yer butt ketchin fire, and still not be seen

 

[Robble10]

If you want conspicuity, it be best to walk instead.

 

[synnamdammit]

An it helps if yer NEKKID

 

[Emil]

The 1st & 2nd generation Rebels are even smaller. I've been run off the road by unobservant drivers on more than one occasion.
Since then I've added many additional LED lights & LED strobes for when they don't seem to see me. Only once after these have been there has someone even cut me off.
You can get them in the smoked lens, that way they are virtually unseen until you turn them on.
Better to be seen than not seen!

 

[Bozo]

You don't realize how much drivers rely on their hearing until you ride an e-bike. You can't be riding directly beside somebody or even think they realize you're there. I've had more close calls in the few years riding the Zero than on all other bikes over the past 40 years combined.

 

[billnoroville]

An it helps if yer NEKKID

maybe sometimes a nekkid rider (if female) could put a car driver in the "nice bod" mood and they won't pull out. I suspect old riders naked will be more like "oh my god" and spook the car drive into hitting the gas pedal. Some things just can't be UNSEEN... no mater how fast you run....

 

[StrudelCook]

Going from a 250 rebel to the 1100 myself, it’s honestly the difference between pony and horse. Noticeably larger and I believe it’s quite visible to anyone attentive but as others have said, irrelevant, people in cars don’t see any motorcycles.

 

[Indiana Paul]

Motorcyclists are in great shape compared to the poor bicyclist.

 

[BackRdRider]

I'm in the all bikes are the same camp, and ride like 'they're' all out to get you.

 

[2edgesword]

I actually had someone rear end me on a clear, sunny spring day while riding my Rebel. Fortunately the speed differential was only about 5 mph and I managed to keep the bike upright. I got off the highway at the next exit and the individual got off behind me. When he approached me he apologized profusely and said "I just didn't see you". He was driving a Toyota Corrola with a bumper low enough that he hit my rear tire and bent the license plate holder (no other damage), so it wasnt A large vehicle where I might have been hidden from view. He was just zoned out and saw nothing but cars.

As others have said, approach every vehicle assuming the drive doesn't see you.

 

[BackRdRider]

It's a complex subject. I have a friend that's been rear ended Twice in his full sized pickup truck. All we can do is try to be seen. I avoid black, my helmet is white and my jacket is high viz yellow. This thread reminds me that I still need to add some yellow reflective tape on the rear of my new side cases.