If you’ve taken a safe-riding course in the last twenty years or so, you might be impressed by the one thing that is largely unchanged in those classes from coast to coast- the 2009 Honda Rebel, and its precursors going all the way back to 1985. While the 2009 Honda Rebel might be a staple of the AMA safe riding courses, it’s also true that many riders will find a lot to love about the 2009 Honda Rebel beyond the classroom. For one, it’s a competent bike that’s got a level of control that’s hard to find in small bikes. Drawbacks are the height requirement- shorter riders will have no problem with the ergonomics, but chances are that anyone over 5′-3″ is going to get very tired of the seating position, very quickly. One of the real refinements to be found on the 2009 Honda Rebel is its absolute reliability. You couldn’t break one of these bikes if you had to. Take a fall in a parking lot? Not to worry, you’ll be able to get back home. The 234cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine has been so well-engineered over the years, that you will in all likelihood (if you choose not to trade the 2009 Honda Rebel in after the learning period,) be passing this bike down to your grandkids. Think of it sort of like the Model T of the motorcycling world.
The 2009 Honda Rebel’s 234cc air-cooled parallel twin engine is a single overhead cam affair with two valves per cylinder, and drives a five speed transmission and chain drive to help reduce costs and keep the 2009 Honda Rebel affordable. Suspension is handled via dual rear shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability and 2.9 inches of travel. On the front wheel, you’ll find a single disc brake with a twin-piston caliper, while in back; a good old-fashioned drum brake is still to be found. The wheelbase of just 57.1 inches is a double-edged sword, however. Shorter riders will find the 2009 Honda Rebel competent and comfortable, while taller riders (specifically pretty much anyone over 5′-6″) will find the layout of the 2009 Honda Rebel to be cramped and even uncomfortable. Riders over six feet in height would be wise to consider a more laid-out design as can be found in a 500cc motorcycle.
The 2009 Honda Rebel is available in just two colors, Black and Ultra Blue Metallic, and both are available for $3,999, an increase of $800 over the 2008 model, though otherwise essentially unchanged. The mantra of the 2009 Honda Rebel is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” With that said, there are few motorcycles that could take the kind of punishment that this hardy little bike takes through the safe riding and instructional courses which are it’s number one stomping ground. While it is one of the most reliable motorcycles on the road, it is small, and doesn’t pack much power. Though traveling at freeway speeds is possible, you’ll probably want to avoid it as often as possible.
