Summary:

The Rebel, with a top speed of roughly 140 km/h and fuel economy in excess of 55 mpg, is a great choice for those looking for a cruiser-style motorcycle as their first motorcycle.

Engine Size: 234cc
Price (new): $5,299 CDN/$3,999 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki GZ250 Marauder, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Yamaha XT250

Our Honda CMX250C Rebel Review:

Low (a seat height of just 26.6″), light (a curb weight of just 331lbs ready to ride), and leisurely (it is a cruiser), the Honda CMX250C Rebel is a miniaturized version of the larger and louder cruiser.  Classic styling that is less flamboyant than the Suzuki GZ250 Marauder appeals to our tastes, but it really does boil down a personal preference thing.  At this stage in the game, whichever one looks the best to you is probably a solid choice.

But, there’s a reason for that assessment.  The CMX250C gets fantastic fuel economy.  During our (admittedly limited) testing we experienced economy in excess of 55 mpg, and we imagine that it would have bene higher if the person who was reviewing the Rebel didn’t weigh 265 lbs.  For that reason alone we feel compelled to recommend the Honda Rebel to anyone who wants something comfortable and economical but doesn’t like the look or feel of a dual-sport.

As with the Marauder, the Honda CMX250C Rebel is not a speedster.  In fact, it chugs along at a very docile pace before reaching a claimed top speed of 85 mph- we didn’t have the guts to take it that far, and we’re not convinced it could have gone there anyway.  With a sub-250cc engine, the Rebel really suffers from excess weight.  Riding with a passenger isn’t recommended, both for weight reasons as well as spacial ones (we just don’t see how it would work).

If you’re all geared up with the intentions to learn how to ride a motorcycle, and the CMX250C Rebel is in your list of “maybes”, we have absolutely no problems recommending it.  It’s relatively fun to ride, comfortable, and easy on the wallet.  However, if you’ve ever owned anything described as “sporty”, the Honda CMX250C Rebel (as well as the Suzuki GZ250 Marauder, definitely are not the motorcycles for you.

The Bottom Line:

We prefer the subdued styling of the Honda CMX250C Rebel to the Suzuki GZ250 Marauder, but really, that’s a personal preference thing.  The Rebel, aside from returning exceptional fuel economy, is a light and easily-managed entry for those looking to ease their way into motorcycling.

Related posts:

1. Honda CRF230M
2. Honda CBR125R
3. Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

Summary:

It might take a while for the dust to settle, but once it does you’ll realize that the Honda CRF230M may very well be the first attractive dual-sport… kind of.  Clean lines, combined with sleek and stylish bodywork make the CRF230M one of the best looking dual-sports (kind of) around.  A comfortable ride and peppy acceleration certainly add to the fun, but when you look this good, does it really matter?

What do we mean by kind of?  Keep reading.

Engine Size: 223cc
Price (new): $6,399 CDN/$5,399 USD
Comparable bikes: Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DR200SE, Yamaha TW200, Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR-Z400S

Our Honda CRF230M Review:

The Honda CRF230M looks like a dual-sport, and feels like a dual-sport, but in actuality is more a  motard than a dual-sport.  A quick Google search will reveal people posting incredible things about the CRF230M, including fuel economy claims upwards of 90 mpg!  If you are like us, in that you’re skeptical of any and all outrageous economy claims, you’ll be a bit taken back.  After all, anything achieving 100 mpg is worth a look, right?

So how did Honda do it?  Well, for starters, the CRF230M only weighs in at 276lbs.  With 14 hp and 12 ft-lbs of torque, it also isn’t packing too much of an accelerative punch.  However, a slick six-speed transmission that is geared efficiently goes a long way.  In this case, it’s likely the reason that this motorcycle pushes as much economy out of it as it does.

When riding the Honda CRF230M feels responsive.  This is a bike that you can feel comfortable leaning over, as its light weight removes that feeling of awkwardness that many new riders will experience when tilting over a larger motorcycle.  Once you’ve had a bit of practice you can literally “flick” this bike through the corners, leaning it over while simultaneously providing input with the throttle.

For a bike that takes a fair bit of time to get up and go (designed for economy, not speed, remember?) the CRF230M is a surprisingly large amount of fun.  You don’t need to hit 60mph in 5 seconds when the machine you’re riding feels like a roller coaster ride every time you lean it over.  And, when you decide that you actually have somewhere to be, this beginner motorcycle will cruise all day long at 65-70mph.

We don’t feel it to be as good a trail bike as the Yamaha WR250X or the Suzuki DR-Z400S, but that doesn’t mean it won’t go there.  Dirt, gravel, and sand are no match for the raised suspension and grippy tires.

But what takes us back the most is the capability this bike provides while still managing to look good.  Yamaha never accomplished that feat with the WR250X, and Suzuki definitely didn’t come close with the DR-Z400S.  But Honda hit the nail right on the head.  In our estimation, the Honda CRF230M is the best looking dual-sport/motard out there.

The Bottom Line:

It’s not an off-road monster, but it does return excellent economy in what should be a relatively maintenance free package (it uses many of the components, including the engine, transmission, and frame, from the excellent CRF230L).  We like the Honda CRF230M a whole lot, and for a motorcycle that was just introduced for the 2009 model year, that’s a bold statement to make.

Related posts:

1. Honda CMX250C Rebel
2. Honda CBR125R

Summary:

Like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the Honda CBR125R looks like it’s packing a punch thanks to its aggressive fairings and low seating position. However, its 125cc engine is a bit small compared to other motorcycles in this class and it can begin to feel underwhelming fast.

Engine Size: 125cc
Price (new): $3,499 CDN
Comparable bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DR200SE

Our Honda CBR125R Review:

Many people say that there is no “perfect starter motorcycle”, and we tend to agree. People, like all things in life, have vastly different shapes, sizes, tastes, and preferences. To say that one motorcycle is “the best” would be implying that it’s the best for everyone, and we don’t really believe that particular bike actually exists.

Take the Honda CBR125R for example: it has a low curb weight (280lbs), a small 125cc engine, and an even lower price tag ($3,499CDN). It has definite curb appeal, with sporty body work and a low riding position. Like the Ninja 250R, the CBR125R is the starter bike that most people who aren’t into motorcycles wouldn’t know was a starter bike.

For an average or experienced rider, the CBR125R will feel very underwhelming right from the get go. Compared to a Kawasaki Ninja 500R, the CBR125R feels like a jar of molasses trying to run down hill. However, for someone looking for a motorcycle that is easy to learn, forgiving, and as safe as you can get, the Honda CBR125R could be the ideal choice.

If you are a bigger person, in either height or weight, the CBR125R will likely be too small for you. That being said, an average sized man or woman will have no problem finding the CBR125R comfortable, with a good seating position and great visibility all around the bike. Unlike some larger bikes, which force you to hunch forward (reducing visibility immediately in front of the bike), the CBR125R allows for a more relaxed seating position- a definite plus for a new rider.

As well, its small engine is more than capable of taking on traffic within the city. In fact, the fuel-injected 125cc motor will out-accelerate just about everything on the road (save for larger bikes and some sports cars). Many people forget that a small bike, such as the CBR125R, is still capable of quarter mile times of less than 15 seconds.

On the highway is where the CBR125R really feels the limitation from its 125cc engine. It will cruise all day long at 100 km/h, but taking much higher than that will result in a lot of noise from the engine as it spins along at 11,000rpm. Of course, if you are travelling within the city it’s unlikely you’ll ever go over 100 km/h anyway, and while you’re cruising along you’ll be enjoying 94 mpg!

If you are looking for a commuter bike, something that is hyper-efficient, good looking, reliable, forgiving, and easy to ride, the Honda CBR125R is hardly a poor decision. At under $3,500 new, with a warranty, and some of the most desirable traits among a motorcycle for a new rider, the CBR125R brings to the market what the market has been lacking- affordable, economical fun.

The Bottom Line:

Incredibly efficient, sporty, and fun to ride around town, the CBR125R is an ideal combination of performance and economy for a new rider. If you are a larger person, in either height or weight, you may want to consider something a bit bigger.

Related posts:

1. Honda CRF230M
2. Honda CMX250C Rebel