Honda CMX250C Rebel
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:
- Honda CRF230M
- Honda CBR125R
- Honda CBR 250R – A capable bike with styling like the big boys
- Suzuki GZ250 Marauder
Category: Honda, Under 500cc
This is a fantastic bike…I own one
Yep, the Rebel is the beginner bike to beat. Or at least it shares that spot with the Ninja 250. Honda’s not changed this bike once since 1985. Remember the Rebel 450, for like 2 years? Another reason this beats the Suzuki: the Rebel is a twin cylinder engine, the Suzuki is only a single. Two cylinders means if one goes for some weird reason, you can still limp home – you won’t be stranded. I also like the Yamaha 250 Star, I like its styling a little better, but it’s also more expensive.