Sunday, May 22, 2016

Rebel

 I went for a ride the other day. I didn't take the Ultra or the Sportster. I didn't even take the Rat Turd. The bike I rode was an '86 Honda Rebel 250. This is Brookes bike that I got ready for her to ride this summer. After putzing around with it for a while, all that was left was a test ride and the 23 miles between our house and hers would qualify.
 Now I'm not complaining but the Rebel is a small bike. Trying to get my toe under the shifter was difficult and my knees were pretty close to the bars. Nevertheless, I was able to operate the bike ok.

 It ran pretty decent and I was surprised to discover it would haul my fat ass at 75 mph if I tucked in. I also discovered the light little bike doesn't tolerate a lot of body movement. Frame flex becomes an issue when carving corners.

 None of that matters because Brooke is a lot lighter than I am and the bike fits her well. She was happy to get it back and I heard she took it for a problem free 50 mile ride yesterday.
 I enjoyed working on the Rebel and I'll happily help Brooke out with any issues that may arise but I'm equally excited to get the bike off my lift table. I am eager to get started putting the BSA together and it's warm enough outside to paint some parts so I really should get started with that, but not today. I'm heading in to work to try and catch up with lawn treatments while the weather is decent. I won't work all day, just long enough to feel I've made an effort to get a few accounts off the list. Later this afternoon my wife and I will go for a dinner cruise on the Ultra. The weather is gonna be perfect.

Later.

4 comments:

  1. That bike looks pretty tiny with you on it but looks perfect for her. And she looks very happy!

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  2. Yep, she's happy and I know she has been out for a few rides already.

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  3. Bike looks pretty good for a 30-year-old machine. And there's another happy rider on the road. Well done..

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  4. Thanks. It does look good for its age considering this was a repair, not a restoration. She has a second one for parts.

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