Posted by Don on April 17, 2000 at 02:18:16:
In Reply to: Savage -vs- Honda Rebel posted by R on April 15, 2000 at 05:19:04:
I've been educating myself on this site for about a month now. Thanks to everybody that has posted some really valuable info. The reason I've been coming here regularly lately is that my wife (5'0"), a Honda 250 Rebel rider for the last 7 years, finally agreed to look for a bigger bike (to cruise with the boys). We looked at the Savage and Yamaha 535 Virago. She couldn't get the Virago off it's center stand without major effort, so we nixed that. I looked for used Rebel 450's and used Savages on the web. The Rebel 450 commands a high dollar, probably because they were only made in 86 & 87. We were close to buying a Savage, but I held back. I didn't like the idea of one big cylinder with a 95mm bore diameter. I was afraid it would vibrate too much, and I was concerned when I saw some of the drive belt problems on the Savage in less than 5000 miles. Still, there isn't a big choice for short female riders. Then, out of the blue - We found a used '86 Honda Rebel 450 with 3000 original miles on it in -mint- condition, with a windshield and Hondaline sissy bar for $1000.00. We bought it, and we rode over 100 miles yesterday. She loves it, it's laid out the same as her Rebel 240, and has plenty of power to keep up. So I guess we're not considering the Savage anymore. But, I thank everybody for their honest posts. It's quite evident that the Savage has a loyal following. Both bikes (the Rebel 450 and the Savage) have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer multi-cylinder bikes for overall smoothness and balance. The Rebel 450 weighs 385lbs; the Savage 355lbs. The 2000 year colors on the Savage were a definate turn off for us (green and yellow) - but I did find quite a few late 90's that are black. Seat height wise, they are about the same. Somebody mentioned the belt costs $400.00 (is this correct?) on the Savage. I know I can buy an awful lot of chain for $400.00. Both bikes lack a tachometer; I disagree with their builders on this issue. The Rebel 450 has 6 gears; the Savage 5 (6th gear on the Rebel even has an Overdrive light). Overall, I think both bikes are a fine product, and when I read that somebody didn't like the Speedo in the tank (on the Savage), I disagreed - I think it's cool. It -does- need a tripmeter (which the Rebels have). I hope nobody takes offense or attacks me because of my thoughts. I enjoy different opinions, and hope this sparks more debate. One thing is for sure - there is a large gap between the current production Rebel 250 and the next bike up, the Shadow. Suzuki seems to have addressed this problem; Honda hasn't. They ought to reintroduce the Rebel 450, like they did the Rebel 250. Oh yeah, I am biased, having cut my teeth in a Honda shop from 1968 - 1973. I still have old (pre-70) Hondas and am always looking to buy more 60's Hondas.
Keep up the talk. It does make a difference.
-Don