4 gears topping out at 55mph...is this normal for an '86 250

[theskindiver]

I take my '86 250 on the freeway for just about a mile or so on my commute. I only seem to have four gears and I top out at about 50mph, 55 if I really push. I also have very little acceleration in any gear. Does this seem normal for this bike?
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1986 Rebel 250

[ddouble]

Welcome!

Your bike should have five gears. One down, four up.

This thread may help. There is a video too.

Dan
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[Shadow Shack]

...and fourth should carry you up to at least 65mph before shifting into top gear. Those little red hash marks on the speedo face serve as maximum speed/shift points per gear.
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"Ride Safe, Chop Safer"

http://shadow-shack.20m.com
97 Shadow VLX, 96 Rebel, 95 VLX chopper, 92 VT-600 low dragger,
88 VT-600, 85 250 Rebel chopper, 88 VT-600 clunker

[Kevin]

[bB2NER]

[theskindiver]

What does "one down for four up" mean? I do notice that when I downshift and then the green neutral light goes on, there appears to be something below that...but I didn't think it was a gear...
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1986 Rebel 250

[danger]

The shift pattern is
1 N 2 3 4 5

The gear below Neutral is 1st; good for getting started from a dead stop.. and not much else.

also, no, 55mph is not normal unless you have the aerodynamic profile of a barn door.
Try staying in 4th longer before shifting to 5th as others have suggested. Hondas like to be revved higher than you are probably used to.
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Odometer: 9940

[theskindiver]

smurf, so I've been starting in 2nd all this time...yikes... Maybe it is a rev thing. When I get to around 50mph if feels like it's revving pretty high, but maybe that's how it rolls?

Thanks for the response...
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1986 Rebel 250

[Shadow Shack]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but might I suggest a MSF course? Lots of valuable stuff that can be learned in those, and more often than not they use Rebels.

[theskindiver]

What is an MSF course? There is a highway patrol sporsored motorcycle course around here but they want $250 to take it...not in the cards for me right now...
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1986 Rebel 250

[wheezeburnt]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
I'm sure the Highway Patrol -sponsored version would be useful, too.

$250 only seems expensive til you hurt your bike or carcass. Not saying you will, but you may reduce the odds by taking a course.
(just my opinion, of course)

brent

[danger]

Everyone should take the MSF class.

I paid 140 I thnk for mine. Check with a local community college, they should offer it around that price.

It is worth the $250 price for sure either way.
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Odometer: 9940

[SG-1]

[amckenzie4]

I'm going to add another vote for the MSF course, or at least SOME kind of good training course. You'll be a much safer and more comfortable rider afterwards.

If you can't afford that, then go through their manuals and website, and read everything you can. Their web site is http://www.msf-usa.org, and if you click on the link labeled "Library/Safety Tips" at the top, it will take you to a page full of useful resources.

[hercman]

You may even recoup some of that in savings from your insurance company. Some give discounts for successful completion of a safety course.
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Romans 12:18
www.patriotguard.org

[Duckster]

[Alan]

Getting back on track here...

I wonder if a previous owner of your motorcycle put on some custom sprockets. Maybe a 13-tooth front sprocket?

That would explain why you've been starting out in 2nd gear all the time without realizing it, and would also explain why, 3 gears later, you're reaching your limit at only 55 mph.
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[Shadow Shack]

With "very little acceleration" in any gear (as quoted from the initial post), I doubt the problem is a smaller front sprocket...that mod makes acceleration more efficient (but does lose some top speed...but I can't see it being that drastic as 55mph tops)

Check out www.msf-usa.org for a course near you (or see if your local Harley dealer offers the Riders Edge class) and also take a gander at www.beginerbikers.org , a little training can go a long way.
_________________
"Ride Safe, Chop Safer"

http://shadow-shack.20m.com
97 Shadow VLX, 96 Rebel, 95 VLX chopper, 92 VT-600 low dragger,
88 VT-600, 85 250 Rebel chopper, 88 VT-600 clunker

[Duke]