I guess my problem (at least the non mental one) would be how the Rebel stacks up against the Yamaha Virago.

The Honda is a side by side twin, and the Yamaha is a V-twin.

Is there any difference in reliability, quality or maintenance?

I have always owned two cycle singles.

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2006 Harley 1200 Sportster
1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle
1944 Cushman Military Police 3 Wheel

Check out this article. Maybe this will help you a bit.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/250s03/index.html

I do disagree with some points of this article. I have no problem on the interstate and mine will hit almost 80mph. 70mph is absolutely no problem at all. truth be told however, it was the color that sold this bike. Out of all the bikes I looked at this one stood out on the show room floor. Mine can be seen here:

http://freewebs.com/scott58/

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50

Thanks Scott. That was a big help.

I guess I need to decide if I want gas milage or power..

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2006 Harley 1200 Sportster
1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle
1944 Cushman Military Police 3 Wheel

I have an 03 Rebel and can't wait to get rid of it. I'll admit I wouldn't have wanted to learn on anything else cause it is easy to ride and handle. But, unless you like having to shift twice before getting out of a big intersection ( 3 lane crossing 3 lane) you might want to look at a different bike. I actually get worried in traffic b/c of the lack of umph in the motor. Only took her on the highway twice b/c it sounds like she will explode when I get to about 65 mph. The mileage is good but it is usually good on all bikes isn't it. All in all, glad to have had it, but reallllly want to get something else....

One thing I can suggest is going to a 30 tooth rear sprocket instead of the stock 33 tooth. t will give you a bit more time between shifts and lower your rpm at highway speeds, but it soumds like your ready to trade up. Rebels sell quickly so you shouldn't have to much trouble.

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50

Scott it's cool that you're going to take the Rebel on this kind of a trip. There are a lot of guys that wouldn't even attempt 1700 miles with out a full touring bike with all the bags, cruise control and an electronically adjustable windshield. I'll bet you'll have more fun doing it on the Rebel than any of those guys with the 600 - 700 lb bikes.

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New Hotness: 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
Old & Busted: 2003 BMW F650CS

Thanks Scott for the idea on the rear sprocket. I may give that a try before getting rid of it just for poops and grins.

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If winning isn't everything....why keep score?

As you guys can probably tell I'm a serious Rebel fan. I plan on pushing this bike to it's extreme limits in distance travel. The great economy and near bullet proof engine design begs for it. i've got almost 2000 miles on it now and expect to have close to 10,000 miles by the time the temps go back into the 30's. There are faster bikes to be sure and there are bikes more suited for what I plan to do, but as keysman points out, it will be fun and certainly alot easier on the wallet. The niagara falls thing is just to get it's feet wet. Next year I'm heading to New mexico and up to mt rushmore from there. Whatever you ride just enjoy it and do things most people wouldn't consider attempting. It makes for great stories and a fuller life. And whatever you do don't forget to take the camera!

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50

How big of a deal is it to make this substitution?

Can a reasonably handy guy (but one who's mostly worked on cars), do this by himself without any special tools? Or is a best to have a shop do it?

What's the cost of a 30 tooth sprocket? How much for professional installation? (Of course, just estimated costs would be fine...)

Thanks in advance for any answers.

The sprocket is about $30. The dealer quoted $80 to replace both sprockets and chain. Don't think it would be that big a deal to do it yourself if your so inclined, just time consuming.

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50