The Honda Rebel 250 — or to be exact, the CMX 250 — has been a humble, no-nonsense cruiser offered by Honda for over three decades. It’s not a speed demon, not a heavyweight tourer, not a flashy muscle bike. In fact, some might say it’s the “king of nowhere.” And yet… Honda kept making it, virtually unchanged, for more than 30 years. That alone makes it worth a closer look.

Today, I’ve got my hands on a 2005 Honda Rebel 250, and we’re going to dive deep — from features and specs to real-world riding impressions, top speed, comfort, and more. So let’s get rolling.

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First Impressions — Small but Mighty

From a distance, the Rebel 250 might look like a standard-sized cruiser. But swing a leg over it, and you’ll quickly realize this is a small motorcycle. It’s low, compact, and clearly designed for riders with a smaller frame.

Up front, you get a classic 6.5-inch headlight and a single-disc brake. The rear has a drum brake paired with a chain-and-sprocket drive. Despite the “250” name, the bike is powered by a 234cc parallel twin with a single carburetor feeding both cylinders — simple, low-maintenance, and reliable.

This particular Rebel sports an aftermarket twin short-shotgun exhaust, but the factory H-pipe remains in place. The result? A quirky little growl that’s more endearing than intimidating.

The controls are equally straightforward:

• Right side – throttle, kill switch, starter button
• Left side – choke lever, headlight high/low, turn signals, horn

The dash is old-school: a speedometer (max 85 mph), odometer, trip meter, and basic indicator lights for neutral, turn signals, and high beam.

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Fit and Ergonomics — Made for Smaller Riders

At just 25 inches seat height, the Rebel is incredibly approachable. For shorter riders, it’s perfect. For me — at 6’ tall and 150 lbs — the ergonomics are… let’s say “tight.” The bars sweep back close, the footpegs are high, and when I turn the bars, they can touch my knees. It’s a bit of a “T-Rex arms” situation.

The rear seat is comically small — my hand is literally bigger than the passenger pad — but this isn’t a bike meant for two-up touring anyway.

Wheel sizes are 18-inch front and 15-inch rear, which keep the proportions balanced.

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On the Road — How Does It Ride?

The Rebel 250 is not a rocket, but it’s not a snail either. The five-speed gearbox is light and easy to shift, and without a tachometer, you learn to judge RPMs by sound and feel. The aftermarket pipes help with that.

Acceleration? Let’s just say you’ll use all the gears — and quickly. By the time you’re at 40 mph, you’re already in top gear. Cruising at 55 mph feels like you’re near the top of its range, but it will push to about 74–75 mph with some patience.

Comfortable cruising speed:

• City streets – 35–50 mph feels relaxed
• Highway – 55–65 mph is doable, but you’ll be running near full throttle

Lightweight handling is one of the Rebel’s best traits. U-turns are effortless, and weaving through city traffic is stress-free. The bike feels almost telepathic when you want to change direction.

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Performance Numbers

• Engine: 234cc parallel twin, air-cooled, carbureted
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Top Speed: ~74–75 mph (tested)
• 0–60 mph: Just over 10 seconds
• Seat Height: 25 in
• Weight: Light enough to push around with ease (around 320 lbs wet)

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Strengths

• Ultra-lightweight – great for beginners or smaller riders
• Low seat height – boosts confidence for new riders
• Simple mechanics – single carb, easy maintenance
• Reliable – classic Honda bulletproof design
• Approachable power – not intimidating for learners

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Weaknesses

• Cramped for taller riders – not ideal if you’re over 5’10″
• Highway limitations – struggles over 65 mph for extended periods
• Tiny passenger seat – practically unusable for adults
• Dated styling – unless you love the classic 80s/90s cruiser look

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Who Is It For?

The Honda Rebel 250 is perfect for:

• First-time riders learning clutch and gear control
• Commuters in cities and suburbs
• Riders who want a light, inexpensive, and easy-to-maintain cruiser
• Anyone under 5’8″ looking for a perfectly proportioned bike

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Final Verdict

The Rebel 250 is not about speed, power, or showing off. It’s about simplicity, ease of use, and the pure joy of riding. It captures that “wind in your hair” feeling without the intimidation factor.

For under $2,000 on the used market, it’s hard to find a better entry-level cruiser that’s as light, forgiving, and bulletproof as this. It’s the kind of bike you can learn on, keep as a backup, or simply enjoy for what it is — a fun, small, unpretentious motorcycle.

In short: The Rebel 250 may be the “king of nowhere,” but for the right rider, it’s a ruler worth serving.