Motorcycle Repair: I AM BUYING A 1985 HONDA REBEL, rear sprocket, honda rebel

Question
BILL,
I READ THAT IF I CHANG THE BACK 33TOOTH SPROCKET ON REAR WHEEL TO A 30TOOTH IT WOULD PICK UP THE TOP SPEED OF THIS BIKE. ALSO THIS HONDA ONLY HAS 4200 ORIGINAL MILES.
THANKS JEFF DRIVER

Answer
Jeff, changing the rear sprocket will reduce the rpms per mph ratio, that's for sure. Top speed on a well-tuned CMX250 is a little short of 80 mph. To some extent, that speed is limited by the lack of horsepower generated in that engine size/style. So, in all likelihood the bike may not go any faster, but it will have a little more speed in the lower gears, which can be handy in downshift situations.

Sounds like you have found a good starter bike, with low miles, but know that even though the old ones look like the current models, there were numerous changes done to the bikes and some of the parts are no longer available.

Good luck and ride safe,

Bill Silver