Austin to Oklahoma - 300 Miles on a Honda Rebel 300 - Overnight Trip

300 mile trip from Austin to Oklahoma via backroads with temps reaching 102 degrees on my Honda Rebel 300. Another test to see if the Rebel is big enough to be a travel-worthy motorcycle.
#hondarebel300

[@clarson2916]

I bought my first motorcycle, a Yamaha V Star 250, in February of 2021. Rode that motorcycle over 17,000 miles to the Pacific coast in Oregon, and the Atlantic coast in Florida that year. On my way back from the Pacific Northwest, I went through Sturges South Dakota about 10 days before the rally started. I stopped for lunch and to get a few photos. I had another biker ask me where I was from, I told him Omaha. His response was, “you rode a 250 all the way here from Omaha?” :) I’m 66 years old and have congestive heart failure. I’ve ridden over 470 miles in one day, but 300 is a comfortable number.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Quite an adventure! I know these little bikes will do it. It’s harder on the rider than the bike.

[@clarson2916]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads the only time I thought it was hard was when I was riding through Sturges, and on home to Omaha in late July. The temperature was 95° - 100°. I never want to do another ride in the heat like that again. 300 miles in the heat you were dealing with makes for a tough day no matter what motorcycle you are riding.

[@twotone3471]

I own a V-star 250, and can confirm it'll cruise at 65 as long as you have fuel. It's a jewel of a bike, though it's a lot nicer at 65 than 55, where the vibrations make the handlebars buzz.

[@richardkocis5273]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads Old guys are tough

[@richardkocis5273]

looked at the v star for my first bike (at 68 ) and really liked it but could not find one anywhere in my area when i finished my MSF course, got the rebel 300 instead , 17000 in one year thats great

[@ambu6478]

I'm 68 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 11. I've been ridding a larger Kawasaki Vulcan for a few years, but I decided recently to sell it and quit ridding all together. Yesterday, my wife decided she wanted to trade her 300cc scooter for a motorcycle, so we went to a local Honda dealership and saw a Honda CMX 300 Rebel. We both loved it and she ended up trading for it. I rode it home for her and couldn't believe how great this bike rode and handled. I was thinking riding home that this little Rebel would be a good bike for a back highway road trip. I've seen guys here on KZbin doing exactly what you're doing on a 350 Royal Enfield. I think I'd rather do it on the Honda. Thanks for sharing!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Glad you found a bike that will keep you on the road. Happy riding!

[@ambu6478]

Thanks man! Would you mind letting me know what kind of windshield you have on your Rebel? I thought about putting a wind screen on, but your windshield looks good on the smaller 300.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

It’s a Hellfire. I have a video on it.

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you. I am a senior rider on HONDA Cross Cub from Japan. Enjoying touring ,camping and video uploading. This is so nice adventure video! Awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing!! Have a nice day my friend!!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks so much for commenting and subscribing!

[@bobo0o522]

Awesome, such a relaxing video. I've got the 500 and loving it :D

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks! I test ride a 500 once. Nice ride.

[@alexknight1837]

Thank you for making this video im about to get my first bike and have been deciding either the 500 or 300 and this just proved the 300 can do everything that i need! Watched the whole video and loved it! Thank you sir!!!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks! Glad this helped. The 300 is an awesome bike.

[@juanluciano5542]

WOW!!! Man thank you for that video. The quality was awesome. I watched the whole thing and I felt that I was riding with you. God Bless!! Thanks.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks! Best comment ever. I appreciate it.

[@125ZJK]

Sir you are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

I appreciate that!

[@deb3710]

Great trip! I liked the music too. Stay safe!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thank you!

[@timmit3579]

Texas has such nice roads! I especially like when people pull over to the paved shoulder to let you pass by them; I'm from Michigan & We don't do that here'...

[@tracybuckalew2482]

I really enjoy your videos.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks!

[@1GiPhoner]

You're a trooper man! I hope to be able to take a long road trip like that one day.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Hope so too! Stay safe when you do.

[@billfowler2867]

I’m doing this trip in reverse in a couple of weeks. From Joplin, Mo to Austin. I’ll visit my son for a few days and head back. I’ll be on. Moto Guzzi 1100 tourer. I’ve made several 100 mile trips on this bike but this will be my first 350 mile day in several decades. When I was younger, 300 miles wasn’t a big deal. I’m afraid it will be now. I’m investing in a hydration vest, so maybe I can avoid a lot of water stops. Wish me luck!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Good luck! It should be a lot cooler in a couple of weeks. Some advice, avoid Ft Worth if you’re taking 35. Construction is bad there, Dallas is easier.

[@cmii9966]

Great job and the committment to finish.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks!

[@WolfandCatUnite]

Nice video. It gives me an idea of what some of my first long-distance rides will be like and how to plan. Thank you

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks!

[@ac2-rm141]

Enjoyed this. Now another youtube channel to get addicted to!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Appreciate the comment!

[@JoeBManco]

So far my 300 has only been back and forth to work. Maybe one of these days a longer road trip will happen.

[@hmat7472]

super trip . thks

[@smithgroove945]

Well the cycle did fine. Once followed a girl that went cross country on a 400.

[@realtalk1278]

Great video! I was born 3 months before President Ike left office also. This video made my mind up to ride again. 🤘🏽🔥🔥🔥🇺🇸

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

I am a returning rider as well. I highly recommend the MSF course if you were like me and rode in your youth unlicensed. Thanks for the comment and stay safe.

[@GamingwithKentuckianJD]

i rode my Honda Shadow 750 from Florida back to home in Kentucky melted my rain pants to my muffler lol wasnt good (4:00). ill be subscribing. im really thinking about buying a 300 but dont know

[@DudeGreen01]

GOD BLESS THIS MAN. Thats a little bike!!!!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Appreciate the blessings.

[@DudeGreen01]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads dude....sell your shit for an 883.

[@opichocal]

I have a Goldwing and a few other Hondas. I run nothing but 87 in all of them and they run great. My wing has 100k miles and my goal is to see 250k. A friend of mine runs only premium in his wing and we did a test to see what kind of mileage each bike got. His did 40 mpg and mine was 39. Only difference was I’m running 2 up with more gear and he was solo. IMO premium is a waste of money unless your engine knocks

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Appreciate the tip.

[@CombatDoc54]

LMAO I loved your answer to when someone asked how old you was. I was born when Ike was president. Well I was too. Brother, you did a fantastic job with not just the ride, but the video as well. I live in S.W. MO. and traded my motorcycles for a kayak. After watching this video, I'm now thinking about getting a 300. I've had a Cow 750, Shadow 1100 and a Vulcan 800, I think it's pretty fair to say that a 300 that is water cooled is great for road trips. You just proved that. You exemplify what more seniors need to be doing, get out and roll!! You are a great roll model. BTW, I' Liked, Subscribed and Notified. So, what do you want to do next week papaw? Skydive? LOL, I love it when my grandkids can't keep up with me.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks, Doc. Appreciate the comment. I’m riding a Harley now for the big bike and a Grom to get my little bike fix. Age is just a number. I know a lot of people who are my age but seem years older in their thinking. It’s almost as if they can’t wait to be “old” and can sit on the couch and do nothing or dote around their own yard.

[@CombatDoc54]

I'm the same way When I was 10, I couldn't wait till I was 12. When I was 12, I couldn't wait till I was 18. When I was 18, I couldn't wait to be 21. Now, I'm 70. What the hell do I wait for now? I hope you keep yourself healthy and strong bro. Keep riding and live the dream that many of us can't. @@TwoWheelsBackroads

[@neilwiddison6529]

Watching in from the UK. I am thinking of a tour of the usa, its massive compared to the UK.

[@MrKongatthegates]

Imagine riding all day and not leaving texas

[@geraldscott4302]

I just turned 64, and have seriously bad knee and hip joints. I used to ride around the AZ desert on a Yamaha XT225. A couple years ago, it got to the point where I could not even get on and off the 32" high seat without standing on something. I rigged up a homemade stepstool so I could get on and off, and carried it with me in a basket I installed on my luggage rack. Then I went to put a new rear tire on it, and it took me two days. At home, with all the proper tools. At that point I realized I was no longer capable of repairing a flat with tube type tires out in the middle of nowhere. And I have had several flat tires riding around in the desert, so I knew it would only be a matter of time till it happened again, and I would be stranded. I gave up on the XT, and just let it sit there for almost a year. Finally I sold it. I still have street bikes I can ride, but I have been riding off road since age 8, and really missed it. I bought a used Honda Rebel 300, and have started setting it up for use on dirt roads and smooth trails. I put a flap on the front fender and a guard over the radiator, and got a bash plate from a place called T-Rex Racing (yes, they actually do make bash plates for the Rebel 300 and 500) I plan to replace the tires with Pirelli MT60RS supermoto tires, install a rear rack where the passenger seat would go, and maybe some side racks to attach saddlebags to. I need some way to carry extra fuel. The Rebel tank is too small. I had a 4 gallon aftermarket tank on the XT. Surprisingly the Rebel 300 does very well on dirt roads and smooth trails as long as you take it easy, and it should do even better when I get the new tires. It's no dirt bike, but it can go off road, and the low seat and tubeless tires solved both my problems.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

This is cool! If you haven’t already upgraded from the stock seat, consider getting a Mustang solo seat. It was a game changer for me on the Rebel.

[@willeel3750]

Wow I'm glad I found this post and this video. I'm 70, have crushed discs in back and four knee surgeries. I love to ride, especially trails and back roads. Getting into riding again after a 16 year gap. I was going to get a Kawasaki Versys x300 and went to the dealers to check it out. The seat is a little over 30 inches high but behind the seat is a fender that is higher. I couldn't even throw my leg over without getting hung up. Talk about embarrassing. I sat on a Royal Enfield Meteor and the seat is similar to the Rebel. I like Hondas. My favorite bike of all time was my Honda cl350 I had in 1976. I rode it everywhere. Sounds like the Rebel would be a good fit for me if I make some mods. I could take it on the highway if I have to but it will be great for back roads and trails. I am still fit enough to ride but not the bike powerful bikes i used to ride. I've always preferred bikes that were agile and quick and not too heavy. One of the things that turned me off about the Rebel was the small fuel tank. I wish they'd put a bigger tank on it.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

@@willeel3750 You can get 160 miles on a tank without worries and probably 180 miles in a pinch but I hear you. There are some places in Texas where I wouldn't take it without extra fuel.

[@willeel3750]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads I'm thinking an extra gallon in a saddle bag or something like that. Thanks

[@1950harleycharley]

I just bought the 300 a month ago. Weather has been so lousy. No miles on it yet.

[@DreamWithinReachYT]

Nice bike and video. Love it and thank you for sharing. Now you change what I want for my future bike. May I ask what is the winshield you have on the Rebel 300. Thanks

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

I think it’s a Hellfire. There’s a video on it with a link that used to work. Been a while. But it’s a nice windshield. They don’t claim that it will fit on a 300 but it does.

[@somethingsomethang]

I just drove mine from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield on pickup…it went amazing…

[@somethingsomethang]

I went up to 85 and the vibration people talked about is not nearly as bad as I heard from youtube

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Very nice but not a speed I’d want to cruise at for any length of time on that little engine. Mine likes to hang around 68 and there’s enough top end left to pull away if you need to.

[@somethingsomethang]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads agreed it definitely didn’t want to hang at that speed

[@dalegarrard9446]

WOW! That was a biggie. How did your 300 perform? Seems like it did fine. Is that a mustsng saddle? How did that do? I've been considering one of those. Average gas mileage? Now the big concern...how did you feel after all that milage on your 300 Rebel? Probably a lot of your fatigue was heat related. Maybe a fall trip would be more pleasant. I haven't had my 500 on an interstate yet, but I'm just about ready to give it a whirl. Glad you're home safe and sound. God Bless Your Journey my friend. Stay safe!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks, Dale! I am going to do a follow-up video on this. However, I do want to recommend the Mustang seat. It was a game changer. The fatigue was more heat related, you’re right. Without the Mustang seat I wouldn’t even have attempted it.

[@tmikew33]

You should have taken a left right before Hugo and rode the Indian Nation Turnpike. So beautiful

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Actually, I had money in my bag for the tolls. I regret not making it that far.

[@tmikew33]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads It's a beautiful ride!!

[@Papawcanner]

I learned one thing from a Rebel 500 . I don’t like cruisers or any forward controls . I want a pony not a couch .I have TW 200 and a ST 1300 that serve my 77year old needs .

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Wow! Those two bikes are miles apart.

[@Papawcanner]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads I wish I had my 1970s 360 Honda scrambler to fill the slot .

[@brunothepug8807]

Nice ironbutt on a small displacement bike! Big displacement bikes cost more money to buy and to insure. The marketing hype convinces us we "need" liter bikes. We don't need them. I have a Suzuki S40 which isn't too different from your bike except it has belt drive, I hate chain maintenance, and more low end torque. Europeans ride all over the EU on small displacement bikes even Vespa. Keep up the great vlog there young man.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks!

[@seeaboutagirl2]

I’ve also burned a nylon jacket on a hot motor .. and finding SHADE when I stop is so important and usually hard to find

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Definitely an expensive lesson.

[@kalebgremmel1214]

Is it just a rite of passage maybe? Everyone I know has done that exact thing. Lol. Not sure what's worse, The burnt jacket or the burnt material sticking to the bike that is very difficult to scrape off without scratching the surface.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

@@kalebgremmel1214 when I got back from the trip, I was going to throw the jacket out but my son said he wanted it so I gave it to him. Then he sent it off somewhere and had the zipper replaced for a fraction of the cost of a new jacket.

[@seeaboutagirl2]

@@kalebgremmel1214excellent point .. was never able to get the material off the motor .. had to look at that reminder every ride

[@SUBINDOMARCHA]

Top

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks!

[@zgainer2512]

Love your videos. Just bought a 23' 300. Absolute blast of a bike. How do you like the mustang seat compared to stock?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks. The Mustang seat made it possible to ride many hours without pain. The stock seat was unbearable after only an hour.

[@choyceybarra1274]

Just FYI, for those who aren’t local to East Texas: Palestine, TX is actually pronounced Pal-ah-steen. Not Pal-ah-styne… Thanks for sharing this cool video tho!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

You are correct! Thanks for correcting the record.

[@garnetnard4284]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads sorry I missed this comment before I posted!

[@philmcclain8154]

That's quite a trip in Texas heat. Not sure I'm willing to do that call me a whimp.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

It was a good time. I’ll always remember it because of how hard it was.

[@davidbreen4727]

neat video. 1st, if i can ask, how old are you sir? 2nd, what is your opinion of the 300 for that many miles? the bike seemed to handle it well. i ride a 2019 Rebel 500. i have ridden mine just mostly around town, i did do a 110 mile round trip, the bike did fine, but without a wind screen, it was aggravating. my Rebel has a gas gauge with the bars like on a phone 5 bars full tank. i estimated i was getting almost 60 miles a gallon, but i did reach 85 mph a couple of times. neat video, i will be looking for more. oh yeah, i am 67 years old, looking to go long distance motocamping.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Hello David. Thanks for the comment. I do recommend a windscreen as it will make your ride a lot more enjoyable and less work. When I was born, Ike still had a few months left in office, if that answers the age question for you. On my 300 mile trip, I was getting around 67 mpg but I was pushing the 300 pretty hard so sixty-ish mpg seems reasonable given the capability of your 500. I also recommend a Mustang solo seat. I would not have been able to ride eight hours or more straight without it. Regarding the travel-worthiness of the 300, my next video is going to cover that, I just need to put it together.

[@davidbreen4727]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads pretty darn cool sir!! of all the video's i watch on long tripping, yours is on my top 3. thank you, be safe.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks for the great comment! I’m not worthy.

[@RickRigs]

Hi don, big follower of your scooter channel. Glad I found this. I am looking to get this rebel 300, this will be my first motorcycle, is this something you recommend. Currently on a honda navi, I have mostly dirt bike experience. Just got my motorcycle license :)

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Yes, I definitely recommend the 300 as a first bike or even a local commuting bike for experienced riders. The great thing about it is that it will hold its value if you ever decide you want something bigger.

[@RickRigs]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads appreciate that information, I think the 300 might be plenty for me. Thank you! If you ever decide to sell it let me know :D

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Sold many months ago.

[@RickRigs]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads 👍🏻

[@joseadavila7445]

finally see some using tha open face helmett that i been wanting how is the wind managment hjc brand ? . i got kawasaki 650 vulcan s abs . ride safe .

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

It's a good helmet. Probably not as quiet as a modular or full face one but I wear hearing protection.

[@NCReb69]

New to your channel, May I ask? My wife is thinking of a Honda rebel 300, how bad does it vibrate at highway speeds? Thanks and regards from Central North Carolina

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

The 300 loves 68 mph. It will go faster, but that’s where it runs the smoothest. So on a busy highway (like IH-35 around the Austin area) it’s all you really need. For longer trips, like from Junction to El Paso via IH-10, you would want something bigger to hang around 80 mph.

[@garnetnard4284]

Go bigger. Two weeks after getting my 300 I wanted something with more power. Mine feels like the engine is going to explode when I get close to 70.

[@michaelthompson7570]

Have this bike with aftermarket seat,,,100 miles is about my max…..73 btw

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

I bought a Mustang seat for mine and that was a game changer. About an hour on the stock seat was all I could stand.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

I sold my Yamaha vstar 600. It was perfect for local riding around town. But when I took it on the interstate, I turned around at the 1st exit and went home. The rpms were way too high at 70mph. Perhaps your 300 is geared for higher speeds? Otherwise, I don't know how you stood the noise

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

The Rebel has 6 gears. Nothing bad with noise at higher speeds.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads I always wished my vstar had an extra gear. It would've made it keepable. I never could stand to ride it over an hour at a time because of the low gearing. But mercy it was torquey in-town. Enjoy your ride and stay safe.

[@LuckyTown77]

Did the wind come right behind the rain ?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

I just remember the heat.

[@wynnaquilino7811]

What was your average speed on the highway?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

So long ago, can’t remember. But I was keeping up with traffic. I35 is a different animal between Waco and Austin.

[@markjeepingful]

Is that one piston or twin piston 300?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

single

[@ToanLe-nj5iu]

Do you feel engine shake on highway at high speed?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

The Rebel is stable until greater than 72 mph.

[@DudeGreen01]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads that engine shook at anything over 50 MPH.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

It’s fine.

[@TheMrchris1234]

What year is that rebel?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

2020

[@TheMrchris1234]

@@TwoWheelsBackroads I got the 2021 300cc and I love the bike, but the only thing I don't like is the vibration and loudness at highway speeds. It's only a single cylinder which cause that. Has the power and speed though.

[@valentincastelo6798]

WHAT SEAT WERE YOU USING?

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

MUSTANG SOLO SEAT! (Why are we yelling at each other?)

[@valentincastelo6798]

sorry too lazy to presss the caps lock - just another task than my brain needs to get used to - next thing is capital letters and dot i's and pu commas and periods. the written language can be a daunting task - even just to ask one simple question. ill try harder next time. thanks for the info. Blessings@@TwoWheelsBackroads

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

🤣

[@timmit3579]

I figure 60-65 mph is a Good cruising speed for a 300 Rebel ; Which is fine with me...Plus; Stopping every 1.5 hours to take a break is a good thing...I understand these things... You're riding a Honda Rebel 300; Not a big ol' Harley-D. .... (You people must understand this when you buy one of these bikes...)

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

It’s a good rule of thumb on any bike. Learned it from a Harley guy.

[@user-mf7yq5xr9s]

I’m 64 and have been riding since I was 10 ,, been to Texas more times than I can count,,, just FYI ,, YOUR WEARING THE WRONG COLOR FOR TEXAS !!! Black Helmet,, BLACK jacket,, your cooking yourself in that TEXAS SUN !!! Light BRIGHT Colors!! Better to be seen in traffic and Better to reflect that brutal sun !!!

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Good tip