Why I Ride a Rebel 300 (The Joys of Single Cylinder Motorcycles)

This episode I talk about why I love single cylinder motorcycles, and compare a rebel 300 side by side with a Harley Fatboy. Thank you all for watching!

[@mikekovacs8981]

Honda lover here. Pulled a friend's CBR600F4i after it sat in his dad's shed for 12 years. Rinsed out the bad gas and it fired right up! Went thru the whole bike and its been back on the road a couple of years now and going Honda strong.

[@JayDetti]

I have a 2023 300cc rebel and I’m about same height and weight and I have zero issues getting this up to 90. You don’t get exciting acceleration at any speed but it’s more than capable on highway in terms of power. The limitation at high speeds is more of a comfort factor than speed. I love it for a few exit ride on the highway then back on the secondary roads where it’s most enjoyable. Can’t beat 90+ mpg and fun ride and super inexpensive maintenance and insurance. Love this bike.

[@twobabejinkins1736]

Great comparison! Congrats on bike purchase ! Piano is a nice touch Sir !

[@lirr408]

Great video, Michael. I really enjoyed the comparisons and best of luck with the Honda.

[@JBSibley]

Thumbs up for a thoughtful, well considered motorcycle video. The biggest, baddest Harley isn’t always the right tool for the job, or the fun one. I commuted for years within NYC on a Ninja 400 and it was a blast.

[@rockinrides]

Beautiful bike! I’ve always liked Hondas. Super reliable and they last forever. Just bought a 2022 Honda Trail 125 a few weeks ago. Keep up the great vids, Mike!

[@cencio_1976]

Ehy Mike, just wanted to say I wish you the best for your next chapter in life! Keep us updated!

[@germanium1872]

I bet Mercedes Benz never expected one of their cars to be parked in a barn next to a tractor in Kansas. 😂

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

They are used to it. In the 70's and 80's every 2nd german farmer had a W123. Usually a Diesel. And sometimes the tractor was a Mercedes-Benz MB Trac.

[@BadMedizin]

When a bit younger, I used to love partying with your community at the Flat Pickin contest... Great Vid, good luck with your new endeavor!

[@virgochild]

Mike, I will wish you well on your new adventure! I Love my 2001 320SLK, Please keep us posted on your progress with the SLK32, It is almost summertime, Take it for a long ride! I may have to test drive a Rebel soon! Looks fun! Also Still love your piano playing!

[@Theedgecrusher93]

I bought a Rebel 500 last week. Loving it so far! I added a Coffman slip-on exhaust ~$400 and some handle bar risers. Ride safe!

[@jeffzekas]

Really good review of the rebel, makes me want to go out and buy one

[@naitch1761]

Mike good look in your new beginning.

[@lynnlittle8671]

I've always loved single cylinder bikes. I currently have a 2019 Honda CB300R and a 2021 Yamaha MT-09, and love riding both equally.

[@ambu6478]

My wife just bought a Rebel CMX 300, it's probably the easiest bike I've ever ridden. It's not fast , but it's fast enough and it's a breeze to handle. I'm 68 and have been riding since I was 11 years old... everything from dirt bikes to Harleys, but I really enjoy riding this little Honda. It'll run 68-70 all day with no problem. I wouldn't take it on the interstate, but it's great anywhere else.

[@nickclarkuk]

Just saw you’ve left the wizard to do your own thing. Will subscribe to hopefully find out what you do next . Good luck .

[@richardkocis5273]

I just bought the same exact rebel but with ABS being my first motorcycle at 69 years old felt I needed the extra peace of mind , just went over 500mi Can't wait to see what mods you put on .

[@SoDakTwisties]

I didn't know you were a fellow rider, awesome! Ride safe out there!

[@bunberrier]

I like the simplicity. Just seeing actual throttle cables again. Nice.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Excellent information - one of your best videos. I would appreciate even more detail on the mechanics of the bike and how serviceable it will be down the road…

[@Dakiraun]

I like that comparison - normally folks are always doing like for like. Seeing the contrast between the two bikes a lot better for people who might be trying to figure out where they fall with a bike.

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

Great video. Didn't know they were singles. I've several Honda Super Cubs and never going to get over 50mph on them but they still are great single piston bikes. Two are from the 60's.

[@JRs-Garage]

When I was 16 I had the old Sr500 single it was a fantastic bike for ripping around town! I had it with a single seat and cafe style handle bars! Sure miss it , great memories 😁😊

[@hodaka1000]

I'm reliving my youth on my second 1978 SR500, done over 80,000 kilometres in seven and a half years kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaPIcpZqga6tqc0

[@kpkp2655]

Too bad you left the Wizard, You was funny as hell. Good luck on your future!!!! And subbed!

[@kasemodz]

Hey Magic Mike, heard you left car wizard shop. Best of luck in your next chapter and keep us updated.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

I love that it looks like you can do a valve adjustment without even removing the fuel tank on the 300. I have a cbr250r and crf250l with the same basic motor and that fact is greatly appreciated by me. Super easy maintenance is a huge plus!

[@jayhafe]

Im with you! I’m loving the single in my 401 Svartpilen.

[@elsapo4059]

Flipped the mirrors on mine and put a short wind screen on it, works great. Also cut the baffle out and wrapped the exhaust. Regularly do 70-75 Love it!

[@kerrylewis2581]

My first bike was a 1975 Kawasaki 175 2-Stroke Enduro. A cool little bike that got me to high school and work. Then I purchased a Honda 550-4. That bike, along with a Honda 750F and 900F, was one of my favorites. I wish I still had all three Honda's. Now I drive a 2013 Harley Ultra Limited with over 150,000 miles. Purchased it new and this one is never being sold.

[@FreeSwimmer]

My wife has a Harley XL1200L and likes to ride it, however for little runs around, i got her the exact same Rebel. 1st thing I did was take idiot stickers off gastank. 2nd thing was V&H muffler. I installed a small baffle in it. Basically gave it a better exhaust note. Performance increase wasnt really noticeable. Its a fun little bike. Good video !

[@seanedowns2794]

I've owned 3 Harleys but my next bike is going to be a rebel 500, hopefully in the red like this rebel 300, looks beautiful.

[@stevengreco1939]

I enjoyed this video!

[@MightyMouzMoto]

I also had a Rebel 300, but graduated to the 1100 and it's really all the power and performance I could need or want and still has the great ergos.

[@brianstauffacher]

Can you do a video why you don't work for the wizard anymore? Damn! Going to miss you immensely! We love what you brought to the shop.❤❤

[@haroldsmith3607]

My first ride was a thumper, a 1974 Honda XL350. Fun bike for back roads and off road, but not for long trips. By the time it came to gas up the bike your lower extremities were vibrated into numbness. Solved that with my next bike, a 1984 Gold Wing standard. What a lovely long distance machine.

[@Cartier_specialist]

I've always wanted a naked wing. They are hard to find. I'm not sure if yours is a naked wing but since you described it as a standard I just assumed it is.

[@mikeakaspike]

I would definitely follow videos about modifications and how they work out on this 300. I've been eyeballing them for years, but always felt it could be improved in certain areas...

[@zhaolongcba5]

Rebel 300 was my first bike. Great bike! Super easy to ride. High reliability. Easy Maintenance.

[@jessecain1646]

Nice video magic Mike like the music

[@brunothepug8807]

I've got a Suzuki Boulevard S40. A few more ponies and a lot more grunt. Belt drive so this old guy doesn't have to clean a chain. I've had to downsize from injury and age and have totally rediscovered the joy of easy handling thumpers. Like a gut, bigger ain't always better. Totally enjoyed using ten minutes of my life watching your vid. Well done.

[@aesoundforge]

I learned to ride on a TU 250. I liked it so much I was going to buy one. I ended up buying a Guzzi v7 but that single cylinder was lively and fun for sure.

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you for ur honesty

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

I have a RE Meteor 350 and love it. Well made and great price, great looks.

[@rickgalla3377]

Beautiful bike Mike, can't never go wrong with a HONDA, my first was a z50 in 1972, thank u great video, be careful

[@oscarburke5244]

the z50 was a blast...had one in 69 to 72 myself

[@nigelalderman9178]

Wow I never knew a single sounded like a piano. Amazing to hear it on the road.

[@1revwilly]

My son in law has a Rebel 1100, it's a great bike, lots of power! I'm an old school guy though, the Harley really is my type although I love the Rebel! :-) Happy riding this summer Mike, be careful!

[@duncangrainge]

Excellent content. Was that you playing the piano? Really beautiful music. 👍🇬🇧

[@honeyblunt5150]

Hello, Magic Mike! 🙋‍♂️ Congratulations on escaping the Wizard's Grasp 🧙‍♂️ Now, you can ride off into the sunset 🏍️ Best of luck in the next chapter of your adventure 🍀 Cheers to new beginnings 🥂

[@mistermikeyjay]

Great video MM. If you want something with a bit more power but a cruiser that's a Thumper Single, have you looked in to a Suzuki S40 / Savage? Belt driven 650 single. I am looking in to this one too. Nice bike, stay safe sir.

[@mikecaracoglia3678]

I love many styles of bikes. Grew up around British bikes so singles have a special place in my heart. My current single is an MZ Skorpion Touring. 660cc Yamaha single. It’s very unique and really rips.

[@peterjohn3123]

I had MUZ 500cc Silver Star. Had it for 7 years,a great bike.,never had a problem with it. I rode that bike everywhere.

[@CMDR_bravoMike]

Hey, heard you left The Wizard. Will you do a video explaining why and what your plans are for the future?

[@Thunder_Bear_mg]

I remember seeing a video comparing the first generation rebel 300/500 with the halogen headlight to the 2nd generation rebel 300/500 with the LED headlight and the halogen headlight surprisingly seemed to offered better lighting. I will say the LED headlight certainly looks cooler.

[@AdamForeman]

In London UK, that would be a perfect bike for commuting back and forth from work. After experiencing the amount of distance involved driving from home to the mall in California the other year, I would have gone for a bigger cylinder bike eg 500-600. Good miles per gallon and more power on longer trips without the need to push the engine to it's limits. Also, living in the UK, you need a bike with a screen and faring to help reduce fatigue and help against the elements. Heated grips and seat are certainly a nice upgrade here! 🥶🥶

[@NicksFrictionZone]

I understand the sentiment. I used to do the same here in Los Angeles!!

[@SomeJuanPlay]

Great bike man!!

[@water_feind9152]

I loved my rebel. I had a 2005, great first bike. Within a year I bought a ZX6R, rode that for 8 year now I have a 114 Street Bob.

[@themuz3]

I am rocking a buell xb1200 and ct125. These small hondas are soo underappreciated.

[@truthhurtsalways2781]

I own two Rebels, 19 300, 21 1100, i love how they ride, they are a beautiful bikes when you are riding them and the style is nice also. I also own a Honda vtx 1300r, Honda vtx 1300 s, these are also real dependable bikes, and fun to ride.

[@SonnetGomes]

There is beauty in simplicity. Honda Rebel 300 is perfect if you dont really need travel on Highways. Keepin it simple! Thank you for this review.

[@nchristensen3309]

Excellent video Mike, are you into swimming ? noticed your shirt.

[@Legotruck82]

I started road riding about a year ago. I ended up getting a Royal Enfield 650GT (we have restrictions on power/weight for new riders here) Way more torque than the 250-400's I tried. Still not fast though. Just cruises on the highway. Sounds good with aftermarket pipes too

[@FraserGartshore]

I miss my biking days. Intruder 800 / Royal Enfield Bullett… a clerical error during license renewal stripped me of my bike license. Too old now to bother taking the test again! Maybe one day!

[@FrankieShovels]

DMV did that to me too once, but I just sent them an email and they sent a corrected license back with the M endorsement. I wasn't expecting that kind of efficiency either!

[@barriobajaj]

Magic Mike, I heard you've moved on from Omega Auto Clinic. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and adventures. I hope you keep the channel going. Regards.

[@yaleel1xae168]

that looks beautiful

[@crizzerr]

Rebel 300 was my very first bike, love the look of it and it was very easy to ride. I just felt like there wasnt enough power. I think the 500 is perfect!

[@muppetpaster]

Sup Mike? Gone from Omega I heard?! On to the next phase in life?! Go kick ass..!!!

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

Well alright Mikey!!! Look like a Great Bike. The 1ST thing I would get Mike, is after market Crash Bars from England (because they are required there) One drop of your new bike, now a day, and you're out $600.00 in parts. And from them you could weld on some drop down tubing, to hang some nice floor boards on. I would also throw on a set of 1" to 1.5" inch, higher Risers for you handlebars. Hint: When sitting on your bike, stretch out both arms, hands flat and facing down to the floor. (think, We're NOT worthy!) Now close your eye, and lean forward untill you palms are on the grips. Hand still flat, fingers out strait, you should NOT be touching anything but your palms on the grips. Break, and Clutch levers should be 1/2" below where your fingers are. I was really hoping to see The Wizard's Moto Guzzi, Harleys are Dreck. Most of their riders are rich dicks, and the wives are Karens all of the time. lol! Stay Well, and ride it like you stole it! lol!

[@georgekrpan3181]

I had a 2019 CB300R which uses the same motor. In that bike it will go close to 100mph. I love that 286cc motor. It's underrated and a feisty little thing. I now have a new Husqvarna Vitpilen 401.

[@EcSsAwS]

I’ve had bikes before but it’s been 10 years or so Last week I got a 2000 Suzuki ls650p “savage”. I love it so far

[@JohnDoe-zr6bk]

Nice Video!

[@davidphillips7255]

Small bikes are like small sportscars; they are a blast. A big bike is good for big bike things but small bikes can feel more agile and alive; there can be more riding in your riding. You have to really work that gearshift. When I had my 1000 V-Strom, it was my 263 SYM Citycom that was getting most of the miles. A week long 2100 mile ride through the mountains of British Columbia was a real adventure on the big wheel scooter.

[@playstation8779]

I have one as well I'm thinking of sticking a small turbo on it. And setting a fuel rich tune switch. To just dump fuel in at high rpms.

[@loganholmberg2295]

For me all that matters is which is the better cruiser. I live in Saskatchewan where you are putting on highway miles to go anywhere. Comfort and gas mileage are first.... Then I like to have something that can do a little off-roading too. That rebel looks sick though. I defiantly wouldn't mind owning one. 😮😊

[@donh215]

You meet the nicest people on a Honda- that’s you Mike!!!! Also, that was actually Honda’s advert slogan in the 60’s

[@edog7059]

The local Kawasaki dealer used the slogan "We pass the nicest people."

[@waynekaminski5438]

Just got the word from Hoovie's video that you have moved on from the Car Wizard. Here is wishing you well on your next journey.

[@twilightgalaxys8581]

Why did you leave the wizards shop???

[@oscarburke5244]

Great channel i watch all you guys, as for the new rebel I really liked the old "chopper" style of the 250 . I have a couple of them over the years and have one now i brought over ( I live in Thailand now). The new style like yours I like but i just dont like that big fat front tire lol.. but I like the size and the old 250 motor was/is bulletproof so I want to know what you think the reliability on these are....just dont let the Wizard taste it lol

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I rode midsize Japanese bikes for 15 years and then Harleys for the past 17 years. There's something i miss about simple lightweight bikes like this that makes me want to get one for a commuter.

[@Merc399]

It sounds like you really want a supermoto and don't know it yet :) check them out. They're dirt bikes with street tire and are more nimble than street bikes and can handle cornering at speed better. Tons and tons of fun. Most fun you'll have on a bike outside just cruising around and it's all low speed fun none of that flying down the highway trying to lose the cops dumb crap

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@@Merc399 I have looked at a few supermotos but they must be really popular or something because I've noticed they all come at a real premium in relation to their engine size. I know Harley's come at a premium too but I've managed to find some great deals on used ones when I take my time and I'm patient looking for a deal. On the other hand I have yet to see any good deals on Supermotos.

[@stuartkcalvin]

My Dad had a Triumph, 500 cc, single cylinder in the mid '50s. He told me that it used to fire every second telegraph pole. And could break your leg on starting on a cold day.

[@VincentVader]

Mike is a wee lad. He can do just fine with a small motorcycle. I'm 6'4" 275, I cannot. I like Honda bikes way better than HDs.

[@johnengland8619]

Wee lad? That sounds disrespectful

[@keithcurtis6671]

Honestly I think the 300 is underpowered and will be overworked but you be you. If you were set on a Rebel the 500 would be a better choice, IMO. In any case, enjoy it and keep up the good work on your channel.

[@snorkosaurus]

So you opening your own shop now ? Pls update :)

[@NicksFrictionZone]

wow, this is a bit surreal. Mike, I'm from CA. I used to ride a Rebel 300 (which i loved and still do), and now i switched to a Harley Sportster. I appreciate both bikes, and its unique factors. 😁

[@SuperWooba]

I love the color scheme. I would definitely choose that over wizard's Fat Boy.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Just heard you have left the Wizard's garage !. Can we have an update ?.

[@leftymadrid]

I hear you. I've always had big bikes, Ducati, Kz900 Kawasaki, even ride a 1200 Harley Sporter... But service, parts, gas, and insurance was super expensive! So I came to the conclusion that I didn't want a heavy expensive bike anymore... Now I know japanese bike are tough bikes. But after trying a 350cc I loved it a bunch! 40 horses of power is plenty enough! And here in Europe. I could do some fun traveling with it. Safe riding

[@hawkinsjd11]

Please give us an update on your next career move.

[@joelhansen7373]

I ride a CBR300R. Largely because it's light enough to ride on an inexpensive rack mounted to the rear of my vintage Greyhound bus that's been converted to a RV while still being freeway capable (barely & definitely not for long distances! I'm 66 & I'm always surprising people when they realize I go with the bike. Maybe because it's styled like a sport bike. But the reality is that the seating position imactually mimics the seating position of what we used to call universal Japanese motorcycle.

[@adamlanglois563]

Yep the smaller CBR's ride like small standard bikes. They remind me of the old model Kawi EX250. I've got a little CBR125r that I keep around for when I don't want to fire up the carbed bike for little runs on town

[@tracybrooks215]

I love Honda's from the Honda jet planes to the dirt bikes, ATVs sxs and vehicles, the CRF 300 is badass also for a trail and short highway trips, the 300 and reasonably priced, I wish I could afford to CRF 450!

[@BobDiaz123]

I have a 2006 Honda Big Ruckus, 249cc. Around town the small engine produces more than enough power and I have taken it up to 75 MPH on the freeway. However, It takes forever to reach freeway speeds. I live in a rural section of Northern Nevada, so the roads are not too crowded. I'd be terrified to go on a freeway in a major city with lots of traffic. Still the smaller motors are wonderful to ride.

[@deanrhodenizer938]

Thanks. I am a bike mechanic, fan, rider. My history: 1966 - 1965 Triumph Tigress 250CC Parallel Twin 1967 - 1958 BSA 650 Rocket A10 650CC Parallel Twin Hiatus - Other expenses more urgent - University, Children, Home, etc. 1999 - 1980 Suzuki GS 850 I4 2006 - 2005 Yamaha FJR 1300 I4 I am not a Harley fan either, I enjoy the smoothness of an I4 engine, I also prefer a bike in the standard configuration where I can stand on the foot pegs when the going gets rough as opposed to taking on the spine/tailbone as required with cruiser style seating. I agree with you about the benefits of light weight as it makes dropping the bike almost impossible. I am in Canada so good wind protection and heated grips which the Yamaha has, is a welcome addition. IMO, once you pass 650CC you have a much power as you can reasonably use safely. I tried a top speed run on the Yamaha after it was properly broken in, I ran out of courage when it got to about 260KPH. I hope you enjoy biking as much as I do.

[@davidn1562]

nice bike, 60yo man I had to get up my Harley last yr it was getting to heavy for me..Got me a Honda forza 300 scooter and just pick up a 2023 Royal Enfiels Hunter 350 old but love to ride even if its slow

[@LilYeshua]

The Rebel has came a long way since 1987 when i bought my first bike which was a '86 Honda Shadow 500 im candy apple red

[@NoInfoFound]

I agree going whole hog is not always the best for everyone. Sometimes 0.15 hog can be just enough. (fixed my hog factor)

[@frankrod1025]

Have you thought about a Suzuki S40? That one is single cylinder as well but is 600cc

[@duckyweed1971]

I have a 2017 rebel500 and love it. I wish my bike had the led lights

[@wurly164]

That Honda will never let you down

[@rob1399]

I love small bikes! I got my BMW G310R as a first bike... 3 years ago... still riding it and don't want another bike mine does everything I want!

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I love how that 289 cc engine sounds like a piano while cruising down the highway. I was expecting a "thump, thump".

[@bmagada]

I own an 1100. Big fan of the Rebel line.

[@jamesdowney2077]

It’s not what you’re riding, as long as you’re out there!!! They are both beautiful machines!!!!

[@ryzen397]

Ive owned single cylinder bikes and I prefer a smooth four cylinder like in my gsxr750. However, i do love little bikes like the Rebel too. Very versatile and a great price.

[@diegoaespitia]

u and i are in the same boat. have a DRZ400, got a gsxr750 and love it. though i will admit, a single cylinder is perfect if ur just going around town, it eats way less gas and much easier to maintain since less parts are likely to fail, also DRZ takes 87 so it saves some money

[@ryzen397]

@@diegoaespitia yes and they tend to be more comfortable but theres something special about that 750 though

[@cabbagekitten]

Magic Mike left the Car Wizard because he wanted to start his own business. He felt that he was ready to take on the challenge of running his own shop and being his own boss. He also wanted to be able to focus on the types of repairs that he was most passionate about, such as classic car restoration. Magic Mike and the Car Wizard have remained friends and they still work together on occasion. They both wish each other the best of luck in their future endeavors. Here are some additional details about Magic Mike's departure: * Magic Mike announced his departure on his KZbin channel on March 8, 2023. * He said that he had been thinking about leaving for a while and that he had finally made the decision. * He thanked the Car Wizard for everything he had taught him and for the opportunity to work with him. * He said that he was excited to start his own business and to be able to work on the types of cars that he was most passionate about. * The Car Wizard responded to Magic Mike's announcement with a video of his own. * He said that he was sad to see Magic Mike go, but that he understood his decision. * He wished Magic Mike the best of luck in his future endeavors. Magic Mike's departure is a big loss for the Car Wizard, but it is also an exciting opportunity for Magic Mike. He is a talented mechanic and he has a passion for classic cars. I am sure that he will be successful in his new business.