People used to say that to me until they rode with me. The rebel can manuver out of spots they have no chance with. By the time we get to the second state they want to turn around and go back. When we stop for gas they put in $10 to my $5. Most people live by numbers and the opinions of others rather those others ride or not and they hear 250 and pretty much dismiss a bike of such low cc. Around here though they all know what a rebel can do now and all have gained respect for it. Nothing like being in iowa with an I love new york bumper sticker on a 250! The only thing other bikes can do better then the rebel is accelerate faster and carry more weight. That's it. The rebel will go just as far and do everything else quite well. I also have a Suzuki S50 (800cc) which I bought for 2up riding and it's a nice bike too, but my Rebel is my number 1 choice for riding solo. The rebel can do a donut inside the S50's donut and it can beat it on any MSF or DMV course. Don't worry about what others think. If your happy with it that's all that matters. The Rebel is a great motorcycle, good on gas, good on maintenance and easy on the wallet. If everyone rode one we'd have a better gas price situation and reduce our consumption enough to kiss OPEC goodbye.