New rider looking for motorcycle

I'd like to buy a used Honda Rebel 250 or Yamaha Virago 250. Anyone know of
a good used motorcycle dealer in the Houston area?

 

This is about the only time I'm ever going to say this, but you might
perhaps want to consider getting a slightly bigger bike to learn on. I
suggest either a GS500E (my personal favorite) or a kawasaki EX500.

Reason: the 250's are so small and light that you will very quickly
outgrow them....as in maybe 2-3 months. The 500's are just slightly
heavier, and have a growing fan club because of their ease of use and
ability to keep even more advanced bikers entertained....Check
www.gstwin.com for an example. The SV 650 is also another great starter
bike. All three are in the 35 to 45 HP range. Just enough to respect
and just enough to enjoy, too.

Don't get me wrong: Get the bike that is good for YOU. But, I would be
remiss if I didn't show you a couple of very good alternatives.

More than anything else, get yourself a good helmet, jacket and gloves.
It makes riding safer, and more enjoyable when the weather turns wet or
cold.

Bling!

 

Yup! I agree. The GS500E is a GREAT bike to learn on. The only
thing might be that this person doesn't care for the whole sport-bike
thing and wants to ride cruisers. Even so, I'd probably start with
500cc as a beginner.

You get a 250 in the safety course and I think most people get sick of
them during that weekend. ;-)


--Fullstate

 

Honda of Houston sold me my Pacific Coast; they're good. So's Stubbs SW.
But my favorite is Wild West Honda; very knowledgable, and not pushy sales
guys.

I'd suggest taking the MSF course, *then* picking your motorcycle. What
you want could very well change when you learn more. I know it did for me.

Amen. Helmet, gloves, jacket with armor, and boots are essential.