[Mister]

Name brand bike covers from manufactures are Way over priced. A lot of bike stores bump up the price too. I’ve found generic auto parts stores will sometimes stock them at better prices than bike stores. At least check them out.

If you want to be seen, there’s not a lot you can do. Man, cage drivers don’t see trucks, nor large fire engines with flashing lights. But I’ve found, it’s more a case of cage drivers not giving two hoots about you rather than not seeing you. You can always wear a cheap reflective workman’s vest over any dark jacket you buy.

[Mister]

For a very occasional short trip a 250 is fine. For more frequent and longer trips, bare bones minimum should be a 400. The Honda CB400 Super Four comes to mind as well as the ever trusty Suzuki GS500.

For numb bum consider an airhawk seat cushion. My friend got one for his Buell and I got one for my Honda after he was the guinea pig. Best darn thing I bought. Since getting it I can ride for hours without fatigue.

If you want to do a lot of pillion riding, take your pillion with you when trying the bikes. They will be sitting on the back so need to feel comfortable.

Back rests can be via a designated back rest sissy bar, or a pad on the back of a Top Box, or even a pad added to a Rack with rest bar like Ventura make.

[Mister]

I do about 1,000 miles a month. So I’d cover that distance within 5 months.

That distance works out to be 42.5 miles a week! I do more than that Daily.

Is $2,600 a good price?

We don’t know your area. Have you done a search of your area or other areas or online bike sale sites to check New prices vs 2nd hand and age?

One thing with the 250 Viragos… make sure you test ride at hway speeds and give them a time in the seat. I’ve found the pegs vibrate quite noticeably from 50mph up. And the riding position is a little cramped for my 6’2″ frame. But I ride with a 6’5″ who rides a 750 Virago and he’s added the forward foot pegs so he can stretch out his legs while riding.

Otherwise, I think they handle well and are great beginner and commuting bikes.

[Mister]

I use four fingers for all general purpose riding. And the reason is, if I need to Crash Stop – or Emergency Stop if you prefer that term – I can squeeze the front break in ALL the way without getting any fingers caught and maybe preventing full breaking.

If I used 2 fingers and wanted to go to 4, I would first have to release the break to give my fingers room to move up and over the break lever – I have long fingers.

The only time I use 2 fingers is in thicker slower traffic where sudden cage lane changes might need attention; or the cage in front propping needs attention. But in these cases I am also covering the rear break too and small little touches on either keep my speed and position in a Lane Owning one.

That’s me and my riding style. Others may feel more comfortable with 2 fingers. So be it. Use what works for you.

[Author]

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