TexasCHLforum.com

Having taken the MSF course in July in Texas I'd recommend wearing a breathable, light-colored shirt of some sort to meet their long sleeves requirement. Unless you already happen to have a mesh jacket. Lots of time in the sun on a hot bike. Anyhow like the others said the course is great, you'll have a good time and learn a lot.

As to a first bike, I'd go cheap and jap. Probably a shadow 600 if you are into v-twins. Ride it for a minimum of 5k miles and then get what you want. Buy in Houston, sell in CS and you will probably make money on it. At least for me, my wants/needs in a bike have evolved significantly since I started riding and it took me several bikes to find one that really suits me, and it wouldn't have been appropriate as a first bike. But if after you take the class you are still set on the big harley, go for it and don't look back.