My boy Jesse, who is now running this place does solid work. I needed some help figuring out electrical issues with my old Honda CB 750 and he was able to track it down and take care of a couple other little maintenance issues for a very reasonable price. I went back with my KTM EXC 450. The bike needed a lot of love and new parts. Jesse was able to handle it in spite of some difficulties. He's just a good guy who loves bikes, knows what he is doing, and isn't out to gouge his customers. read more

Was an amazing person to deal with. You could tell he loves motercycles. He was very clear with what needed to be done. Didn't add any costs even did some extra things for my bike. A very trust worthy dude. He was very nice and welcoming as well. Would recommend to go here. read more

Just got the title which prompted finally doing the Yelp review. First off Howdy handled all the registration and title transfer seamlessly. But more importantly, he sold me my favorite possession currently, my 2001 Kawasaki Super Sherpa. It's beautifully vintage, but what's more he tuned up the carb and got it purring. Seriously those this thing! Thanks again for your service Howdy. Freedom!! read more

See all

WARNING! Husband took his bike in for service June 2020. He worked directly with the then owner,Christopher Grabau. They had several conversations over the next several months regarding the repairs needed. My husband was not in any hurry to get the bike back and trusted he would once repairs were completed. Sadly, on July 19,2021 the owner passed away. Whomever took over this shop has repeatedly told my husband they were unable to locate the bike but would look around and get back to him. They never do. He keeps calling and getting the total run around. Now they are denying they ever had it.. NOT OK! Howdy's, please deliver the bike back or give us the $3600 he paid for it. read more

I had a gas leak on my bike Jesse helped me out so much he's honestly the best this is my first bike and he went to great lengths to try fixing my bike def will recommended read more

Great result , bike runs great ! Howdy , good job . I recommend they can fix your bike !

Found a 1996 ZX11 on Cycle Trader listed By Howdys Cycles in Ventura. I live in Reno, NV and have a very hectic work schedule, and was unable to view the bike before purchasing. Howdy was a true professional, went over the bike in detail, and described its condition to the T. No BS kinda guy, and a pleasure to do business with. I ended up purchasing sight unseen, shipped the bike through Uship, and Howdy was nice enough to open the store on a Sunday for the transporter to pick it up! Thanks again Howdy! A+ Experience! read more

When I first stopped into Howdys looking to buy my first motorcycle the guys really helped inform me on the truth about bikes and the myths of the wieght of the bike, good starter bikes and overall answered every question I had and went further to help me decide what is the best for me. They didn't have a bike to sell me and that was not thier incentive they REALLLY just helped me will my 100s of questions and concerns. When I did by my 650 V Star Classic I called Howdys and asked if they could pick her up and bring her back to put her crash bars on. They picked her up and returned her the same day! They checked her over, fixed her horn that didn't work. I will take her to Howdys for everything! As a women they didn't jack the price up actually it was extremely reasonable! She on her way back to Howdys to install her fairing, stero, phone charge mount and check her shifter that snapped off. I know she's in great hands at Howdys! As a woman I highly 100% recommend Howdys for any work needed on your motorcycle!! Thank you Howdy!!!! read more

Howdys Cycle Sales & Service - Motorcycle Dealers Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

I've dealt with Howdy since I've been in Ventura last couple years I bought a couple bikes from never steered me He's a straight shooter got some great prices tomorrow I'm gonna go buy a Honda ST 1300 of course it will always go well with Howdy read more

I have limited experience with Howdy's Cycles, but the experience that I have had with them has been stellar! Rode in with a front brake issue, spongy and no feel, and rode out stoked! The staff immediately diagnosed my issue, solved it, and sent me on my way with no charge. Thank you Howdy's!!!! read more

This place is the best motorcycle repair and sales shop in Ventura County. Long story short, I got my bike serviced at Olmos and Sons in Oxnard (Don't ever go there) they messed my bike up. The check engine light came on and it shut off then my oil light came on. Since I am trying to sell it I called Howdy, he picked it up from my house and diagnosed it. I was expecting him to call me and say it's gonna cost $1000. But since Howdy is an honest man and cares about his customers he called me and said they over filled my oil. He was very fair with his price and so glad I found his company. Thanks howdy, you will always have my business. read more

We paid for our Kawasaki Mule to be towed to Howdy's for repairs May 2020 and after numerous phone calls later, nothing was fixed, it was left out in the weather 24/7 and when we finally paid again to have it returned 9 months later in February 2021, it came home in pieces with no roof, which they claimed fell off during the drive home, and they kept our manual to repair it! We know they had to manually remove the top and we cannot imagine why unless they used it for someone else's vehicle....Do NOT ever take anything to this place as you may get the awful treatment that we got!!! Worst place and very unprofessional ~ BEWARE! read more

Brought my bike here and left with it much dirtier and in poorer running condition. I would recommend you go anywhere else for care or parts, especially with reputable services not far away. Never had an unpleasant experience before coming here. read more

Great place! Everything you've been missing in today's world in car or motorcycle repair place, you'll find at Howdy's. These guys still do it the right way. They work with you personally, they don't over-charge you with hidden fees, or make you wait a long time for your repair, or insist on an appointment a week in advance. Heck, the owner even answers his own phone!! First time I've ever used them was this past weekend, but I'll send everyone I know to them going forward, and go back for anything I need. read more

Howdys is great! I took my Hayabusa there for service when it was running rough when I let off the throttle. I was convinced i needed spark plugs and maybe even valve adjustment. Turned out to be my chain was ready to break. New chain and sprocket, no spark plugs, no valve adjustment needed and the bike runs like a dream now. Howdy was honest. He could have done the spark plugs and valve adjustment that I didn't need and charged me several hundred bucks, but instead he was honest and told me replacing the chain would fix the problem. He was right. With the money I saved, I put on a desperately needed new front tire. Bike is running better than ever and I am happy. I totally recommend Howdys to anyone who needs their bike serviced. read more

Being a woman, it's really hard to find a good mechanic that doesn't treat you like a total idiot or try to rip you off. I'm no mechanic, but I have a basic understanding and always research and ask questions, and so far Howdy's is the only place I've gone to out of all of Ventura that was straightforward and didn't try to press unnecessary repairs and charges on me! I'm just bummed I tried so many lame places before I got to Howdy's! At Howdy's I never get undermined, the service is always on point and my old 1982 Virago always runs great after they've worked on it! I'd highly recommend these guys, they do it right the first time. Plus they came and picked it up for me for $10 (this saved my stranded butt), way better than the tow truck that wanted $65 to tote it less than 5 miles! Hands down, this is the place I'll go to for my motorcycle needs from now on. Thanks Howdy! read more

Chris "Howdy" makes the process of buying a motorcycle, riding, closed-course racing and everything else about street bikes obtainable for everyone. He's a good human who I hope lives to a rip old age! Ventura is fortunate. read more

In November of 2015 I left my bike and sidecar for consignment with Howdy's. Each time I have contacted them they have given me the run-around. I would like to know if it is still there or if they sold it. I made the mistake of leaving the title with them as I was moving out of state. I know, that was a mistake. read more

no no no do not buy a bike here. I did and here's what happened. Bothell bike and immediately upon writing at home for the most horrible grinding noise immediately turned around and brought it back Chris the owner says oh yeah that's the timing idler gear bearing I should have changed it but I didn't I will but go ahead and ride it it'll be fine I'll order the peace for you bottom line a couple days later bike blew up and this guy plays a disappearing act on me accepts no responsibility even though he saw the bike knowing it was faulty I'm screwed out of 2500 bucks unless I can collect on his bond vagina attempting to do now I would never in a million years by a bike from this guy and I suggest nobody does unless they want a repeat of my experience read more

Howdy is a great dealer. Helped me out with an old Yamaha Virago when I got to Ventura. Recently sold me an awesome Honda, Shadow 750, the dream bike I have always wanted!! Good experiences. Knows his stuff~ read more

I have an old bike (1982 Honda xr200r) and cal coast didn't have the tires I needed. They sent me to howdy and howdy got me dialed in! Great service and they charged just what we agreed on! Very happy customer here:) -Cecil read more

I have been to Howdy's twice now, both times I received exemplary customer service, received an accurate quote and was charged fairly and accurately. I would feel comfortable recommending the team there to anyone in need of motorcycle maintenance or for questions. read more

Check the Better Business Bureau complaints and court judgments against owner Chris "Howdy" Grabau, and you will discover he himself is not a mechanic, has no idea who he is hiring to do work on your bike and does not conduct good business. The shoddy, dishonest, 4 month-long job done to my honda (including major damage TWICE by THEM, twice!) almost cost my man his life in front of my eyes on Christmas day. I took my bike in for simple inspection and basic maintenance, tires, chain and battery. They put the wrong size spark plug in and ruined the valves, then claimed they could not find parts to fix it. After bringing parts to them myself (for almost everything except tires) they left a paper towel in the engine and the cam bearing broke. They hid the damage with a new points base, never cleaning the towel out of the engine resulting in full seizure and the need for a complete top end bore/rebuild. After 5 minutes listening to this Neanderthal owner's clueless excuses in small claims court, the judge awarded me my money back. Of course Howdy never paid up and I will have to spend 4000 elsewhere to properly repair my motorcycle and repair the damage Howdy's caused to the engine...not to mention the new paint job I'll need since they caused fresh, deep chips to my tank. Don't go there. read more

See all

Howdy is the real deal. Old School bike haven for those that remember when motorcycle shops were run by motorcycle people. Howdy and his team ride, race, and rap about motocycles because it is their passion. I've been getting bikes repaired, putting my bikes on consignment to sell and relying on them for advice. If there is a glitch, they fix it! No arguments. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

My wife (who also rides)& I have been going to Howdy's for over a decade. He's honest, makes the repairs on time if not earlier than he said and let's us know what might be "coming down the pike" ahead of time. Mind you, bikes, especially these days, are Ferrari's. Weird things happen - fuel, electrical, bearings, carbs/EFI's, etc., they will get to the bottom of it and take care of it/us. We ride 2005 Yamaha FJR1300's and with the exception of doing oil, fluid & tire changes, I'm certainly not qualified to go any further. Howdy's takes care of it. read more

I purchased a chopper and I'll be honest, it was a bit rough around the edges but it ran fairly well yet missing speedo and turn signals... I took my motorcycle here twice ... 1st time was general repair they left the fuel gage unplugged and did not re-attach the plastic cover for all the main front wires. When I brought it back the excuse was "oh well it's not a stock bike" (thought to myself, But you took it off didn't you?") This place had the best reviews in the area so I figured that was an isolated incident. Second time was the worst! I brought it back for cosmetic, put newly painted tank and front fender in on bike (large scratch on the left side of the tank), shorten and straighten the drag pipes (fell off the 3rd time I rode it) & add turn signals to the rear fender (I wired, soldered, heat shrunk and left 4 feet extra wire in case it needed to be ran up front) the mechanic did not follow the rest of the wires saying "he couldn't run it any other way but outside the frame along the left side of the seat" less than a dozen rides all of my lights went out 45 min from home. I found very bad splices and incorrect connectors covered up by GOBS of electrical tape along with the route of wire he used ended up rubbing the wire raw and shorting out! I fixed this myself and routed it with the stock wires They claim that they pride themselves on their work and "Howdy" is very personable but that is all the good I can say read more

I saw the bike on auto trader and thought, yea right on the price. Lower than anyones by 3/4 so I didn't take it seriously till I got an email two weeks later as a reminder so I called.Howdy and he was easy to talk too, so I drove the 2 hours to Ventura, and met the guys, and man did they have the wildest selection of bikes including one with a side car. I was in Motorcycle nostalgia heaven. I wasn't sure I wanted the bike I went for as they had so many affordable bikes, but Jeff said this is the bike for you despite a more profitable sale Jeff seemed as though he has so much experience he knows what your supposed to ride. Well He was right. I am blown away by this CBR 1000 they sold me for $1450 and helmet for $20. I hung out for a few hours, and Howdy is the nicest, kindest, down to earth person. I felt like I had a new friend. Infact the whole crew are awesome people, and they just like to get more proplr into the sport they love. THANK YOU Howdy's. I will always be thankful, and you are my go to friends. Jeff thanks for pushing me to ride the CBR. WHEW TOO FAST!!!!! LOVE IT!!!! -Vinnie P.S. Went to the beach right after that. Ventura is heaven. Everyone was nice and chatty. I love Ventura. I will be back a lot. read more

Great guys. Brandon was very helpful. Even though the part came in late, they where honest and didn't bull*#($ me. A couple extra days for honest work. I will trade for that. Thanks again. I also figured out the charging problem. They have tons of hondas and knew my shadow very well. read more

Howdy is the only person I trust to work on my sport bikes. In the last 10 years I've bought 4 bikes from him. He is honest and fair, and is incredibly knowledgeable. I trust my life to his judgement and expertise every day. read more

Just purchased a Honda ST1100 from Howdy's. This bike is immaculate. There were several other bikes almost as nice but this one had only 5,200 miles. Practically brand new. The experience working with Howdy and his team was incredible. He is a genuinely nice man before and after the sale. He cares about the bikes he sells as well as the people he sells to. Highly recommend you check out Howdy's when shopping for a motorcycle. read more

I saw Howdy's had a bike I like on CycleTrader. Drove from SF Bay Area to Ventura to check the condition, actually slightly check. The bike was cleaned inside and out. Then thru uShip found a good transporter, Mike to haul it back. Howdy is very honest. Bike's condition is exactly as his description after 2 days of use. He did an oil change and pumped full tank. Cost on the bike is reasonable though it's not cheap. Next time if Howdy has something I like, I will buy it straight and ask the same transporter to deliver. I don't think I need to drive there to check first. read more

Owner lied straight to my face and with a smile even. The owner charged me full price for a bike that had a crack in the frame. Do business with Howdy's at your own risk and do not pay top dollar. Howdy's will gladly pass lousy bikes to you. read more

1st time I've ever written one of these, but I just had to share. I have a 1100 shadow, spirit which was leaking engine oil from the clutch slave cylinder. I personally could have done the job, in about an hour. However, feeling lazy, I decided to get some quotes on the repair. Howdy was certainly not the cheapest, but he was the only one who offered to pick-up the bike so I didn't have to worry about any engine damage or wash all the oil off my bike again. I was stoked !!!! I thought I had finally found my mechanic for life. He quoted me $150.00 for everything... way more than I wanted to pay, but I felt good about having a professional do it so I said "Lets do it". So Monday he shows up, fashionably late, in a small long bed pick-up. I think well,OK... Then he says oops, someone took my ramp out of the truck. I think well, OK So then thanks to a friend of his not far from my house, he borrows a ramp and he and I get it loaded. So Thursday rolls around and not a word. I call and he says he should look at it tomorrow. ??? Well, OK Next Wednesday comes not a word. I call, he says it should be done Friday. Friday comes, he calls and says they forgot to order a seal so it will not be ready. Then tries to sell me a front tire as the tread is low, and by the way we're at $180.00 right now. I asked "what happened to $150.00" Never did get a straight answer. But I remembered I mentioned a switch problem, and thought well maybe he fixed that for me. NOT!!! I get a call Monday, it's finally ready !!! My wife and I get there $40.00 for 4 O-rings, and $144.00 for 1.8 hrs labor $183.52. Well we don't let him get away with it (PRINCIPAL) I don't know about you guys but I'm in business and when I Quote a job, I don't raise it even if I lose money. That's way they call it a Quote. He did honor his quote but whined the whole time, with little digs at my wife and I. Even followed me out to my bike and proceeds to tell me to check my wife and how he gave me my parts for free. Then he actually told me that I will not be welcome around there anymore. LMAO As if I was already planning my next visit. Way to go Howdy.... Thanks for the wonderful experience. Richard Cranium ! read more

sadly I WILL NEVER use Howdy again after years of faithful service. The main reason was due to the insults my wife and I received from his new detailer. This guy told me to my face that I annoyed him because my bike was dirty when I brought it in for a valve inspection. His entire job at Howdy's is to detail bikes. Then I went to test ride my bike and he tells my wife that I better be leaving her as collateral since I haven't paid for the work done. Second problem was when I was quoted $200 for a valve inspection and $400 if the valves needed to be adjusted. Well when I got the bill for $505 and the mechanic told me straight up that no adjustment was needed but since he was in there he went ahead and changed my spark plugs and washed my air filter. I never got a call requesting permission to change my plugs or wash my filter so I never authorized this work. Then I saw that it took them 5 hours just to do a valve inspection when it only takes 3.5 hours. I asked them to swap an ecu from flash tune for me and they charged me a half hour for a 10 minute job and another half hour for spark plugs then another half hour to wash my air filter. Come on really, a half hour to was a filter? I gave them my bike and it took 15 days to do 6.5 hours worth of work. when I confronted howdy about these problems he said he would have a talk with the detailer but as for the high bill at the end, well I have to swallow the piss poor quote. He says he will be raising his quote amount due to the time it took on my bike for future customers. I don't see how it is my fault he has incompetent mechanics that take more time than what is required to do a job. I actually drove 150 miles just to use howdy, NEVER again. Sorry Howdy, nothing personal to you but you need to tighten up your employees. Semper Fi read more

bought my gxsr at howdys motorcycle repair shop and they really are very good at what they do i live in sylmar calf i drive all way to ventura i will not go no were elese nor will i buy from no one elese onley thru howdy sales buying 2 outher bike thru his shop thir are a honest motorcycle shop they even make a phone call to make sure your still happy you cant find no custumer service like this no more so i back to buy 2 more bikes thank you so much howdy for helping a handey cap motorcycle driver read more

Howdy and the mechanics there are so nice honest and down to earth . They did not treat me like an idiot because I am a woman . I will continue to get all the maintenance on my R3 here . read more

I took in a 1985 Honda Magna. I knew I had carberator issues. Howdy gave me a quote and it was right on. I also asked them to check the bike over and report to me which they did. I had extra things fixed like the rust inside my gas tank. They called and told me the price which I liked and had them do it. They did a few other things in my budget and the bike runs Great. I'll be going back as Howdy and his team seem very helpful and you can't beat the price. I recomend this place to all. read more

Great place, great mechanics, very honest, personal service. If your bike needs repair, you can trust them to do the job right and not soak you for it. If you're looking to buy a used bike, you know the bikes they're selling are in good mechanical condition. read more

I brought a new kawi moto into howdy's that would not start. $1300 and eight weeks later, i ride the bike 22 miles to my house, where i realize the bike has burned thru a quart of oil. take it back to howdy, who had found it necessary to rebore the cylinder and replace the piston and valves, for what i now think was a fouled plug. in any case, the machine work appeared to have been done by a guy with a drill and a piece of sandpaper, as the inside diameter of the cylinder bore had more than six different readings. the mechanic who was working on the bike told me that he had let howdy know that it was all focked up, but howdy told him to put it back together and send it out the door. when i brought it back in to have them find the source of the oil leak, i was told that the rings and valves needed to seat. when it continued to burn oil, howdy told me he didn't want to work on the bike again. oh, i almost forgot to mention that when i got the bike back, the serial number on the top end had been scratched off, and the number that had come on the original engine had been scratched onto it. no one mentioned this when i picked it up...WTF? ...thanks howdy for ruining a new bike with 13k miles on it. you really know how to treat your customers. if you don't want to get focked in the arse and have your bike's engine ruined by amateurs, don't take your goods to howdy's in ventura, ca! read more