I'm 16 years old, but I'm going over everything I can about bikes until I'm ready to buy one, probably in about 16-24 months. I was wondering though, how's motorcycle riding in the city? I'm a Chicago resident, and I hear a lot of people talking about how they like to feel the open road and fly down the straights, but is that kind of stuff possible in a city like Chicago? I'll be getting a sport bike, most likely something similar to a Suzuki SV650S, and even though I won't be breaking speed records in my first year of learning, I don't want to get a motorcycle if all I'm going to be doing is stop and go. Maybe a speed burst from one stop light to the next...I don't know, that would be lame. Does anyone have any sport bike riding experience in the city? Thanks for any input.

I learned in a very rural area here in mich, and honestly i think it was soo much better for me. I've recently moved to detroit, and i can't imagine learning to ride in all these obsticles. I've been riding since i was your age and i'm 22 now. I still get behind once in a while. It's gets hard.

My opinion at this point is obvious but i'll state it just for clarity. I believe the city is no place to learn to ride.

But it can be fun for the experianced rider. It kinda trains you to look for anything.

Another thing put this up in the General bike talk you'll get alot more views up there. Mods help the newby out would ya.

ChatterBox said:

I'm 16 years old, but I'm going over everything I can about bikes until I'm ready to buy one, probably in about 16-24 months. I was wondering though, how's motorcycle riding in the city? I'm a Chicago resident, and I hear a lot of people talking about how they like to feel the open road and fly down the straights, but is that kind of stuff possible in a city like Chicago? I'll be getting a sport bike, most likely something similar to a Suzuki SV650S, and even though I won't be breaking speed records in my first year of learning, I don't want to get a motorcycle if all I'm going to be doing is stop and go. Maybe a speed burst from one stop light to the next...I don't know, that would be lame. Does anyone have any sport bike riding experience in the city? Thanks for any input.



hey guy, i learned to ride a few yerars ago myself, on my 1998 Kawasaki Ninja EX500R and i live in Oak Lawn, a NW suburb of Chicago, you probably know where it is, and i would HIGHLY suggest that you do not LEARN to ride on city streets. there are too many people not paying attention to bikers in Chicago. Learn on SIDE STREETS!! i can't state this any stronger. get your bearings and log up a good AT THE VERY LEAST 24 hours on the side streets, then you can hop out on Cicero and Pulaski and this such. Most of all, if you do not know how to ride already, i would Strongly suggest taking an MSF (motorcycle saftey foundation) coarse.
have fun, ride safe, and look cool doin it

Thanks.

I get what you mean. I didn't intend to spend my first day out on the big streets, and I'll probably practice for days and days on the sidestreets and alleys before I try riding down the main streets in long runs. And even though the MSF courses fill up quick here in the city, I still plan to keep my eye out for the first day of registration some time next year, during March. I'll leave expressways attempts alone until I've had AT LEAST 8 months of street practice.

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I learned in a very rural area here in mich, and honestly i think it was soo much better for me. I've recently moved to detroit, and i can't imagine learning to ride in all these obsticles. I've been riding since i was your age and i'm 22 now. I still get behind once in a while. It's gets hard.

My opinion at this point is obvious but i'll state it just for clarity. I believe the city is no place to learn to ride.

But it can be fun for the experianced rider. It kinda trains you to look for anything.

Another thing put this up in the General bike talk you'll get alot more views up there. Mods help the newby out would ya.

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I will go down to Detroit every now and then and if the roads in Chicago are anything like that here in MIchigan its a challenge to say the least. I have been riding sport bikes for about 7 years now and the brick streets, massive holes and blind-as-a-bat drivers just make it a nervous experience that cant really be enjoyed for me.

I live in Chicago, but grew up in Barrington. Believe me, you don't want to be riding around in a city like Chicago if you're just starting out. There's way too many assholes that don't pay attention, drive like complete assholes, or just don't give a rat's ass. I can't tell you how many close calls I've had, only to get a look like it was my fault. My suggestion, head straight for some quiet suburb to practice. Now with that said, good luck and be safe.

Head out of town and get one on one with your bike. Learn what it does when you tell it to do something. The city riding in traffic is just a learning "EXPERIENCE" lots of it. You'll get more comfortable after a while. Try to leave yourself ways of getting out of trouble. Cages just won't see you and will come into your lane, among other things. Just be very cautious.

Hey man whats up its good to see a fellow rider in chicago 1st thing is city riding is the most difficult because theres cars, people, 1 way streets ect. There are just elements in the city newbie should now have to deal with until they get some miles on their bike. Also when your in the city your usualy riding in a pack and there you really have to watch your back. because everyone is showing off cutting off cars and all that other good stuff youll pick up over time. Well anyways Good luck and hope to ride with you in a summer or 2

Frank (600rr)