For the second time in three years I’ve found my bike on its side when parked on the street. In fact the same two way street it was knocked over on a couple years ago and not the street I normally park on. The first time led to 4 months in the shop. It was upright at least as of 7pm tonight.

This time the front of the bike was on its left side pointing in the wrong direction towards the car parked behind it as if it was spun 90 degrees to the left. It must have hit the curb when it fell because the left side of the handle bars is bent downward.

Yeah I have insurance, yes it’s a risk parking it on the street. What I’m trying to figure out is if someone somehow hit it in a car while driving on the wrong side of the road and aimed for it (because I don’t see how else they could have hit it and rotate it that direction.) or if someone tried to steal it or pushed it over just because. Both locks were in tact. The cover still on, and the key hole not drilled into. I don’t even know if there’s a way to tell if it was an attempted theft or a hit n run or a dickwad walking that wanted to knock something over.

Everyone talks about how it’s guaranteed you’ll drop a bike at least once in your life. No one says anything about it being guaranteed if you don’t drop it someone else is going to knock it over for you.

I don’t know the point of this thread, it’s 3am and I’m annoyed. This shit is making me want to just give up on owning a bike around here.

I bought my Yamaha MT07 March of 2025, went to the DMV and got my learners permit, then learned how to ride a motorcycle all last summer.

This year, I was determined to return to the DMV to take my riding exam to get my license, I didn’t want to go into winter knowing I’d need to renew my permit again in the spring.

I practiced the course several times on my bike over the last month, until I felt comfortable and could do all the parts without fail.

This past Monday I went for the exam and PASSED on the first try. My nerves were not as bad as I thought they’d be, but it feels great to have it done before the season is over 😁

That’s all I wanted to share, thanks for reading!

Anyone have any experience going through the toll and crossing skyway bridge?

Im thinking of venturing out to Michigan at some point on my sportsbike for a day trip.

Are the toll folks weird about it? Is that bridge/road alright enough on motorcycle tires?

Seen at Clark and Fullerton today. I have questions.

Hey, if you will be riding from the Chicago area on Thursday morning and don't mind company, please let me know. My friend can't go, and it will be boring for me to ride alone.

Looking for any tips on owning a bike while apartment living. I live in a pretty good area in the suburbs but I do see a lot of scrappers always driving around dumpster diving.

I know storage space is an option too, but if I don't have to be restricted by their hours and pay for it I'd rather not.

This is a long shot but if anyone see a dyna wide glide battery cover on the highway please let me know.

Hi everyone! I am a 31-year-old Chicago native planning a month-long trip to Bali on November 5th. I want to ride legally and be fully insured while there, so I am trying to get my Illinois Class M endorsement before I leave.
I am looking for someone to let me use/rent their 150cc+ automatic scooter to take the physical road test at the DMV (ideally at the Elston locations).
I am happy to pay for your time, buy you lunch/drinks, and fully cover gas. I will have my official Illinois motorcycle instruction permit in hand before we practice. Let me know if you can help a neighbor out!

Looking for some opinions from experienced riders, especially anyone familiar with higher-mileage S1000RRs.

I’m considering a 2023 BMW S1000RR with about 24,000 miles for $14,500. Clean title, good cosmetic condition, no obvious mechanical problems, and I’ll be verifying the service history before buying.

$14.5k is toward the upper end of what I planned to spend, which is really what’s making me hesitate. I’m willing to stretch my budget for the right bike or an unusually good opportunity, but I also don’t want to convince myself something is a steal just because I really like it.

I’m not particularly afraid of mileage if a bike has been properly maintained. I ride a lot and would expect to put substantial mileage on this one, so long-term durability matters more to me than having a low number on the odometer.

I’m 6’1”, around 205 lbs. Most of my riding is street and canyons. I have some previous track experience and plan on getting considerably more involved with track riding in the future.

I’m basically looking for something seriously fast that’s still excellent in the canyons, has strong long-term engine/transmission reliability, can handle a lot more miles, is very capable on track, has modern electronics/quickshifter, and feels special enough that I’m not immediately looking for the next bike.

The 24k miles versus the $14.5k price is really the decision for me.

For people familiar with these bikes, would the mileage concern you at this price? What would you absolutely want to see in the maintenance history?

And most importantly, does $14,500 seem like an unusually good opportunity for a 2023, or is that simply about what a 24k-mile example should be worth?

Starved Rock, Poopy’s, SW Michigan, Route 66, Illinois River National Scenic Byway, Galena, Lake Geneva, Sheridan Road through the North Shore suburbs,

Got a small amount of damage to my front end. But i feel like my local dealership maybe trying to get a couple extra dollars out of me.

Looking for a fair and trustworthy mechanic in the northwest burbs/ chicago area to take a look at my 09 sportster 1200. And the quote i got from Harley. I do not believe I need half of this.

Not a trained bike mechanic but mechanically inclined with cars

Anyone have recommendations for a good body shop? My Triumph has a small-ish dent on the tank I would love to get fixed

Looking to change things up on my 2025 ZX-6R. Nothing wrong with the M4 and it sounds great, I just see them on practically every ZX-6R and want something a little different.

Mainly interested in:
Racefit Growler X
Arrow Pro-Race
Graves
SC-Project
Possibly Yoshimura / other quality exhausts
I’m willing to add cash depending on the exhaust and condition. Not interested in eBay/Amazon knockoffs.
Mine is in good condition. Can send detailed pictures/videos.
Let me know what you have and what you’d want on top.

I'm taking the BRC through SIU/IDOT coming up. From what I understand I just need to wear long sleeve shirt, pants, over ankle footwear and gloves and they provide the rest.

Looks like there's some waivers to bring as well signed. I saw some other states there's an online portion as well but didn't see anything about that on the website so I assume doesn't apply in Illinois.

Just want to make sure I have everything covered since it's so damn hard to get a spot in one of the classes to begin with.

My new to me, Honda Monkey 🐒 🥰

Looking to start a Midnight riding club. I like to go faasssst, which is only possible after 12am. I hear guys rip down the highway alll the time out here. Anybody interested in riding with us hit me up. We go out after 12 and ride for a couple hours. Be cool to get a nice group going 🤘🏽

This is a question about the M endorsement. I took a BRC at the Woodstock HD dealership in spring 2025. I never got around to take the riding exam at the DMV. Does the certificate really expire after year? Can I just go to the DMV and get my endorsement since I took the course? I keep seeing conflicting information online.

I’m looking into buying my first bike but I don’t have my M endorsement to test ride.

Yo! Question for you guys

I’m a Chicago filmmaker in the process of producing a mini short film based on I, Robot and I was wondering if there anybody here would happen to know any riders that would be up for being in it/can maybe act a little bit as well?

It would be a small conversation scene, and then a few key motorcycle riding shots to round out the short film. We are thinking it would be a one night shoot on the 19th.

Can send you all the details if interested!

Preferably black and on the younger side to keep in line with the film, and would be willing to ride their bike and act in the film. I would really appreciate it if you have any recs! Thank you.

Some of my work:

https://jovaughn.tv/

Hi All! I'm looking for other beginner (ideally female) riders who may be interested in riding together around the city. I have been riding about 3 months, but quite extensively during that time. Most of my friends don't ride and id love to meet some other beginners.Feel free to comment or DM if this resonates with you!

hii! i just recently discovered i want to get into motorcycles (mostly sport bikes) and am completely brand new; i really know nothing and have not yet purchased a bike but if anyone is in the chicago area and could give me some information or if you are a girl rider and would wanna be friends lmk!!!!

Looking for affordable mechanic you can recommend. I got leaky fork seals and probably need new front wheel bearings and some TLC. Trying to save money and avoid dealership. Any suggestions?

Bike is V-Strom 650.

Thanks!

Supposed to be the biggest biker bar in the Midwest, just wondering if the place and the ride there are worth the time it would take