Are you a Chicago resident that has recently purchased a motorcycle? Owning a motorcycle can open many doors to new experiences, including exploring the beautiful cityscape and beyond. If you haven’t bought a motorcycle yet but still want to experience the thrill of riding, motorcycle rentals in Chicago offer a fantastic opportunity to do so. Whether you choose to own or rent, there’s plenty you should keep in mind to ensure that your journey as a motorcyclist is enjoyable and safe. Here is a guide for how you can get the most out of owning your new motorcycle.
Prioritize Safety
There’s a reason why the expression ‘safety first’ exists, and this especially applies when it comes to motorcycles. Did you know that there were over 120 motorcycle accident fatalities in Illinois last year, with a significant amount of them occurring in and around Chicago? If you’re new to riding, then you should consider taking a motorcycle safety course to ensure that you are well-prepared for Chicago traffic. These courses are even offered for free by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Additionally, make sure you purchase the appropriate protective gear for riding and always wear your helmet. This way, if you do end up in an accident, the injuries you sustain will be much less severe.
Join the Community
There is a sense of camaraderie within the motorcycle community, and there are plenty of Chicago motorcycle clubs that are always happy to welcome new riders like yourself with open arms. Clubs like these often host events like group rides, rallies, and other social events, all of which provide a great opportunity to make new friends and share your passion for motorcycles. Search for local groups on social media or ask around with friends, dealers, or other riders that you meet to see if they can connect you with a club.
Attend Events and Shows
Each year, there are dozens of events both in Chicago and throughout the greater state of Illinois. These events include swap meets, motorcycle shows, and smaller, club-organized fundraisers for their local communities. Sometimes, clubs might participate in bigger events and shows, so be sure to ask other members and organizers of your motorcycle club about upcoming events. Additionally, you could find local motorcycle events through a quick Google search. Just type in ‘motorcycle events, Illinois,’ and you’re sure to be met with a plethora of information.
Customize Your Ride
As many bike owners will tell you, customizing your motorcycle is one of the most rewarding parts of motorcycle ownership. For some owners, this could mean spending the weekend getting covered in grease while tinkering with parts to add modifications to their bikes. However, even if you aren’t much of a mechanic there are still plenty of other ways to make your bike uniquely yours. Consider making a more minor change, like giving your bike a new paint job, or adding decals, LED lights, and other stylistic accessories that reflect your personality. If even these changes sound too intimidating to do on your own, several shops in Chicago specialize in motorcycle customization, offering a wide range of services to help you create your dream bike.
Customize Your Gear
Motorcycle gear is not only meant to keep you safe and comfortable while riding but can also be used as a way to reflect your personality as a rider. The most important piece of your gear is your helmet. There are many different helmet styles to choose from, including full-face, modular, open-face, half-helmets, off-road, and dual-sport. The type of helmet that will work best for you is dependent on your needs as a rider, including the type of bike you have and where you intend to ride it, so be sure to do your research before buying. The same goes for motorcycle jackets. They can be broken down into four categories based on rider needs: cruiser, sport/street, racing, and adventure touring/dual sport. If you’re planning to join a motorcycle club, they might want you to purchase a custom-made jacket or patches with their logo.
Explore the Nightlife
Biker bars are a staple in the motorcycle community. These bars are usually decked-out in motorcycle decor and memorabilia to draw in a crowd. They’re a great spot to meet other local bikers to swap stories with, share tips, and show off your ride. Just remember to drink responsibly and never ride while intoxicated.
Give Back to the Community
If you’re a rider who wants to give back to the community, there are plenty of ways to do so. You could help to organize fundraisers like motorcycle bingo, or could participate in local parades and organized rides for public entertainment. There are usually group rides or parades around the fourth of July looking for local riders to participate. One of the biggest charity rides, however, is the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. In this popular event, riders cover their bikes in festive Christmas decor and collect toys for children in need.
