Hello from Chicago!

[gitarjunky]

Hello everyone! I came across this forum the other day and I think its excellent! I have yet to scrape together enough cash to get a bike of my own (shooting for a Triumph Bonneville T100 next summer, since in Chicago, you want to steer clear of the outdoors in the winter for the most part). I plan on taking an MSF class very soon and have become obessed with learning everything I possibly can. So, you'll all have to put up with my novice questions for a while, but don't worry, I learn quickly!

Phil

PS-Any general feedback on the Bonnevilles would be greatly appreciated!!

[Mag7C]

Hi! This is an excellent forum. Very friendly and active. Don't worry about asking dumb questions! I still do it and I've been riding since I can remember.... which is since last year to be exact.

Never ridden a Bonneville, but from what reviews I've read they sound like really smooth bikes, and comfortable on distance rides.

[Toyuzu]

Welcome!

You're not kidding about the weather in the windy city. I was stuck there for a few hours in the winter while traveling through. Iirc, the temp was around -40 with the wind-chill.

Keep us posted on your motorcycling progress!

[totalmotorcycle]

Hello everyone! I came across this forum the other day and I think its excellent!

:wecome:

Welcome to the TMW motorcycle community forums Phil! How did you find us BTW? Search engine or link or...?

The MSF class is a great thing to take! You will come out of it learning so much and have a great deal of riding confidence too. I've seen people go into it very nervous and come out good riders.

If you have become obessed with learning everything you possibly can you have DEFINATELY come to the RIGHT PLACE! Read though all the different guides on Total Motorcycle like the Beginners Guide to Motorcycling http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm and http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance.htm, http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/dictiona ... -index.htm, http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide.htm and more! 6,000 pages worth, so have fun.

Best of all is this really friendly and helpful community you just joined. Ask all the questions you want, there are thousands of members to help you out.

again,



Mike.

[gitarjunky]

Yeah, I forget exactly what I was "googleing" for, whether it be mechanical stuff or manufactures or what, but this site popped up. After about an hour of reading through various posts and articles it occured to me "Hey, I should just sign up!" So here I am!

[Loonette]

Welcome aboard! I miss Chicago winters - nothing like waiting on a gigantic mound of snow for the #22 bus to show up. Or huddling with scores of other El commuters under the heat lamps on the platforms. Ah, good times...

Glad you're spending time sorting through your questions before making your bike purchase. You'll learn a lot and feel good about your initiation into riding. Enjoy the forums.

Cheers,
Loonette

[cb360]

Good for you and you are in the right place. Most of the folks here just like moytorcycles and there's not so much carping about what you ride... just that you do and do it safely. Whenever you have a chance, read all the stickys and browse the new bikers forum and you'll find tons of great info. And if you are entirely new to motorcycles might I suggest finding a $500 small-engine beater to practice on for a few months before you scratch up that beautiful T100? I've heard they are great bikes by the way - I hope you can find a way to get some miles under your belt before buying one though. That's not mandatory by the way, but it might save you some anguish and a bunch of money.

[gitarjunky]

Yeah, I have been thinking about that cb. I think i'm going to try and find something for under 2 grand (older, miley) for the first year. I mean, no matter how careful I am, or how much I think I'm not going to fall down at least once....I probably will. And I would hate to see the asphalt of Lake Shore Drive plastered across the tank of my new Bonnie! I'll keep you all posted as to when I sh** my pants (read: take my first new bike home!)