Motorcycling in the City (rent, insurance, neighborhood)

[OneSweetWorld787]

Does any one here motorcycle in the city? Crotchrocket/scooter/harley - anything that would require a registration. I'm thinking of buying a bike but wondering how safe it is, taking special note that I'm generally an aggressive driver (see myself driving between lanes through traffic/weaving on LSD). Are police strict?

[Not_liking_FL]

Riding a motorcycle is inherently unsafe. Riding a motorcycle aggressively in a very large and crowded city is even less safe. I think worrying about how strict the police are should be the least of your concerns.

[lycos679]

Originally Posted by OneSweetWorld787

Does any one here motorcycle in the city? Crotchrocket/scooter/harley - anything that would require a registration. I'm thinking of buying a bike but wondering how safe it is, taking special note that I'm generally an aggressive driver (see myself driving between lanes through traffic/weaving on LSD). Are police strict?

The police aren't that strict unless you do something really stupid, but stupidity and motorcycles don't mix.

[Freefall18]

Originally Posted by lycos679

The police aren't that strict unless you do something really stupid, but stupidity and motorcycles don't mix.

And yet they seem to go together often

[armystrongmd]

This doesn't seem like a serious post...

It is incredibly dangerous for an experienced rider to have a motorcycle in the city. Riding it is dangerous and it is likely to get stolen if left outside. Now for a new motorcyclist the dangers are exponentially higher. More than half of ALL motorcycle accidents involve new riders. I only have a motorcycle in the city because I used to live in the country and haven't sold it. If I ride it is on the weekend and I use it to get out of the city not explore it.

[armystrongmd]

Police and motorcycles often don't mix well. Most cops have been taunted or disrespected by a motorcyclist at some point. Many have had them evade pursuit after committing serious traffic violations. What this leads to is a strong bias against motorcyclists and when you get pulled over for something really minor they will throw the book at you and treat you like a criminal. You are also likely to get followed around by cops while they wait for you to do something illegal.

Example: I got pulled over on a country road going 65 in a 55. Cop pulled me over in town. He said I "blew his doors off" and that I was going "70+". I said "70+ is not a speed sir can I see the radar?" He refused then illegally searched my tank bag and wrote me up for reckless operation and speeding 70 in a 40 (limit in town, not where he had clocked me). I have had similarly abusive treatment by police including being stopped literally for no reason (given reasons like "wanted to see if you had been drinking" and "couldn't tell if you had your helmet visor down, need to).

Bottom line: many cops take out their frustration with other motorcyclists on whoever they can pull over and if you manage not to get hit by a car you can look forward to possibly having your motorcycle stolen or impounded by police.

[sketch125]

About 5 years ago, I owned a Suzuki GSXR600 while living on the north side. I took a few weekend classes over by the United Center, got my M endorsement, and then bought this bike. My first and only motorcycle.

Anything over 125cc needs to have a registration and insurance. That means you need the title or the dealer to provide the registration. All vehicles (even scooters need plates). You will also need the parking tag depending on your neighborhood.

If you street park your bike, it will get stolen. You MUST have a garage or rent a protected parking spot. I parked mine in a small underground garage and had to chain it to the concrete column with a kryptonite chain and lock through both wheels.

As mentioned, owning a sport bike in the city is dangerous. I had several close calls involving taxis making unexpected or quick manuevers. I also had one guy go into road rage mode on me, because I was able to get around a car turning left and he couldn't.

Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun to cruise around the loop or the LSD. It was a quick way to get around and easy to park. I would ride to the beach with a backpack and enjoy. In the end, however the enjoyment did not justify the risks and I sold the bike.

[Pantless1]

I refuse to ride on the street anymore much less in the city. I have metal plates in various spots of my body thanks to two bad results of 4 wheeled inattentiveness. If you want to ride, get a dirt bike or a "track bike" and stay off public roads. Way more fun, way more safe, way less likely to have interaction with Johnny Law.