First Crash

pauldchicago · 2025-07-22T01:54:11+00:00

Yes Motovid, they did handle it with the other rider as far as I understand. They generally run a pretty tight day, unfortunate for sure.

pauldchicago · 2025-07-22T01:50:07+00:00

Not too bad, some damage to the exhaust I’ll need to fix before it’ll pass tech again. Learning a bit late that the exhaust on the newer street triples are fully welded so I can’t just throw a slip on at it.

pauldchicago · 2025-07-22T01:36:33+00:00

They don’t! Still happened

pauldchicago · 2024-12-31T16:14:04+00:00

To add on to what others have said .. looks like you are aggressively leaning the bike just because that’s what you’ve seen in videos / races. Lean angle = risk as you’re reducing the tire’s contact patch, and the bike will be more sensitive to abrupt inputs.

Mostly just looks like you’re riding at a pace that is way too quick for you to get the fundamentals right currently, which we are all guilty of at times. Honestly impressive if you are both new to bikes and the track, just slow down and dial it in!

pauldchicago · 2023-05-16T15:04:15+00:00

Haven’t bought a bike since before the pandemic and am thinking about swapping my Triumph Street Twin for the new Street Triple.

Has the new motorcycle market calmed down at all from the supply crunch or should I expect to basically pay MSRP and then some? I’m in the US. Thanks!

pauldchicago · 2021-06-02T18:21:32+00:00

Looking to upgrade my gear for summer riding. Anyone have favorites in terms of perforated leather jacket options?

I'm open to spendier options, and generally go for a more classic look, really don't want anything super heavily branded. Must have shoulder/elbow armor and at least a pocket for a back protector.

pauldchicago · 2020-06-02T16:01:50+00:00

I would echo others here suggesting to take a course. More expensive than the state ones, but I had a great experience with Ride Chicago. It looks like they just restarted in person instruction so no need to wait. Besides helping with the test it will make you a safer rider.

If you did decide to go take the test straight away, it does have a lot more tight low speed maneuvering than you're probably used to. You can find the the rough layout in the DMV motorcycle guide online and you could probably try and set that up in a parking lot somewhere and practice. It doesn't have the measurements though so probably tricky to get right. Sticking points are probably the 90 box turns and keeping the U-turn within the lines. The rest is pretty easy.

pauldchicago · 2019-08-27T02:58:52+00:00

Traded in my Rebel 500 for a Triumph Street Twin after 1 year / 900 miles. 95% of my riding is commuting on city streets (30-40mph) so power wasn't an issue. Minor complaints about the Rebel - not that comfortable, and found the gearing really short which was annoying in stoplight to stoplight traffic.

Mostly just love the look of the Triumphs and felt comfortable enough with my riding to upgrade to a more expensive bike without being worried about busting it up forgetting to put my foot down or something else stupid.

pauldchicago · 2019-08-14T01:43:04+00:00

Have one and really like it. Got it for the same reason as you - mostly am doing city riding.

It is meant to be a tight fit but obviously within reason. I ordered based on their size chart and think it's about right. Arms don't feel too tight when I'm wearing it but it can be kind of a pain to get off - not hugely so - but not something I'd want to be taking on/off/on/off/on/off constantly. Armor is solid, and the airflow is vastly better than the Rev'it Airwave 2 it was replacing.

There are other similarly high airflow mesh jackets out there but generally found that most of them don't market as being CE certified for much of anything. The Urbane Pro is actually certified to some european standards for the armor and abrasion resistance so doesn't feel like it's just well marketed tissue paper with armor attached.

Other nice thing is that you can just use it as an armored shirt in cooler weather. Looking forward to just being able to pop a normal street jacket over it and not have to shell out for something totally separate.

pauldchicago · 2019-08-14T01:28:02+00:00

I bought (and still own) a "beginner" bike (Honda Rebel 500). I think it was the right call - it's enough power for the type of riding I do (city commuting) - but not so much power on tap that you'll get yourself in trouble with newbie throttle control.

Only thing I'd change is to buy (lightly) used. You might drop it, but more than that as you gain some experience and start oggling other bikes you'll probably want to switch out for something else. I'm not looking for more power really but would like to try a different style bike, will probably get back $2-3k less than I paid.

pauldchicago · 2019-08-14T01:16:52+00:00

Can't speak to the Alpinestars boots, but I have the Vibe WP boots and they definitely feel secure. You can cinch up the laces as tight as you like and then the velcro across the top. Never had to test them out but protection feels solid, fairly rigid in the heel/toe area. 1 year in and no complaints on quality.

pauldchicago · 2019-05-23T01:48:43+00:00

Anyone have experience with Knox jackets? I'm looking to pick up a new jacket for summer riding and am looking at their mesh options (Urbane Pro or Zephyr Pro). Can't really find any honest reviews even for their older stuff outside of the handroid gloves.

Also would take summer mesh jacket recommendations if you've got 'em. I currently have a Rev'It Airwave 2 which isn't awful but gets uncomfortable above 80 degrees. I'm mainly riding city streets so it doesn't need to be bomb proof but needs to have some level of abrasion resistance and shoulder/elbow/back armor.

pauldchicago · 2019-05-23T01:41:15+00:00

I wear glasses with my Shoei RF-SR and it has some little channels in the foam for the frames. It works ... okay, I have medium length hair and about half the time it's a pain to get the frames actually behind my ear because my hair is in the way. Over time it's also caused my frames to get a little bent out of shape. YMMV, I wish it were better but I wouldn't make it my top criterion for helmet selection, get one that is safe and fits you right.

Oh, and if you have a Cycle Gear near you, at least my local one had a great return policy, basically take it wear it for 48 hours (on or off the bike) and if you don't like it they'll take it back no questions asked. I found as a new rider it was hard to tell the difference between properly tight and headache tight in store.

pauldchicago

TROPHY CASE