Chicago Region BMW Motorcycle Owners Assoccrbmw

Hi, I'm new to riding and I'm looking for my first motorcycle.

First off, I'm taking the MSF course in June. I have a jacket, boots, helmet. I have friends that will help me. I hope to become an active member of this club and make new friends.

What I'm looking for:

an airhead - wanting to ride and own one of these is a big part of why I want to ride. I've been advised to look for anything else, but that seems to miss my point
R65 - seems the perfect size to learn on
R50, R60, R75, R80 - these also seem like good learner bikes
Under $2,000 - preferably much less

What I'm NOT looking for:

R100, R90 - These seem too big/bigger than I need
S, RS, GS - These seem very rare and valuable; would be wasted on me
RT - or anything with a ton of body work I could damage or have to repair, also too valuable
Anything mint - I'm not a collector and I can't afford to become one

Basically a small standard for little money even with high milage or in need of repair would be perfect. I'm good with a wrench and I'm confident that as long as everything's there, I can make it safe to ride.

So, does anyone have something "laying around"? Does this bike exist, or am I never going to find it?

Thanks,

-- Aubrey

Fear not, Aubrey, you will find one. Where do you live? You might want to check out some independent shops, like Motoworks at 1901 S. Western (312-738-4269). Meantime, I and others will keep an eye out for something neat and inexpensive, and don't worry about maintenance and repair because you'll find a lot of support in the Chicago Region. You might also consider joining the Airheads (www.airheads.org) which is a great resource for the older bikes.

Hope to meet you soon!
Yours in the sport,
Tim Colburn
Park Forest, IL

Thanks, TIm. I'm in Evanston. I appreciate you looking out. Please feel free to email me anytime.

I've seen the Airheads webpage and I like it. One question about clubs: I've joined MOA and I love the magazine. Do I have to pay again to join the Chicago Region or is this my assigned chapter of MOA? I'm a BMW CCA member too and I have one membership which includes chapter (Windy City). It seems like memberships can really add up.

I'd like to get out to an event soon but I have a very awkward work schedule. I've got the calendar though, so you'll see me soon enough.

-- Aubrey

Saw this on Craigslist today. It would make a great entry into the BMW world, and the price seems more than reasonable

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/1684479687.html

Hi Aubrey. I'm also a fellow 'CCA member, though not very active. The motorcycle club structure is not like that of the car club -- membership in our local is totally independent of the BMW MOA (and BMW RA, too, for that matter). You're right, the memberships can add up, but you get lots of stuff to read every month!

Keep looking, and I will too!
Tim

michael florian wrote:

QUOTE:
Saw this on Craigslist today. It would make a great entry into the BMW world, and the price seems more than reasonable


http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/1684479687.html

That sure falls into the category.