New Aprilia Dealer in Chicago

[Kid A]

I know we're all itching to get out and ride, and do this group meet up while checking out the dealer... but I suggest we put off our Aprilia meet until the weather has had some time to to change for the better on average. We may get a 50 or 60 degree day here and there but this time of year its really hit or miss and we could end up planning a day that is 40 and raining even if we shoot for a couple weeks from now.

For a decent turn out I think we need to really give everyone as much advance notice as we can too. I don't think the average temp here gets reliably up over 50 until late April/early May. This will also give everyone time to get the riding cobwebs out, get their bikes up and running, out of storage, etc...

I'm game for whatever pretty much, but just my thoughts on it.

I know I personally have a few things going on during April weekends but I'll throw out April 30th or May 7th as a start to this. If anyone has better suggestion or know these dates won't for them post up your thoughts or dates you'd rather have and we can try to get to some agreement on a collective "best for most scenario".


Also, FYI April 10th is the open house for the Chicago D-Store I will be trying to make that, but depending on weather don't know if it will be bike or car for that. Hopefully 3 weeks is enough time to get this weather out of here. Calling for some light snow at the end of the week

[Brobill]

Wow, it nice to see there are people here from Chicago with my same problem, no local Aprilia dealer. Count me in on the ride to the new store. It will be nice meet you guys and support the local dealership. DGY stopped carrying Aprilia last year and that just forced me to get what I needed from AF1.

The weather is not a problem for me I just put on my heated liner and gloves and off I go. Just keep the thread updated with a time and date. I'm out near Oak Brook if anybody wants to meet up and ride to dealership.

[cdelvecc]

Good stuff guys- being new to the region, it is great to know there are local enthusiasts who enjoy getting together for rides/events.

April 30 or May 7 are fine with me as tentative dates.

[Ape76]

I'm fine with either one of those days...

They just salted the roads again today so only God knows how long it will be before the streets are clean.

BroBill,
PM me. I work across the Oak Brook Mall but don't ride to work because of traffic and cagers around here...Seen too many fender benders locally!

[Kid A]

I work across the Oak Brook Mall but don't ride to work because of traffic and cagers around here...Seen too many fender benders locally!

I understand completely. I'm planning on commuting on my KTM this year whenever it's possible. Since I'm an electrician my work changes locations often so that makes it more fun. A lot of times I'm headed into or through the downtown area and cage drivers in Chicago area are the worst! Honestly driving on I57 in my pickup scares me sometimes! Anyway gonna try and take the plunge more this year.

The Aprilia is poorly suited to traffic and slow streets. Tried it a few times and happily went back to driving again. The Aprilia is solely a recreational vehicle now. Somehow Chicago traffic makes riding a motorcycle not fun. I think since its seasonal too up here, drivers just are not used to seeing and being aware of bikes.

[ApriliaDG]

Thanks for your patience folks. Getting very close to being in the Aprilia sytstem. We will be able to get bikes/scooters and parts along with support from technical support very soon. However, it will be a bit longer before we are equipped to handle sales and service of the RSV4. Hope you all understand, as I am going to do this the right way and not rush. I will be most certain that company principals and techs are competent before looking at your Aprilias. We have a certified tech that is very thorough and trained with Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi but not yet the RSV4s. He is going back to Costa Mesa next month for an update for new model Piaggio hybrids and new Vespas and hoping to get him back for Aprilia in May but not sure as of yet. Thanks again and I'll keep you updated as I am able.

Ciao, Dennis

[Capsil21]

Yeah I will be up for 2nd week in May and anytime after as I will be riding down to Texas last week of April through 1st week of May. Don't wait on my account though.

[Kid A]

Thanks for responding Dennis! welcome to the forum

what are your thoughts on our planned group meeting/visit at your place? Should we give it more time for you to get up and going with Aprilia stuff?

[Ape76]

Thanks for responding Dennis! welcome to the forum

what are your thoughts on our planned group meeting/visit at your place? Should we give it more time for you to get up and going with Aprilia stuff?

I don't think Dennis checks the forum often.

[Kid A]

well, do you guys want to wait longer so that they are more up and running on the Aprilia side of the business?, or you guys wanna say April 30th and then if we know well ahead that the weather will be Sh*t, we could do it May 7th as a backup?

Maybe we should contact Dennis again and have him pick a day? He might want to make more out of it than just us showing up, or maybe he was going to have an Aprilia grand opening day sometime....

Now that I've thought about it out loud, I think I will shoot him another email.

[SHREDDER]

I'd be in for a group ride. Be nice to see that many Aprilias in one place.

[Kid A]

well I emailed Dennis a 2nd time with a follow up asking what he thought about this and got nothing back from him.

So I don't know what to make of it. Obviously in his post he said they are not Aprilia ready yet, but soon. I don't know when that will be, if they will have some kind of official Grand Opening for it, or even if he's OK with us all showing up at one time. In my mind it makes more sense to meet there when it is an Aprilia official dealer, but you guys make the call.

[oneadamjerry]

Hey boys
Just wanted to add my .02
Just had a major service and suspension work done by Bruce and the gang at Moto Rider in Kenosha - http://www.motoridershop.com/
Prices seemed fair, service was excellent
They are not an Aprilia dealer, (not yet at least, hint hint Bruce) but they own & race Aprilia's
If you are looking for a sunday ride destination, he has a "museum" of maybe 50 bikes that is worth the visit alone
It was a refreshing to deal with someone who understands the brand and has a passion for the sport
1aj

[spaz_666]

I'll throw out April 30th or May 7th as a start to this.

just a heads up. On April 29th & 30th, the Triumph Demo Truck will be at MCC in Villa Park.

Also, FYI April 10th is the open house for the Chicago D-Store

I was there on my Futura, but didn't see any other Apes. I saw one Benelli, one Moto Guzzi, and dozens of Ducs. Where was everyone?

[Daryl RSV4R]

I was there on my Futura, but didn't see any other Apes. I saw one Benelli, one Moto Guzzi, and dozens of Ducs. Where was everyone?

I was there on a white RSV4.