New Guzzi Aprilia dealer in Chicago

[Joliet Jim]

Looks like long time Vespa dealer Motoworks Chicago is now selling Guzzis and Aprilias and this weekend is a demo days for both bike brands. Check out their facebook page for more details.

[bad Chad]

That's great news.  I don't know much of anything about them, but I think they have been around for years.  It has been a bit ridiculous that the 3rd largest metro area in the nation, only had one dealer, and the whole state for that matter.  Glad to see it, hope they treat their customers well, and Guzzi treats them well.   Thanks for the notice, Jim!

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

The owner Johnny is a true motorcycle enthusiast, and two years ago they expanded by purchasing MCC (Motor Cycle Center) out in Villa Park. Some of their mechanics travel between the two locations, so I wonder if the Villa Park location will end up selling and supporting Guzzis as well.

[kidsmoke]

When I was living in Chicago, I took my Jackal to Motoworks for some electrical work - adding LED's where incandescants had been. It was there first time working with Motogadget. This was 2013 or so. They were actually excited about the Jackal and said "man you gotta see this..." and led me to the service dept to ogle a Centauro on a lift. I was completely new to them and was impressed by their sincere and open 'enthusiast' attitude. I also know that they make it a point to be a big part of things like DGR and Motoblot in Chicago, supporting the scene pretty prominently. They've had Vespa a long time, so there should be few surprises with the Piaggio ecosystem. If I'm not mistaken the National Sales Mgr lives in Chicagoland as well. Id imagine he'd put his thumb on the scale when possible to support such a prominent shop...but that's pure speculation on my part.

I'd say we're pretty blessed here in the midwest as far as dealers go. Cadre (Cincy), Cleveland Moto, Motoworks (Chicago), Throttle and Co (Columbus), Rahal Piaggio (Indy) - none of those are fly by night/flash in the pan shops. I believe there are a couple in Michigan as well?

[Motochicago]

Johnny has been working to build his empire for decades. I first went to them ~20 years ago and they serviced my 2001 Concours. I think their main focus was BMW servicing at the time. The last time I used their service department was maybe 5 years ago for my California EV.

[AJ Huff]

Wow. I didn't know there was a dealer in Columbus. That's a better location for me than Cincinnati, though not my favorite part of town. I can't tell if they actually do any service work. Planning on towing my bike down to Cadre but would be interested in Throttle and Company in the future. I can't imagine taking a bike into Chicago.

-AJ

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

I found out that they have a bike tow service between MCC (Villa Park) and Motoworks (Chicago). So if you brought the bike to Villa Park but it needed to be worked on at their shop in Chicago, that's a possibility you could discuss with them. I would take riding a motorcycle over driving in Chicago anytime other than in the winter, and did just that for years. Out in the suburbs people don't pay attention while driving. In the city folks do some sketchy driving and moving violations, but I mostly find that they are alert and reactive. As for pulling a trailer there, it might test your nerves as a hectic and busy city, but their location is just a few turns off the interstate on major roads that are not legally prohibitive of a pickup truck and trailer.