Riders Needs

This is by far the best online store on the web! Also the customer Support! it is amazing!
Angie you are the best! Thank you so much for all your help!
I ride Panigale R — and all my gear is from Riders Needs!
God Bless!

This shop always comes through with helpfulness and service. All the staff I’ve met is knowledgeable and friendly. They are always going out of their way for my old Rebel.

Extremely nice and helpful. I’m a new rider and they sat down with me for quite a while to order the exact gear I wanted. What they didn’t have in stock, was immediately ordered and picked up within a couple days. Prices a great and I’m happy to support the neighborhood shop.
Doesn’t return phone calls or emails

Seriously so happy with my visit to this shop! I was so angry and frustrated because I just bought a bike at Wild fire — Harley Davidson. The girls working there I don’t think really knew anything about what they were selling. Which was odd since the sales manager just told me they could help me with everything. I let them know I knew nothing about bikes or gear so naturally they should have known that they needed to help me figure out what to get. But they stood there expecting me to just pick something out and buy it!!! So I didn’t buy anything and left figuring I would have to go somewhere else.
So I google mapped it and I found Riders Needs! Joel Rivera was the man to help me out. I’ve never had a better sales guy who knew everything about what he was talking about down to the history of how and where the helmets and gear where made. He didn’t try to sell me anything expensive he had something good to say about both ends of the spectrum $. He made me feel very comfortable with my decision and even gave me a great price! And then he sent me home with catalogs so I could check out what selection in women’s gear there is :) I plan on making all my bike purchases here when I can! I love it when people know their stuff!!!

seems like a nice place, but the one thing internet shopping can never do and it’s perfect fits. I ordered pants jacket helmet online, said it was gonna get here Tuesday, ended up being due to arrive Friday, after my flight to Guatemala. Well I needed gear and I need it fast. (Wednesday evening.) I figured I could return that other BS when I came back. (Still haven’t done it.) I rush over to Rider’s Needs and get some cigarette ash in my eye on the way. I called before hand, he said get here quick we have to place orders by 5 to get em here tomorrow. He understood for real what kind of emergence I was having.
I get in, and he gives it to me strait. All the facts, quick, what’s gonna work, what’s not gonna work. Did NOT feel like a salesman. This guy was a real biker, just like me. So he was trying to screw me over or anything. In fact, he gave me a discount I’m not even completely sure why. Maybe because I was getting a few different things. He’s best with getting you the right helmet. Now, beware, he knows EVERYTHING there is to know about helmets and is ready and willing to give you all that information. Not a real complaint, just some of the stuff I didn’t care about. Where it comes in real handy is fitting. He can take one good look at you and tell you what helmet you need. Ultimate badass. Then based on what YOU want to pay, not what HE wants to pay, he’ll work with you to find the perfect thing. This is the head guy btw, boss? Owner? I forgot his name. Might have been Stephen but I also kind of want to say it was a Hispanic name. It’s the boss guy. He’s not to be fucked with. A real trustworthy guy. I woulda bought him a beer right after if I hadn’t had to get going.
Now be warned, they’ve only got the stuff that is appropriate for the season in Chicago. So I’m going to Guatemala, but they had mostly warm stuff. I was able to figure it out partly choosing stuff off the clearance rack (season not important.) But that’s definitely something to consider. I was able to figure it out all the same. This guy really wants the best for you.
By the way, my salesman friend. I’m sorry I forgot your name. If there is a way you can respond to me, I’d be glad to edit this post with more accuracy.
5 stars. Woulda been 10. These guys saved my life. The trip was awesome.

Horrible place to buy anything. Sent me a used part then refused to refund me because the part was used??? Finally had eBay settle the case in my favor. Horrible buisness. Stay away !

Def the best experience in the city for motorcycle accessories. Really good staff and very polite. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would give repeat business
Decent gear and helmet selection

Needed a part for my Harley, no one else in Chicagoland had it, or could get it next day. These guys found the part, had it the next day and were ½ the price of other places I checked. Outstanding service. Their website has everything listed, storefront is mostly clothes/​helmets ect. Will use them again!

These guys are awesome. Every time I have walked in the shop I have been greeted with helpful and knowledgeable staff. I have bought my jacket and gloves from them and they have worked out perfect. The gloves I bought came apart on the Velcro strap for the wrist 9 months after purchasing and I took them in without a receipt and they replaced them with a fresh pair. I plan on going back to buy my new helmet. Their stock is low, but they take the time to go on their online store to find exactly what you need that day. This is a great store!

Originally gave these guys a middling review because I showed up when the website said they were open and they weren’t open (and the store’s not super-​convenient to where I live in downtown). Since then, I’ve actually made it inside the store and the staff was friendly and helpful, and they had some cool stuff. The selection isn’t the greatest (store’s not that big), but I guess what can you expect in the city. Not a ton of options for this stuff.

Small store, great service!

I needed a new helmet and noticed this shop near my home. I visited on a Saturday afternoon and was concerned that the shop may be closed but was relieved when I noticed three people sitting in the shop as I walked up.
However this sentiment quickly turned to confusion/​frustration when none of them even bothered to acknowledge me as I walked in and around the shop. They were all busy on their computers and didn’t even look up while I stood staring at their helmet display. I know they have an extensive web storefront to maintain but give me a break…
I can’t be completely negative on them — they had a nice selection and decent prices but it took someone to come out from the back to assist me after I stood there for 10 minutes. Unfortunately they didn’t have the right size/​color for me and I did not make a purchase.
Not sure if they were trying to keep up the ‘tough biker façade’ or what but it was ridiculous and I will not be back. Unfortunately there aren’t many options when it comes to motorcycle shops in Chicago but I’ll find somewhere else to go.

very helpful and knowledgable staff, just got a great deal on an all season First Gear jacket… Internet pricing with the advantage of being able to try on the gear.

Motorcycles are hot. Riding one is even hotter. I’m hot. Riding without the proper helmet and gear? Eh, not so hot. Even if Illinois state law does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, you’ve spent a lot of money nourishing your brains and your bodies, people — why take dangerous risks when you can get yourself some protection and give your friends and family peace of mind?!
GO TO RIDERS NEEDS. Just like me, you’ll find that there is a severe lack of motorcycle shops in the city, and when you finally find one, you’ll have to travel far and wide to get there. You’ll want somewhere that can fulfill all your needs, and this place has got it. I made the trek out here to pick up a helmet so I would be prepared to ride when my motorcycle arrived. Estavan greeted me when I walked in, asked what I was looking for, and showed me their available inventory. They had plenty of helmets available in assorted colors, styles, sizes, and price ranges. I told him my $$ limit, and the fashion show began. Instead of just trying on a couple helmets in my price and style range, he had me try on helmets of all kinds to give me an idea of their features, fit, and safety rating, so I could make an informed decision and not one based solely upon price or style. Full disclosure: the $ 500+ Shoei helmet was the one that fit me best, but I was not ready for that type of commitment. I ended up deciding on the Scorpion EXO-​400 model. Although they did not have mine in stock I was able to order it online and have it shipped free and be ready for in-​store pick up two days later (it would have been next day had it been ordered by 3PM).
Aside from helmets, they had an entire assortment of leathers, gloves, locks, eyewear, and other accessories. If they do not have it in stock, you can order it through an associate or online and get it the next day.
What I enjoyed most about the experience was the education in riding and in the products available. Instead of just walking in and getting a helmet, Estavan spent time with me to help me understand the importance not only of helmets but of all gear, ranging from the way they are engineered to the reasoning behind wearing (aside from the obvious reason: safety). Sometimes it can be burdensome to have an eager associate when you really just want to look, but I feel that I learned a lot and made an informed decision about my purchase, and the future purchases I will make. The time spent was well worth it.
Of note:
*12% Unilocal check-​in discount — get those smartphones out
*Nominal discounts on last season’s styles, in case you’re not fashion forward like me
*Easy to navigate website with more products than I could have ever possibly imagined
*Quick shipping. If you order by 3PM it will deliver next day to the store (2 days if you ship it to yourself)
*NOT open on Sundays, so don’t head all the way out there
Obviously, Friday was the best day ever because my motorcycle arrived, my helmet arrived, and I was able to hit the open road. Just as I suspected, I look hot as shit in my new black matte Scorpion helmet. But looking hot is not what’s important; it’s about practicing safety and using protection.
1,000 stars for the service, education, and encouragement. Keep your eye out for this moto-​hottie!

You ride with shorts. Never use a helmet. And could care less about ‘gear’. Then one day you almost die. Or dream you did. Or, like me, somebody on the other side of the bed from you kept nagging you to get a helmet, and some other things too. You kept resisting. Then you found out you were having a kid. So you gave in…
For some inexplicable reason Chicago lacks motorcycle shops. Specifically, shops with a selection of helmets. You can go online and find what you need. Sure. But unless you know what particular brand and model fits your head right, it’s a real pain. Finally, since the closure of Chicago Cycle, there is actually a store that stocks helmets. Lots and lots of helmets. I found Shoei, Nolan, Exo, Icon, Arai. All of ‘em.
But here’s why I’m writing this review. Not only did these guys stock all the major helmets, they actually spent time with me until I found one that fit. They didn’t talk me into any of them. 100 dollar helmets to 800 dollar helmets. They had an objective thing to say about all of them. It took me an hour to find one that fit and this guy didn’t wince. He didn’t abandon me for the cop who is waiting to buy the Harley in the window. He just kept taking me to each helmet until we found one that worked. And to top it off, their price was actually better than the internet!
I would hope most people would try to support local shops but when the internet beats them by a paycheck it’s hard to stay local. But in this case, you actually save money. The color I wanted wasn’t in stock so they ordered it and had it the next day.
If every shop had this kind of service, selection and pricing, online shopping would plummet.
You’re gonna I think I know these guys but I’m just that excited about a shop that actually sells helmets, and jackets, and all the junk I thought I’d never want. And now I need to get. I’m glad I found a place to find it all!

Visited this shop for the first time today as I’m in the middle of taking a motorcycle learning course and wanted to pick up a helmet. I had a great experience. The lady I spoke with was very helpful and honest in helping me choose a good helmet. I’ll definitely be going back.

Rider’s Needs is a fantastic motorcycle shop to help you with ALL your riding needs! I am a new rider, and was in search of some gear, a new helmet and saddle bags. Had excellent service, got great advice and help fitting a new helmet. Didn’t have a helmet in stock, was ordered and arrived the very next day. Very personable and relatable staff [not bad on the eyes either ladies ;)]
Recommend to anyone who rides.
Check out their website and Facebook page as well!

i have been riding bikes for over 25 years and have dealt with many different bike shops… My current bike is an 08′ MotoGuzzi Breva Sport 1200 and i am always looking for new and cool stuff for it. I found Riders Needs on google for Bike accessories and decided to check them out. It is fairly small shop (they have a GREAT website). To sum up the experience… Top Notch!!! All of the guys that I have dealt with have been friendly, very easy to talk to and knowledgable. They do have a decent selection of cruiser and sport bike accessories in the shop, but are able to get in almost anything within a few days… Great source of fit advice and general info. Overall… a cool bunch of guys that will get you what you need at a fair price!!!

Great place to order your aftermarket parts for your motorcycle… fast and great prices… A better alternative to online.

Just when it seems that there are fewer motorcycles shops in the area, along comes rider’s needs. Their storefront is rather small at this moment. They are in the process of hopefully expanding. Most of their sales are web-​based. However, if you have the opportunity to pop in for a visit you will be entitled to some great customer service.
Esteban provided us with his full attention, lots of knowledge and an eagerness to make sure that all our needs were addressed. While they
didn’t have the Arai helmet that my companion’s giant melon required, they ordered it and provided us a very competitive price.