Full Throttle Magazine April 2024

Getting Your Bike Ready for Riding Season:

by Robert Blanton

With spring just around the corner I know your itching to ride! But let’s not hit the road until you make sure your bike is safe and as ready to ride as you are.

Here’s a quick list of 6 points to be sure and check before taking your first ride this spring.

1. Fuel: The reason not to use old fuel.

2. Battery: No matter whether it’s lead acid or lithium, give it a charge.

3. Tires: Are they going to make through the entire season?

4. Oil & Filter: Changing them both now is a great idea and ideal time.

5. Those Sometimes Forgotten Fluids: Check the brake fluid and coolant. (if you have coolant)

6. The Clean-Up: This is a great time to completely detail your bike. Wash, dry and wax your bike.

Fuel

Remember that old stale gasoline in a stored bike can cause several issues for you this spring. Gasoline deteriorates rapidly and the more combustible elements of gas will have already started to evaporate which can cause your bike to run rough or possibly not run at all. Gasoline can also begin to create varnish while it sits for long periods of time in your tank. This is truly a problem because your bike can develop clogs in the fuel lines, filters and your jets or injectors. Another problem with old gas is it can develop moisture in the tank which will cause a series of other problems. It is best to drain your old stale gas and refill with high octane fuel and check you tank while drained for gunk, sludge or rust. Now that we have fresh fuel we are ready to move on with our spring checkup.

Battery

A common issue in the spring is a dead battery. The best way to avoid this is to use a battery tender (trickle charger) that will automatically turn itself on and off so your battery is not overcharged. But in the case you have not used one you should charge your battery to its proper level. If your battery does not take the charge obviously you will need to replace the battery for the season. Remember letting your battery drain will decrease the life of your battery each time that occurs and will require replacement sooner rather than later.

Tires

Tires are a very important part of your bike and should be checked on a regular basis. Always check for flat-spotting, proper air pressure and any wear. This is the best time to replace those worn or damaged tires prior to the riding season.

Oil & Filter

It’s possible you changed your oil when you winterized your bike. If not it’s recommended that you change both your oil and filter to be ready to ride. Always change both the oil and filter at the same time. Check your owner’s manual for proper procedures.

Forgotten Fluids

Realizing that your brake fluid is often neglected or forgotten you should check your owner’s manual for the correct DOT type of fluid required in your bike and top it off. Never mix two types of DOT fluid because they are not compatible. Also remember brake fluid is highly hygroscopic and has a high tendency to absorb moisture right out of the air, so never leave your brake fluid uncovered because this could lead to the contamination of the fluid. If your bike requires coolant, this is a time to check it and top it off.

Clean-Up

Now that we have completed the first 5 steps we come to the point we all love. The Clean-Up. This is the perfect time to wash, dry and wax your bike. There are motorcycle specific products (meaning they are not car products repackaged for bikes) and there are a full range of cleaners, detailers and waxes. You can purchase products at participating dealers in your area or online. Well, now that we have done our spring Check-Up we are ready to ride. Be safe all season long and we look forward to seeing you on the road with Full Throttle Magazine.

MarkYour Calendars

DIODE DYNAMICS

OPEN HOUSE & CAR SHOW

APRIL 13th-12 PM

SONIC CAR CRUISE EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT KIRKWOOD, MO.

APRIL 27TH 9TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND CAR SHOW

CRUISIN LINDBERGH

APRIL 27TH 6-9 PM

APRIL 27TH 1ST ANNUAL SPRING FLING POKER RUN

Bikers

CRACK UP’S

That bizarre moment when you pick up your car from the garage and you realize that the brakes are still not working but they made your horn louder.

When I see lovers' names carved in a tree, I don't think it's sweet. I just think it's surprising how many people bring a knife on a date. ___________________________

Dentist: "You need a crown."

-

Patient: "Finally someone who understands me."

___________________________

Husband looks at his wife in surprise, "Wow darling, you look all different and nice today! Is that a new hairdo?"

-

The wife hisses from behind him, "I’m over here, Arnold!"

Recently I introduced two of my lisping friends to each other.

After a short but rough fist fight they realized that neither was mocking the other one.

My old aunts would come and tease me at weddings, “Well Sarah? Do you think you’ll be next?”

We settled this quickly once I started doing the same to them at funerals.

Two friends are talking: My doctor told me I must stop playing football.

-

What?! Is he sure? Did he examine you properly?

-

Not really. But he did see me playing.

_______________________

Boy comes up to his father, all angry, "Dad, you remember how you told me to put a potato in my swimming trunks? How you said it would impress the girls?"

Father looks up, smiling, "Yeah, did it work?"

The boy screams, "You could have mentioned that the potato goes in the front!"

________________________

A clairvoyant to a man, “I can see you are the father of 3 kids.”

The man smiles smugly, “No, I have 4 kids.”

The clairvoyant, “That’s what you think.”

________________________

Wife, “Honey, soon there will be 3 of us here! Isn’t that great?”

Husband, “Oh darling, that is simply wonderful!!!” -

Wife, “I’m so happy you react that way! I did tell my mom you won’t mind her moving in!”

_________________________

A son asks his mother: "Mom, the kids are laughing at me, they say my teeth are too long!”

Mother replies: “Oh shush, now you’ve scratched the whole floor again!”

Years ago, I threw away a boomerang really hard.

I’ve lived in constant fear since.

Welcome

Rocky here at St. Charles Harley Davidson to tell you about all the new stuff happening in the dealership. We have two new vendors here and on display. Figurati Designs and Muc-Off cleaning solutions, more on them in a bit. We also Customized a brand new 2023 CVO Road Glide. We got the bike set up with 14” apes, new exhaust from khrome werks, and a full custom paint job that you have to see in person! Now lets talk about those two new vendors.

Figurati Designs specializes in crafting motorcycle accessories that seamlessly blend form and function. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, their products are meticulously designed to enhance the aesthetics of any motorcycle. From sleek and stylish custom axle nut covers to timing covers, each accessory is a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. each accessory has a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest. Every product is a work of art in its own right, reflecting the individuality and personality of the rider. With a dedication to excellence and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Figurati Designs continues to redefine the motorcycle accessory market, offering riders the opportunity to truly make their mark on the road. Using state-of-the-art machinery and traditional craftsmanship techniques. CNC machining for intricate metal parts, every step of the process is executed with the utmost care and precision.

Quality control is paramount at Figurati Designs, with rigorous inspections conducted at each stage of manufacturing to ensure that every accessory meets the highest standards. Materials are carefully sourced for their durability and performance. Each accessory undergoes thorough testing to guarantee longevity and reliability on the road. The result is a lineup of motorcycle accessories that not only enhance the rider's experience but also reflect Figurati Designs' unwavering commitment to excellence in manufacturing. 0

Written By: Rocky

Throttle Readers !!!!!

The Muc-Off pressure washer stands out as a powerful and versatile tool designed specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Engineered with cutting-edge technology, it offers an unparalleled level of cleaning performance, effortlessly removing dirt, grime, and grease from every nook and cranny of your motorcycle. With adjustable pressure settings and a range of specialized attachments, including a snow foam lance and a soft brush, it caters to the diverse cleaning needs of different surfaces, from delicate paintwork to tough engine components.

Beyond its exceptional cleaning capabilities, the Muc-Off pressure washer is also engineered with convenience and durability in mind. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and store, while its robust construction ensures long-lasting reliability, even in challenging environments. Equipped with a long power cord and hose, it provides ample reach for cleaning larger vehicles and outdoor spaces without the hassle of constantly repositioning the unit. Whether you're preparing your motorcycle for a ride or sprucing up your patio furniture, the Muc-Off pressure washer delivers professional-grade results with minimal effort, making it an indispensable tool for any outdoor enthusiast.

One last thing! We have Saddlemen seat demos in the shop so you can try before you buy. Make sure you are riding in comfort.

Thats all for this month. Stay tuned for next month and when we announce our events for the kickoff of the riding season!

Thank you for reading!

Rocky

St. Charles Harley Davidson

DORIS-”THE TALE OF TWO AUTO’S

Everyone has heard of the great novel by Charles Dickens “A Tale Of Two Cities“; and I’m sure many of you had to write a report about it. For Me, unless it had an engine in it, I could have cared less. Now, if it was called “The Tale Of Two Auto’s”, The Nun’s would not have to slap the back of my hand for me to pay attention.

You see, for this story was set in a small suburb just outside of St. Louis known as Classic Car Studio. This city had what every Oil Blooded boy or girl could ever want. They had their design team, fabricators, upholstery shop, paint shop and a great mechanic team; what ever it took to build a great car. The main character of the story was Doris, the slow 1962 Chrysler 300.

Doris in “TheTale Of Two Auto’s” was not necessarily a slow car, if you opted for the bigger engine. It could certainly travel around town or across the country with style and lots of room for comfort. In its day, it was considered by Chrysler as a luxurious “Muscle Car” with all of the performance of Dodge and the Plymouths in that same era. It also had all of the luxury features expected with the Chrysler name.

With a great car like this 300, don’t expect it to be just sitting around growing old. If you are ever just cruising in the passing lane and you look in your mirror and you see an old patina 300 catching up with you, you better get the HELL out of its way. Because you are about to get Sucked in to a VIPER!!!! Yes, I said a VIPER! Doris just had a upgrade. GENERATION 2.0; well 8.0 Liter V10 as a matter of fact. The Plot Thickens

Scene change; enters the Second Tale. Tale number two comes about when the owner of nine years, Brian Schnuck, decided to do some improvements to an already cool car. Brian knew the right place to take the car for these needed updates. That would be Classic Car Studios. Brian, Noah Alexander and his team sat

down to come up with the plan for the build. The car already had the natural beauty with the paint and body, so that was all left alone. To save the patina look, a little BASF Glasurit satin clear was used.

With this build, Scott France and Randy Thomas did most of the work. but with all builds you need many hands. When the biggest change of your build is putting a 450 horse V-10 between the fenders, you don’t go on the Internet and order a frame; you build one. And who would you possibly call for a set of V-10 headers to fit a ’62 Chrysler 300? So Classic Car Studio had to build them along with the stainless exhaust using Magna Flow mufflers to add a little tone. This one also holds the T-56 6 speed transmission sending the power through a Center Force Clutch to a 9” FORD rear end built by John’s Industries with 4.11 gears.

With the power rack & pinion and Ride Tech Air suspension with the four link set up, it brings the ride quality way up. But what is a good ride if you don’t have the rubber to match it, CCS did the Mini Tub to fit the US Mags “Santa Cruz” with the Pirelli P-Zero tires. Front-245/35ZR20 Rear-335/25ZR22.

If you are going to drive a Classic car, you have to improve the braking; Wilwood is a great choice. The guys wanted the engine bay and the interior to fit together so they made custom metal panels under the hood, floor mats, seat backs and the center console that flows all the way to the rear shelf.

To add more class and a nice smell, the dash and the Pro-Car seats by Scat were covered in leather. The gauges are original but still communicate with all of the modern technology.

For me just the pure sounds of Doris speaking out to me would be enough on most days but for other times I would need to blast the Kicker Audio sound system to it’s limits.

When asking Brian his favorite part of the car, two things popped up. The dashboard and the headlights and that is a tough question I know considering the great job Scott and Randall and the team at Classic Car Studio did on this car.

Like all other builds, they are truly never done. Doris has future plans which include MORE power and air conditioning. Who knows, “The Tale of Two Auto’s” could reemerge in a sequel.