Throttle Magazine 12430 Tesson Ferry Rd. Suite 230 St Louis, MO 63128 314-518-5380
FullThroTTle2024@ouTlook.com
Nick and Dina Gaines, Publishers Publisher@fullthrottle-magazine.com
Nick and Dina Gaines, Editor Editor@fullthrottle-magazine.com
Contributing Writers
B.Blanton, Rocky, Roger Ferris, Dina Gaines, Reine Knobbe, John Stephenson, Chris Hunter
Sales Staff
Nick and Dina Gaines
Design and Layout by Monster Graphics
Contributing Photographers
Nick and Dina Gaines, Chris Hunter, Reine Knobbe, Quinton McLendon, Sven White, Robert Blanton, Kerry Humphrey Facebook FULLTHROTTLEMAGAZINEUS
Soooo, We made it to two years, owning, printing and distributing Full Throttle Magazine here in Missouri!!! I can certainly confirm that it has not been a walk in the park for two people that started without experience in Adobe, GoDaddy or Issuu products, I mean holy crap !!!!!!
First before I start thanking people I need to really thank my wife Dina Gaines!! When I first started messing with this magazine about 10 years ago doing bike nights at Bobbys Place she was super supportive. I just figured she was happy to get a little peace and quiet one night a week. I didn’t really realize how much time I actually spent taking and editing pics, and if you know me, also talking about Bike Nights and the pictures I took.
Then I started doing more events. Big St Charles Bike night ,The Rat Run and I flew to Vegas for 8 years of SEMA (for the Magazine) and still she was by my side and helped with everything she could while running her own business 10 hours a day!!! Then came the day I was offered to buy the magazine; now just remember we are both running businesses, and we had no experience in doing this and I’m 62 years old with bad knees so what could go wrong?
So after many, many discussions somehow I talked her into buying the magazine with me. I think its because she thinks I’m cute, if I was an ugly man I wouldn’t of had a chance, just sayin : ) Now, we have an awesome monthly magazine! We have a t-shirt and hat line, we are doing car and bike shows throughout the area with our fancy Full Throttle tent, and we have around 88000 followers on our Facebook page. Also, an amazing group of friends that have helped us get to where we are. So two years in, I just really wanted to thank my wife for all of her hard work and support with magazine and there is absolutely no way we would be doing this without her.
I want to thank Bob & Cindy Blanton for letting me shoot pictures for their magazine when I had no real experience, but I had lots of experience in talking to people and so taking their pictures just came easily. (you see I’m kind of a talker). They bought Full Throttle Magazine back in March 2014 and we have to thank them both for entrusting us with their baby.
The people that help us get the magazine out every month are really our true support system . I would like to start by thanking Lori and Mike from Monster Graphics for all of their help and patience with me. We could not publish it without them; they are awesome. They teach me something new every month.
Special thanks to Rocky from St. Charles HarleyDavidson, John Stephenson, Mr. Mac and Chris Hunter and all the writers that contribute to make each issue worth reading!!! Also, a very big shout out to all of the contributing photographers Sven White, Quinton McLendon, Reine Knobbe & Robert Blanton.
We would like to thank all the models that have taken their time to meet us in parks, at bars, parking lot events and all the other places we had them posing on some kind of bike or car, usually with a crowd of people looking at them......
We would also like to thank all the bars, and all of the wonderful staff, who I constantly hound to take their pictures.
Our friend Kevin McCarthy that has all the amazing bikes and will show up anywhere to let us use them for pictures and displays.
Everyone that has let us use their car, bike or location, we would like to say thank you. We appreciate our advertisers more than we can say, there would be no Full Throttle Magazine without your support.
Once
Big St. Charles Ladies
Ladies garage Party!
Technician Spotlight
Welcome back Full Throttle readers! It has been a busy month and the spring time weather has arrived! This past month we had Ladies Garage Party. The spotlight of the event was our technician Paris installing a Harley stage 2 cam on her personnel Softail low rider S, right in the middle of the showroom floor! Paris is a graduate from Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando FL. She is an Advanced Level Technician working her way to Masters. Paris worked on her motorcycle the whole event while taking questions from the attendees!
A Stage 2 cam upgrade is one of the most popular and impactful performance modifications for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Riders looking to unlock more power, improve throttle response, and enhance the overall riding experience often consider this upgrade as a natural step beyond basic bolt-on modifications. While it requires more investment and mechanical involvement than simpler upgrades, the benefits can be substantial for those seeking a more aggressive and responsive machine.
At its core, a Stage 2 cam upgrade involves replacing the stock camshaft with a performance cam designed to optimize valve timing. This modification is typically paired with a Stage 1 setup, which already includes a high-flow air intake, upgraded exhaust system, and an ECU tune. The camshaft plays a critical role in controlling how air and fuel enter the engine and how exhaust gases exit, so upgrading it allows the engine to “breathe” more efficiently. This improved airflow directly translates into increased horsepower and torque.
One of the most noticeable benefits of a Stage 2 cam is the significant gain in torque, particularly in the low- to mid-range RPMs. For Harley riders, this is especially valuable because these motorcycles are often ridden in real-world conditions where strong roll-on power matters more than high-rev performance. Whether accelerating onto a highway, passing another vehicle, or climbing hills, the added torque makes the bike feel more powerful and responsive without needing to downshift as frequently.
In addition to torque gains, a Stage 2 cam can also deliver increased horsepower across the RPM range. While the exact gains depend on the specific cam profile chosen, many riders report improvements of 15–30% over stock performance when combined with proper tuning. This translates into a bike that not only accelerates faster but also maintains stronger performance at higher speeds. For riders who enjoy spirited riding or long-distance touring, this added power enhances both excitement and confidence on the road.
Throttle response is another area where a Stage 2 cam upgrade shines. Stock Harley-Davidson motorcycles are often tuned conservatively to meet emissions standards and ensure broad reliability.
Spotlight and Stage 2 Cams
As a result, throttle input can sometimes feel muted or delayed. A performance cam, combined with proper ECU tuning, sharpens throttle response dramatically. The engine reacts more quickly and predictably to rider input, creating a more engaging and connected riding experience.
Another important benefit is improved overall engine efficiency under load. By optimizing valve timing and airflow, the engine can operate more effectively when working hard. This doesn’t necessarily mean better fuel economy—in fact, fuel consumption may increase if the rider frequently uses the added power—but it does mean the engine performs more efficiently in delivering usable power. This can make long rides smoother and reduce strain on the engine during demanding conditions.
Customization is a key advantage of Stage 2 cam upgrades. There are many different cam profiles available, each designed to emphasize different performance characteristics. Some cams focus on low-end torque for city and cruising riders, while others are designed for higher RPM power for more aggressive riding styles. This allows riders to tailor their motorcycle’s performance to their specific needs and preferences, rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all factory setup.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that a Stage 2 cam upgrade is not without considerations. Installation is more complex than basic modifications and often requires professional expertise. Depending on the engine, it may involve opening up significant portions of the motor, upgrading valve springs, and ensuring proper clearances. Additionally, a high-quality ECU tune is essential to fully realize the benefits and maintain engine reliability.
Reliability is generally maintained when the upgrade is done correctly with quality components and proper tuning. Modern Harley-Davidson engines are robust and can handle the increased performance demands, especially when the cam is chosen appropriately for the intended use. Regular maintenance and attention to engine health become even more important, but the upgrade itself does not inherently compromise durability when executed properly.
In conclusion, a Stage 2 cam upgrade offers a transformative improvement to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. From increased torque and horsepower to sharper throttle response and enhanced sound, the benefits are both measurable and deeply experiential. While it requires a greater investment of time and money compared to simpler modifications, the payoff is a motorcycle that feels more powerful, responsive, and uniquely tailored to its rider. For many Harley enthusiasts, upgrading to a Stage 2 cam represents the moment their bike truly comes alive.
Thank you for reading!.
Tech Tips with Mac!!!!
Are you Ready for Riding Season?
By Mac, Iron Motorcycle Performance
Getting your Harley-Davidson ready for spring is about more than just a quick wash; it's a systematic "de-winterization" to ensure safety and performance.
First — General Safety & Cleaning
- Critter check: Inspect the air intake and exhaust for mouse nests or other pests.
- The "wrench check": Harleys vibrate — it's what they do. Go over critical fasteners (mirror mounts, floorboards, exhaust bolts) to ensure nothing has worked loose.
- The wash: A deep clean helps you spot hidden leaks or frame cracks you might miss otherwise. This is often overlooked, but a good wash makes you touch every part of your Harley and helps you find problems before they leave you stranded.
Battery & Electrical Check
- Charge & test: If you don't use a battery tender, you may already have issues. Fully charge the battery with a trickle charger — avoid fast charging, which can overheat and shorten battery life. Check for terminal corrosion; clean with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease if needed.
- Lights: Test high/low beams, turn signals, and especially the brake light.
Fluids & Fuel System
- Oil change: Condensation can build up in the oil pan over winter. It is highly recommended to change the oil and filter before your first major ride.
- Stale gas: If you didn't add a fuel stabilizer, the gas may have degraded. If the bike runs rough, drain the tank and refill with fresh, high‑octane fuel.
Brake fluid: Check levels and look for a "muddy" appearance — that indicates it's time for a flush.
Tires & Chassis
Tire pressure: Tires lose air in the cold. Adjust to the PSI specified on your tire's sidewall or in your Harley-Davidson Owner's Manual.
Tread & rubber: Inspect for flat spots (if stored on the floor) or "dry rot" cracks in the sidewalls.
- Drive belt/chain: Inspect the drive belt for cracks, debris, or improper tension. If you have a chain, make sure to clean and lubricate it.
Hope this helps. As always, thanks for taking the time to read the article. If there is a topic you would like more info on, feel free to email us at Sales@ IronMotorcyclePerformance.com and put "Tech Article" in the subject line. Mac
