Let’s meet sisters Dottie and Tabitha on Rick Pogue’s sister Bikes ................... 18,19,20 & 21
St. Charles Harley-Davidson 22 & 23
at
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
Sales Staff
Nick and Dina Gaines
Design and Layout by Monster Graphics
Contributing Photographers
Nick and Dina Gaines
Reine Knobbe, Quinton McLendon, Sven White Robert Blanton
HAPPY 250 YEARS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
250 years ago, they would have had no freaking idea, that I would be sitting here writing an intro-page for our magazine that would go out to thousands and thousands of people over a thing called the internet through an app called Facebook.
But look at us now, so far away from the pony express that we can have whatever information that we want in mere seconds (whether we want it or not !!)
Happy Birthday America!!!!!!
So, let’s recap our month of June and like I said last month once again it was full of rainy days and a few Mondays.
We featured Leigha and our friends at Rodz and Muscle with a great shoot for the magazine. Next, we have been having some great Bike Nights at the Hideout and 21 Rock (you should try and make them on alternating Wednesdays)
June 6th was a day where everyone at least in Missouri was having a Car or Bike Show! First, we headed down to Chariots of Fire Customs LLC for their 21st, as always Jan & Reine threw an awesome Bike Show and they had a great turnout!
Then we stopped by and saw Marcella with Bikers for Backpack’s. I got to tell you if you are ever in the position to donate to a charity look up Bikers for Backpack’s run by her. She has truly given her heart and time to this charity, and we all support her at Full Throttle Magazine. Then to finish off the night we headed to Cars and Guitars in Kirkwood and as always, it was an amazing turn out and a great time.
Next came Sammy Hagar and his first stop of the tour. It was raining all day but at 4:00 it completely cleared up and it was a dry sold-out show as always Sammy never disappoints although he could have played a little longer. (just saying) So woke up way to early after a Sammy show and we headed out to the St. Charles Family arena for the Shriners 2nd Annual Car & Bike Show and we spent the whole day there and it was a great turnout. There were some amazing cars, trucks and bikes and great people!!!!!!
Lastly, I was able to hit the Southside Chopper Show on Sat. June 20 and as always, the choppers and other bikes were just awesome. I have to think throughout the day they had 5-6 hundred bikes. All of these events are annually and if you are reading this mark them down in your 2027 calendar!
Let’s get into July!
We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July, and it seems everyone is having a house or pool party for the 3rd & 4th of July since it falls on Friday and Saturday.
Are friends from the Armed Forces of America, MC. having a Bike Wash for Toys for Tots on July 11th @ Tenbrook Station Lounge from 12-4 . You should really try and make this one!
Come on out to Lindbergh for Crusin Lindbergh this July 18th. Always a great time, don’t forget to get there early to set up a seat to check out all the awesome cars and truck as the cruise Lindbergh like we have been doing for here in South County since before I could drive....
So, a long long time...
Also, on the 18th our friends, the Infringement Band, will be at Longshots TIKI BAR. Nothing like kicking back and rocking next to the river!!!
Last, the Armed Forces of America, MC are just kicking this month for Toys for Tots. They are having a Poker Run on July 25th signups at 5:00 at Shirleys Bar and Grill 100% of all donations go to Toys for Tots!!
I know there is all kind of stuff Im missing but watch our Facebook page for shows and updates!!!
Why does it cost so much to repair your Harley?
By Mac, @Iron Motorcycle Performance
All too often I hear “why does it cost so much”. Well there are several factors that contribute to it.
Understanding Core Cost Factors in Motorcycle Maintenance
When it comes to motorcycle maintenance, especially for models like Harley-Davidson, several core cost factors come into play that can significantly impact your repair bills. Understanding these factors can help you appreciate the costs involved and make informed decisions about your motorcycle care.
1. Labor Rates
Labor rates at dealerships typically range from $150 to over $200 per hour. These rates reflect the overhead costs that shops incur, such as rent, insurance, utilities, and tools. Skilled labor is inherently expensive; technicians must be compensated for their expertise, which is crucial for ensuring quality service on your motorcycle.
2. Neglecting Maintenance
Many riders are diligent about changing oil and transmission fluids but often overlook other critical maintenance tasks. Items like wheel bearings, neck bearings, brake fluid, clutch fluid, and drive belts also require regular attention. Neglecting these can lead to more severe issues down the line, resulting in higher repair costs.
3. Specialized Tools and Software
Every job on a Harley usually requires at least one specialized tool, which can cost several hundred dollars. Additionally, technicians often need specialized training to work on motorcycles, which involves a steep learning curve and ongoing education. Modern motorcycles utilize advanced diagnostic tools to identify issues, and repairs may require software programs that only certified technicians can access.
4. Unique Maintenance Needs
Harleys have specific fluid requirements and capacities that vary by model. Using the wrong fluid or incorrect amounts can lead to problems, making it necessary for technicians to possess detailed knowledge of each model’s needs.
5. Design and Access Difficulties
Motorcycles, particularly Harleys, have tightly packed components. Technicians often spend additional billable time removing fairings and other parts just to gain access to the area needing repair. This can add to your overall labor costs.
6. Actual Time vs. Book Time
One of the most significant contributors to cost discrepancies is the difference between “book time” and “actual time.” Book time refers to the estimated duration for a job as outlined in the Harley-Davidson flat-rate manual, while actual time reflects how long the mechanic takes to complete the task. Several factors contribute to this gap:
- Hidden Behind-the-Scenes Tasks: Book time accounts for several tasks that may not be immediately apparent, such as writing up the service ticket, ordering parts, moving the motorcycle onto a lift, test riding it post-repair, and conducting safety checks.
- Estimates, Not Timers: Harley-Davidson, like most vehicle manufacturers, uses a flat-rate labor guide that establishes average job durations. If a technician encounters challenges like rusted bolts or stubborn wiring, you won’t be charged extra time. Conversely, if an experienced technician completes a three-hour job in 1.5 hours, you still pay the estimated book rate. Essentially, you’re paying for their expertise and efficiency rather than the actual time taken.
## Conclusion
Understanding these core cost factors can demystify the expenses associated with motorcycle maintenance. By recognizing the complexities involved, you can better appreciate the value of skilled labor and the importance of regular maintenance to keep your motorcycle running smoothly. Prioritizing preventative care not only preserves your bike’s performance but can also save you money in the long run.
I 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.
DeathValley – Nature’s Gauntlet
Full Throttle – July 2026
ByJohnStephenson
Some places impress you with their beauty. Others leave a mark because of what they make you feel. Death Valley did both.
On April 9, my riding partner Brian and I left Ridgecrest, California, bound for Henderson, Nevada, a 370-mile day through one of the harshest and most hauntingly beautiful landscapes in North America. Along the way, we visited Dante’s View, Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin, and Furnace Creek, where premium fuel commanded a painful $7.50 a gallon. By day’s end, I had experienced one of the most memorable rides of my life not simply because of the roads, but because of the perspective the journey gave me.
The route into Death Valley began the previous day in Morro Bay. After a couple of nights on California’s central coast to rest, do some laundry, and give both us and the motorcycles a little attention, it was time to turn east. We picked up California Highway 58 west of Bakersfield, headed toward Ridgecrest, and discovered what may be one of California’s most enjoyable motorcycle roads.
CA-58 is a gem. Smooth pavement, broad sweepers, and just enough curves to keep things interesting made for the kind of ride where machine and rider settle into perfect rhythm. As we moved inland, the scenery transformed from cool coastal hills to rugged open country and the first hints of desert. California’s contrasts were on full display.
The following morning, we picked up CA-178 and connected with CA-190, heading toward Death Valley National Park. As we approached, the world changed. Vegetation thinned. The earth shifted to muted shades of gold, rust, and ash. The horizon widened until it felt endless. This was no ordinary scenic destination—it was a landscape that demanded respect. Our first stop was Dante’s View. No photograph can truly capture what it felt like to stand there, but perhaps it can at least prompt some small measure of emotion Stepping off the bike, I noticed a man and his young son standing at the overlook’s edge some 500 yards away, staring silently into the valley below. It was a simple moment, but it struck me as to just how vast and humbling Death Valley is.
From more than 5,400 feet above the valley floor, Dante’s View offers a perspective that is difficult to comprehend until you experience it firsthand. Death
Valley feels less like a destination and more like an obstacle an immense natural gauntlet.
I couldn’t help but think about the early settlers who crossed this unforgiving basin with little more than determination pushing them forward. They came seeking water, opportunity, or simply a route through. What they found was a place offering no shelter, no easy crossing, and no guarantee of survival.
Surrounded by salt flats and towering mountains, the sense of isolation was impossible to ignore. Furnace Creek provided fuel and sticker shock. At $7.50 a gallon for premium, there was little room for debate. In the middle of Death Valley, you simply swipe the card and move on.
We continued south on Badwater Road, tracing the valley floor deeper into Death Valley before eventually connecting with CA-178 east toward Pahrump and on to Henderson. Badwater Road carried us past the salt flats and deeper into the basin, with Funeral Peak rising starkly to our east, Sidewinder Canyon slipping by in the distance, and the lonely remains of Ashford Junction reminding us that even in this desolate place, people once tried to carve out a life. Mile after mile, the valley seemed to stretch endlessly ahead, the scale of it almost impossible to process from the saddle. By the time we rolled into Henderson, tired but exhilarated, I realized this had become far more than another ride checked off the list.
Motorcycles connect us to places in a way nothing else can. In a car, you observe the landscape. On a motorcycle, you become part of it. You feel the heat, smell the desert air, and experience the scale without filters.
Death Valley magnifies all of that.
It strips away distractions and leaves you face-toface with the raw reality of the landscape and with your own small place within it.
From Dante’s View, the enormity of their struggle becomes painfully clear. Every mile below had to be earned the hard way—on foot, by wagon, beneath a relentless sun, driven by the belief that something beyond the horizon was worth the suffering. Standing there, I gained a small appreciation for the courage that must have taken. That thought stayed with me all day. I wanted a drink of ice water.
Descending into the valley, we stopped at Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich hills explode in surreal shades of green, blue, pink, and ochre. It felt otherworldly, like nature had decided to experiment with color.
At Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, the silence was striking. Even in April, heat radiated from the earth.
Some roads entertain. Some roads challenge. And some roads change the way you think.
Death Valley is absolutely one of them. Until next time, I’ll be out chasing more Roads Worthy it feeds my soul.
Tabitha Duncan
Dottie Bridges
Bike builder -Radical Revision
Bike owner -Rick Pogue
Photos by Nick Gaines
The Return of an American Icon: The 2026 Harley Davidson Super Glide
For Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, some names carry more weight than others. Among them, the Super Glide stands as one of the most influential motorcycles ever produced by the Motor Company. Originally introduced in 1971, the Super Glide helped define the factory-custom motorcycle segment and became a symbol of individuality, freedom, and American motorcycling culture. Now, more than five decades later, Harley-Davidson has revived the legendary nameplate with the all-new 2026 Super Glide.
The return of the Super Glide is more than a nostalgic exercise. It represents Harley-Davidson’s effort to reconnect with its heritage while delivering the performance, technology, and reliability expected by modern riders. Limited to just 2,500 serialized motorcycles, the 2026 Super Glide is both a tribute to the past and a statement about the future of American cruising.
At first glance, the motorcycle immediately evokes memories of the original FX Super Glide. The White Onyx Pearl paint scheme, vintage-inspired tank graphics, abundant chrome, and classic cruiser stance all pay homage to the groundbreaking 1971 model designed by Willie G. Davidson. The large five-gallon teardrop fuel tank features period-correct striping, while tubeless laced wheels and chrome mini-ape handlebars complete the retro-inspired appearance.
Despite its vintage aesthetic, the 2026 Super Glide is built on Harley-Davidson’s modern Softail platform. This gives the bike a level of refinement and performance that riders from the early Super Glide era could only dream about. The frame provides improved rigidity and handling while preserving the classic hardtail look that has become a hallmark of Harley-Davidson cruisers.
Power comes from the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic V-twin engine, a 1,923cc powerhouse that delivers impressive torque throughout the rev range. Producing approximately 98 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque, the engine offers effortless acceleration and strong highway passing power. Whether cruising through small-town America or carving through winding backroads, the Super Glide delivers the unmistakable rumble and character that Harley riders demand.
One of the most appealing aspects of the new Super Glide is its balanced riding position. Chrome mini-ape handlebars, mid-mounted foot controls, and a low seat height create a comfortable yet commanding posture. The setup allows riders to feel connected to the motorcycle while maintaining comfort during longer journeys. This blend of ergonomics reflects Harley-Davidson’s understanding that modern riders expect both style and practicality.
Technology also plays a significant role in the motorcycle’s appeal. While the Super Glide maintains a classic appearance, it incorporates modern rider-assistance systems and convenience features. Available ride modes, traction control, cornering-enhanced ABS, tire-pressure. monitoring, cruise control, and LED lighting bring the motorcycle firmly into the twenty-first century. A multifunction digital display integrated into the analog speedometer provides essential riding information without disrupting the bike’s traditional look.
The limited-production nature of the motorcycle adds another layer of exclusivity. Each 2026 Super Glide carries its own serialization marking, making every unit part of a select collector-oriented production run. In an era when manufacturers often focus on mass production, Harley-Davidson’s decision to limit the model to 2,500 units creates a sense of rarity that is likely to appeal to both collectors and dedicated enthusiasts.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement of the 2026 Super Glide is how successfully it bridges generations of Harley-Davidson riders. Older enthusiasts will appreciate the visual references to the original FX and the company’s rich heritage. Younger riders, meanwhile, gain access to a motorcycle that offers modern performance, safety features, and everyday usability wrapped in a timeless design.
The motorcycle also arrives at an important moment for Harley-Davidson. As the company seeks to attract new riders while retaining its loyal customer base, models like the Super Glide demonstrate how heritage can be leveraged without becoming trapped by nostalgia. Rather than simply recreating the past, Harley-Davidson has reinterpreted one of its most significant motorcycles for a new era.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Super Glide is not merely a commemorative model. It is a celebration of American motorcycling history, a showcase of modern engineering, and a reminder of why the Super Glide became a legend in the first place. With its blend of classic styling, modern performance, and limited-edition exclusivity, the new Super Glide stands as one of the most compelling motorcycles in Harley-Davidson’s 2026 lineup.
For riders fortunate enough to secure one of the 2,500 examples, the Super Glide offers more than transportation. It offers a direct connection to a legacy that helped shape the custom motorcycle movement and continues to inspire riders more than fifty years after the original changed the industry forever.
Thank you for reading,
Rocky - St Charles Harley Davidson
