Full Throttle Magazine June 2025 by Full Throttle Magazine

JUNE 2025

IT’STAKEONE FREE

Yes,

21 Rocks Bike Night was a huge success. Lots of venders, music by The Frye Project & a “loud stereo contest”

It was an awesome time at Grafton’s first Bike Week. It was 5 days of fun in the Sun. Trust me we had a blast & we were only there for three. (Damn real jobs). We met a lot of new faces & saw a lot of old friends, Pictures are in the magazine for June & there will be pictures up on Facebook.

We are now into June, that means sunshine, swimming pools, river floats, concerts, bike & car shows. Get out & enjoy what June has to offer. It’s a beautiful month.

The Hideout & 21 Rock are doing alternate Bike Nights. Lots of fun people, good music & cold libations. If you get a chance stop in on a Wednesday & check it out.

Also, the 4th Wednesday of every month HARDKNOCKS C.C. MISSOURI is at The Hideout for “Old School” Cruisin’ Night. Bring your hot rods, rat rods & customs.

We will be at a really great event at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC. in Troy. The 20th Anniversary Celebration & Motorcycle Show on June 7th. Registration starts at 9am. Live music all day, vendors, food & drinks. Benefiting Hartbauer / McBride Bikers helping bikers. Reine & Jan throw a fantastic event so show up early & enjoy.

It’s the 3rd annual Show Me Show Down Rod & Custom Show in Cedar Hill presented by HARDKNOCKS C.C. on June 14th. Registration is at 10 am. Wow what a show! We went last year & it was great.

The 7th Annual SOUTH SIDE Bike Show June 14th 1-5 pm. Our friends Southside 5 will be playing. There will be a wet t-shirt contest & lots of great bikes. It’s at DB’S 1615 South Broadway.

We are taking our Full Throttle tent, t-shirts & magazines to the Shriners Car Show presented by Moolah Yomo St Louis at The Family Arena in St. Charles on the 21st. Registration starts at 9 am. There will be food, music, vendors (like us) & Custom Trophies.

Looking for something brand new & very interesting to do? Visit the Villain Arts 1st Annual ST LOUIS TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL held June 20th - 22nd at the Gateway Convention Center.

Wind out the month with the Pacific Car Show. 8 am to 4 & the Block Party is 4pm to 11 on June 28th. People come from all over for this event, so you will see cars & trucks that you don’t usually see. Eat, drink & support the local venders. More info @ WWW.PACIFICMO.ORG

Need more things to do in June? Well, we can’t list it all here so visit our Facebook page daily for more events, times and info.

Stop by & say hi if you see us out.

Nick and Dina

N HALEN

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Known as "The World's Most Authentic Tribute to Van Halen," FAN HALEN brings the personas of Dave, Eddie, Alex, and Michael to life, delivering a true-to-life tribute to both the band and the spirit of an era!

GRANITE CITY'S NEW CONCERT VENUE

The Mill Events 1311 20th Street Granite City, IL 62040

ON MAIDENS

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

The Iron Maidens rock The Mill! One night only! This internationally recognized tribute act delivers excellent musicianship and a remarkable stage show. Conquest opens at 8 p.m. Be at The Mill for a night of rock!

COMING SOON IN JULY

WRESTLING AT THE MILL

FRIDAY, JULY 11

You wanted it, you got it! We have negotiated a special event for Friday July 11th, 2025 with the stars of Pro Wrestling Epic! Former WWE superstar RHYNO will be taking on Keith Smith Jr. in one of the main events! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! THIS WILL SELL OUT!

THE CLEVERLYS

THURSDAY, JULY 17

The Cleverlys is a one-of-a-kind, unique comedy and music experience. From the groups humble beginnings in the Ozark Mountains, to currently headlining festivals and PAC's all over the country. One thing is for

Around

Around Town

Bikes Live Music FOod Vendors Swag Attitiudes unwelcome

2nd

7-10

JUN

An American Ride

RallyTime – Sturgis2025 June 2025 – FullThrottleMagazine roadsworthy@gmail.com

Every year since 1938, bikers and other “motorcycle enthusiasts” have been traveling to Sturgis, SD, for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The rally initially started as an event for stunts and races, organized by a group of Indian Motorcycle riders called the Jackpine Gypsies. The founder was Pappy Hoel, who purchased an Indian Motorcycle dealership in Sturgis in 1936. The event has grown exponentially over the years (617,000 attended in 2023) and generates more than $800 million dollars in annual revenue to the region.

My first trip to the rally was in 2018 and I enjoyed it so much, I have been back every year since. The feeling was almost euphoric as I rode down Main Street for the first time through thousands of bikes, people, and past dozens of venues and vendor tents as I searched for a place to park. Finding one right in front of the Hell’s Angels Support 81 storefront, I backed in and dismounted.

A visit to Sturgis during the rally is highly recommended, but there are also several other small towns that offer worthwhile experiences. Our annual trip includes visits to the towns Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish, Hill City, Keystone and Custer. To say that negotiating in traffic in the region during the Rally can be challenging is an understatement of epic proportions, but with careful planning and timing, you can make the most out of the riding experience.

My main purpose in going every year is to ride all the amazing routes throughout the Black Hills region. But there are dozens of other activities to Main Street - Sturgis,SD, August2018

participate in including head-liner concerts nightly at venues like the Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle Saloon, and the Knuckle Saloon. In addition, there are races, hill climbing, and stunt riding throughout the week.

Though not the oldest, the Sturgis rally is indeed the largest motorcycle rally Since 1990, the annual attendance at the rally has exceeded over 400,000 except for one year (1999) when attendance was 375,000. The largest year on record was 2015 (the 75th Anniversary) with 739,000 on hand. There are dozens of rallies held across the country each year and their popularity and attendance are growing. A few notables include:

• Laconia Bike Week, established in 1916, is the nation's oldest rally and takes place in mid-June in Laconia, NH. (Approx. 300,000 each year)

• Daytona Bike Week, which began in 1937, takes place around the first week of March annually in Daytona Beach, FL. (Approx. 400,000 annually)

• Myrtle Beach Bike Week, established in 1940, takes place in mid-May in Myrtle Beach, SC. (Approx. 200,000 annually)

Near to St. Louis, the Bikefest at Lake of the Ozarks held mid-September began in 2006 and has grown to approx. 125,000 in annual attendance.

Riding opportunities abound in the Black hills and, as I stated earlier, riding is the main reason I attend. Several routes are available online at sturgis.com, and an annual map is published each year. This map can be obtained at various locations near Sturgis, including retail shops, restaurants, gas stations, motels, and more. Iron Mountain Road, the Needles Highway, Nemo Road, Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park loop, the Badlands, and Devil’s Tower are some of the prominent routes There are also many other back roads to explore offering endless combinations or shorter trips to all-day tours.

Obviously, a trip to the region must include visits to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. Construction of the Crazy Horse began in 1948 and continues to this day. Depending on the rides you take, you are likely to pass by Crazy Horse on US-385 between Custer and Hill City several times during the week, but it is worth the price of admission to visit it at least once, take in the Museum and the short movie shown in the theater and even take the bus ride up to the top.

Mt. Rushmore is also on the must-do list! It is one of the most incredible sights I’ve ever seen, and I marvel at the accomplishments of Gutzon Borglum who started construction in 1927 and completed the faces between 1934 and 1939. Borglum died in 1941 and his son, Lincoln, took over completion of the project. The original plan for the carvings was to depict figures from head to waist. Financial constraints halted the project in 1941, leaving only Washington's face with detailed features below the chin. I highly recommend a visit during the night lighting ceremony, held each night from 8:0010:00PM. Simply breathtaking!

Jaimie & The Playboy Bike

Bike OWNER: JEREMIAH MASK, OWNER OF HIGH SPIRITS & BIG DADDY CADILLAC TATTOO Model: jaimie diaz

Choosing the Right OEM vs.

The 2025 Harley-Davidson A Revolution

Welcome back full throttle readers! Summer is coming up fast and its time to start logging in those miles! When it comes to owning a Harley-Davidson, one of the most critical maintenance decisions riders face is selecting the right tires. Tires play a pivotal role in safety, comfort, handling, and performance. Among the top choices for Harley riders are OEM tires, Dunlop American Elite, and Michelin Commander III motorcycle tires. While each offers advantages tailored to different riding styles and needs, understanding their key differences can help ensure a better ride and longer tire life.

OEM Tires: The Factory Standard

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires are the ones Harley-Davidson installs on bikes straight from the factory. Most commonly, these are Dunlop D401, D402, or D407/408 models, depending on the bike. Harley-Davidson and Dunlop have worked closely for decades to produce tires that meet the brand’s distinct styling and performance standards.

Benefits:

• Perfect Compatibility: OEM tires are specifically designed for Harley-Davidson models. That means a predictable fit, ride feel, and performance.

• Comfort and Handling: The ride feel is optimized for cruising, with good high-speed stability and moderate cornering performance.

• Brand Assurance: Harley-Davidson dealerships frequently recommend OEM tires, and installing them often helps preserve warranty coverage.

Considerations:

• Shorter Lifespan: Riders often report that OEM tires wear out faster than aftermarket alternatives, especially under heavy loads or aggressive riding.

• Wet Traction: Some OEM tires, such as the D401, have limited wet-weather grip compared to premium alternatives.

Dunlop American Elite: Built for the American V-Twin

Designed specifically for heavyweight American touring bikes, Dunlop’s American Elite tire line is a top choice for Harley riders looking for durability without sacrificing comfort. These tires are the only aftermarket option developed, tested, and manufactured in the USA for Harley-Davidsons.

Benefits:

• Extended Tread Life: American Elite tires are built with multi-compound technology—harder in the center for longevity and softer on the sides for grip.

• Improved Wet and Dry Grip: With an advanced tread pattern and enhanced silica compounds, they offer superior 0traction in various conditions..0

• Ride Quality and Load Rating: These tires are engineered to handle the weight of fully loaded touring bikes, making them ideal for long-haul riders.

Considerations:

• Slightly Firmer Ride: Some riders report a stiffer feel compared to OEM tires, particularly on rougher surfaces

• Higher Price Point: While durable, American Elites tend to be more expensive than basic OEM replacements.

AMERICAN ELITE

Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycles:

Tires For Your Harley Davidson

American Elite vs. Michelin

in Long-Distance Riding

Michelin Tires: A Performance-Driven

Alternative

Michelin offers several premium motorcycle tires suitable for Harley-Davidson models, notably the Michelin Commander III series (replacing the popular Commander II). Michelin designs these tires with a strong emphasis on longevity, grip, and rider feedback.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Wet and Dry Grip: Thanks to Michelin’s proprietary compound and tread design, Commander III tires provide outstanding traction in all conditions.

• Longer Life: Michelin uses a dual-compound construction that enhances durability while maintaining cornering performance

• Smooth, Comfortable Ride: These tires are engineered for reduced vibration and noise, making them ideal for touring and daily cruising alike.

Considerations:

• Break-In Period: Some riders note that Michelin tires need a few hundred miles to fully break in and deliver optimal grip.

• Treat Style: While functionally excellent, the aesthetics of Michelin treads may not appeal to those seeking a traditional cruiser look.

Summary Comparison

Final Thoughts

Lifespan

Ride Comfort Soft and smooth Firm but stable

and quiet Cost Mid-range

Handling & Grip Basic for cruising

for touring

with cruiser comfort OEM TIRES

The right tire for your Harley-Davidson depends on your riding style, terrain, climate, and preferences. If you prefer the peace of mind that comes with factory specs and dealer familiarity, OEM tires are a solid choice. For touring riders and those who demand durability, Dunlop American Elite tires offer performance and longevity tailored for the American road. If you’re after a refined ride with premium grip and modern construction, Michelin tires provide a top-tier alternative that blends performance and comfort.

Regardless of brand, keeping your tires properly inflated and regularly inspected is crucial for both safety and performance. Choose the tire that best fits your riding needs—and enjoy the open road the way Harley intended.

As always thank you for reading!

Rocky @ St. Charles Harley Davidson