HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Holiday Season is a time of sharing and the giving of gifts between friends and family. If you have riders on your list, we would like to offer some suggestions for unique and practical gifts that any rider might appreciate. The following pages are a mix of items and services offered by Thunder Roads Ohio and some of our partners. Some of our suggestions are practical items that a rider might not consider or just over look. An AMA or ABATE Membership, for instance, is something that any biker or enthusiast will appreciate but might not get themselves. Helmets, good gloves, or protective riding boots are other items that riders can always use – but often neglect for themselves. It’s also worth mentioning that you might consider getting a little something for your “Iron Steed” as well. People think nothing of getting gifts for dogs and cats – so why not for your bike? And as luck would have it, we might have a few suggestions for stuff your bike would love as well! If you’re looking to get a cool motorcycle themed shirt or gear for your favorite rider this Christmas – don’t pick up anything from the stack at the Big Box Store- especially if it features any of the TV bike shops or soap opera clubs. You really don’t want to be the guy or gal riding up in your SOA or Orange County Choppers shirt to Bike Night. And you don’t really want to be responsible for sending out your loved ones like that either! A MUCH cooler option is a shirt from a local independent bike shop. A shirt from the local shop will be appreciated much more and certainly convey much more thought and appreciation for the iron in the garage – not to mention the local motorcycle scene! There are numerous Bike Shops featured here in this month’s mag – including

Dirty Dog Motorcycle Company Iron Horse Customs Renegade Customs

Pistol Caliber Carbines chambered in .380 Auto - 3895TS 9mm - 995TS 40S&W - 4095TS 10mm - 1095TS and 45Auto - 4595TS Choose yours today!

AMERICAN MADE AMERICAN PROMISE

Rider Gift Tip: A Motorcycle Cover Every motorcycle should be covered with a motorcycle cover when it is not in use. Motorcycle covers are a multi-use tool that every biker should own. Not only do they provide excellent protection from the elements, but they also act as a theft deterrent and can save your bike from minor scratches and abrasions. Whole-body motorcycle covers are ideal for when your bike is parked at home on the street or in your garage. They protect the entirety of your bike. Half covers are best for traveling because they can protect your bike, keep your seat dry, and easily store away in a motorcycle saddlebag or tail bag when you’re on the move.

Important Features to Consider

There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a motorcycle cover. • Fit and security. While proper sizing does matter, all motorcycle covers will need a bit of help in holding on to your bike. Elastic hems, straps, buckles, and tie-down grommets are all tools that can be used to ensure that the cover stays on your bike, especially during strong winds. Additionally, some covers feature grommets at the wheels so that you can use a cable lock to hold down the cover and keep thieves from rolling your motorcycle away. • Indoor or outdoor protection. Do you want a lightweight indoor dust cover, or do you need a heavy-duty outdoor motorcycle cover that can protect your bike from the wind, rain, and bird droppings? • Scratch protection. All quality covers will be made of a material that should not scratch your motorcycle. High-quality covers will feature a soft inner lining, especially around the windshield, that is certain to protect your bike from scratches and abrasions. Be sure to see what other components are made of, specifically grommets and buckles, to make sure they won’t scratch your bike when in use. • Additional features. Some motorcycle covers feature nifty additions such as antenna patch kits, motorcycle alarm pockets, and exhaust heat-shielding. Be aware that most of the inexpensive covers are little more than a fabric cover, while the more expensive covers often have convenient add-ons that could make storing your motorcycle much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions Should you always cover your motorcycle?

Yes. Whenever you are not riding your motorcycle it should be covered to protect it from rain, dust, UV rays, and all other sources of degradation. Covering your motorcycle is essential to preserve its paint, fabric, and working components.

What size motorcycle cover do I need?

Most motorcycle covers are available in a variety of sizes. Their sizes are either labeled for a certain style of bike, such as a chopper, tourer, or sports bike, or they are sized out according to their measurements. Be sure to note the style of bike you own and take its length, width, and height measurements so that you can match it with an appropriately sized cover.

Will rain damage a motorcycle?

Rain, snow, and all forms of precipitation will slowly damage a motorcycle over long periods of time. Rain often carries contaminants in its drops, including pollution and pollen, that will damage your motorcycle’s paint and fabrics over time. Prolonged exposure to moisture can also lead to corrosion and rust of vital components.

Should you cover a wet motorcycle?

You should not place a cover over your motorcycle until it has had a chance to completely dry. A cover, even a breathable one with vents, will lock in the moisture that is already present on your motorcycle. The moisture may never fully dry out if covered while already wet. Nelson Rigg has been producing high quality motorcycle apparel, luggage and covers since 1972. They have a reputation for great products that work really well. We’ve ridden with Nelson Rigg tank bags for years, and our featured gift suggestion for the year is a new item we’ve spent the year testing – The Defender Extreme Half Cover. When I first heard of a “half cover”, I wasn’t sure what use I’d have for it – but I quickly found it to be an extremely useful piece that I packed for every road trip. It’s the perfect thing to pull out on the fly for protection from the weather or even to take it “out-of-sight” when you’re forced to leave your bike unattended for longer periods – say, at a motorcycle rally or while camping. The cover is completely waterproof and has an elastic hem to keep the wind from blowing in any moisture or leaves, etc.. Sewn-in bungees and convenient straps allow you to easily cover just about any bike and hold it firmly. This cover is ultra-light – weighing in at just over a pound, and it conveniently can be stored in its own stuff sack which is attached to it. It’s small enough to fit in virtually any storage compartment or saddle bag. By covering the “top half” of the bike, it easily protects the most “vulnerable aspects” without taking in the “hot items” below or tires. This makes it a lot easier to use while out on the road. It also cuts down on the size and makes it really handy.

For more information nelsonrigg.com

Recommended Shops Iron Pony - 5436 Westerville Road, Westerville,OH USA 43081 614-901-7669 Cycle Specialties - 6175 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati,OH USA 45247 513-574-7878

My first bike build with help and from a good friend Mitch Alcala. Built in his garage in Redstone Colorado over this past year. A Flyright Chopper reach for the sky hardtail frame. Powered with a Harley evo, Ultima 6 speed connected with a Bdl open belt primary. Paughco springer front end with a mosnter nine inch headlight. Tc Bros king queen seat with a custom built stainless sissy bar. 32 Ford replica taillight. Freshly powder coated frame. Two tone candy red and black paint topped with plenty of red metal flake in the clear. Hand pinstriped by Darren Did It Pinstriping. Ditched the front break. Foot clutch and jockey shift. Kind of a chore to ride but so much fun. Stoked on how my first build came out.

The build was pretty par for 2020. Started in January 2020 over the after a handful of weekends in the garage cutting, welding and making parts fit. It was time to tear it all down. Parts went to powdercoating. Tins prepared for paint. Motor painted and polished. I took off for Daytona Bikeweek week to work the rally for J&P Cycles. Then 2020 hit.... While in Florida I got into a pretty severe motorcycle accident. Breaking my pelvis in half, along with my tail bone and nose. A helicopter ride to a trauma center in Fort Myers. Followed by surgery where they installed what looks like a bike chain and six screws to put my pelvis back together. Ten days in ICU during the beginning of Covid. Laying in the hospital alone with a long road to a full recovery ahead of me. Uncertain when or if I could get back out to Colorado to finish my build. Mitch stepped up and gathered all my parts finished polishing and painting the motor. Then things started to go back together. By the middle of May i was well enough to make the journey back to Colorado to finish this project up before returning back to Pennsylvania for the remainder of summer. Painted my tins and finished putting it all together. It was time for the test ride down beautiful 133. An unreal scenic ride Crystal river on one side and beautiful rockfaces on the other. 50 miles later back at the shop. Checked everything over, no oil leaks or issues. Ready to head home for the remainder summer and finish my recovery. I added the finished sissy bar and new fender when I got home to Waterford Pennsylvania. Finally done and ready to ride once my body could handle the hardtail life again. Couple of short rides here and there in the months leading to Biketoberfest. Once again off to Daytona where the final pinstriping was done and some minor clutch adjustments at J&P Cycles. She was all done and ready for the bike shows. Couple days later I placed in the bike show at Spotnicks Cabbage Patch. Feeling quite accomplished riding up A1A with Katye and I on the bike I built. Much like 2020, a lot of obstacles and set backs but feel I still came out on top. I couldn't have done it without help and guidance from Mitch and also all the help and support I received from all my family and friends during my recovery. Happy to still be able to do what I am passionate about riding and wrenching on bikes. Looking forward to building many more! - Justin Krol