E N O E K FREE TA T’S I
Full Throttle Magazine December Issue 2021
December 2021
Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
T a ble o f C on ten t Page 6-7: The Best of Historic Route 66
BikeNight Pic's 2021
Page 11: Crack Up's Page 12-14: According to Science,
Young People Want Motorcycles
Page 16-118: Legends Suspension
S T A F F
Full Throttle Magazine 6209 Mid River Mall Dr Ste 182 St Charles, MO 63304 Robert Blanton, Publisher Publisher@fullthrottle-magazine.com Cindy Blanton, Editor Editor@fullthrottle-magazine.com Contributing Writers Zach White, Keigan Borgmann, Randy Hobson, C. Blanton Sales Staff Robert Blanton, Contributing Photographer Robert Blanton, Denis Niederhoffer Nick Gaines
Full Throttle Magazine and its content is fully Copyrighted ©
As we wind down the year of 2021, I have to sit back and reflect on all the upheaval this country has had to endure. I don’t know how much more this country can take. But right now I want to focus my attend on the holiday season, being around our family and friends. The holiday season is finally upon us and this is one my favorite times of the year. I’d just wish Christmas was in the middle of the summer instead of the winter. Cold weather and I just don’t mix very well anymore. The great news about this Christmas is SANTA IS BACK and ready to greet all those wee ones asking for what they want for Christmas. He will be at St. Charles Harley-Davidson, Doc’s Harley-Davidson, Barnhouse Harley-Davidson and Mid America Harley-Davidson. Make sure you check out their ads and our Crusin Calendar to find when and where is will be. Another reason that this Christmas is going to be extra special is families are finally going to be able to celebrate together….in person. I don’t know about you, but our house is always full of our large family on Christmas day and last year, we had about a third of our family there. It just didn’t seem like the celebration that we are used to having. I’m excited to have everyone back together. Cindy and I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Holiday Season. Warmest Wishes and Best Regards. Bob and Cindy
ur o Y Mark dars n Cale KICK OFF 2022 SEASON BIKE NIGHT APRIL 6TH, 2022 EVERY WEDNESDAY SPONSORED BY Weather Permitting
Crusin’Caledar
MID-AMERICA H-D
HISTORIC
G
Candy Cane Bike Night December 17th 5-8p
Chili Cook Off & Pic's w/ Santa December 18th
Barnhouse Harley-Davidson Pic's with Santa December 11th
Full Throttle Magazine does not sponsor, endorse and/or promote every event on our Crusin’ Calendar. Our field staff may not always be at every event.
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CRACK UP’S
I don’t often tell Dad jokes. But when I do, he laughs. ______________________
My roommate claims that I’m schizophrenic. Jokes on him though, I don’t have a roommate. ______________________ My roommate gets really mad when I steal her kitchen utensils. But it’s a whisk I’m willing to take. ______________________ My wife is fed up of my constant Dad jokes, so I asked her, “How can I stop my addiction?” Wife: whatever means necessary. Me: No it doesn’t. ______________________ A man and his blonde wife are lying in bed trying to sleep but the neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking. The blonde decides she has had enough. She jumps out of bed ans says, “I’m not going to listen to that dog bark all night in the neighbor’s backyard”. She goes downstairs and after several minutes she returns to bed. When she gets to bed the husband says, “Honey, the dog is still barking, what did you do down there?”. The blonde replies, “I put the dog in our backyard, let’s see how they like it!” ______________________ My girlfriend’s dog died, so I tried to cheer her up by getting her an identical one. It just made her more upset. She screamed at me,
“What am I supposed to do with two dead dogs?” _____________________ I bought my wife a Pug as a present. Despite the squashed nose, bulging eyes and rolls of fat, the dog seems to like her. _____________________ Did you hear about the race between those two lions? The second lion won by elimination. The first lion was a cheetah. _____________________ What happened to the overconfident lion-tamer? He was consumed by his own pride. _____________________ What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa when she looked out the window? It looks like rain, dear. ______________________ A young kid is sitting on a park bench eating a chocolate bar. The man sitting next to him looks over and says, “Eating too much chocolate is bad for you.” The boy looks over and responds, “My great grandfather lived to be one hundred and one years old”. The man replies, “And he ate as much chocolate as you?” “No” says the boy, “He minded his own damn business.” jokes.lol.com www.FullThrottle-Magazine.com
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According to Science, Young
ountless think-pieces and op-eds would have you to believe that the younger generation cares quite little about traditional transportation. That these young adults are forgoing all forms of non-public transit due to lack of interest. Mercifully, science is here to refute these old-man-get-off-mylawn assertions—at least for the motorcycling world. Helping move the conversation from generalities and anecdotal hottakes, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show released survey findings that reveal younger demographics still have an eager interest in old-school, two-wheeled transportation. The survey was conducted along IMS’s seven-city tour, with its data gathered from participants of IMS’s “Discover the Ride” program. Discover the Ride is aimed at helping bring non-riders into the motorcycling fold. In total, 6,800 people were surveyed after they completed the program and their answers to a follow-up questionnaire revealed some interesting statistics. First, of those 6,800 participants, 47-percent did not have a motorcycle license, nor had they ever ridden a motorcycle. Of those non-licensed riders, IMS found that 81-percent indicated they planned on getting their motorcycle endorsement after they had completed the program. Furthermore, 64-percent of those non-licensed riders were under the age of 35, indicating there’s a large percentage of young people interested in taking the motorcycling plunge. Of late, however, the motorcycle industry has contracted with fewer young riders being added to the overall riding public. So if there’s substantial interest throughout a rapidly growing generation, what then, does this information signify? To our eyes, the survey illustrates the rising issue of generational income inequality and the rising cost of ownership. Not, as it’s been numerously stated, for a lack of interest.
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People Want Motorcycles
Though motorcycles are significantly cheaper than automobiles—which has seen a shrinking populace as well—motorcycles are still considered expensive, nonessential purchases to a generation who’ve seen their dollars go shorter and shorter distances. Rent throughout the country has increased disproportionately to inflation and college tuition debt among millennials has ballooned to over $1.5 trillion. Millennials also have less takehome income, or as much job security, as their parents. As such, many of the industries that Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers were able to prop up through favorable monetary systems and lack of assumed debt, are now hurting as the economy wanes and an entire generation is saddled by economic policies that have been proven to be unsustainable. IMS’s own Robert Pandya, who’s the Team Manager of the Discover the Ride program, touches on the industry’s shortcomings. “The motorcycle industry has struggled with Millennials and Gen X’ers not entering the market at the same rate as baby boomers are aging out. Thus, it is critical for the future of motorcycling that current industry leaders come together to bring approachable opportunities for the next generation, as well as underserved demographics, to experience and get on board with riding.” Though we enthusiasts may live during an era of plenty in terms of affordable motorcycle options, and scientific proof shows young adults do indeed want to get into motorcycling, there are a number of real financial hardships that tend to preclude ownership. Industries like the motorcycle market face an uphill battle so long as these issues plague young adults. Thankfully, because of IMS’s survey and subsequent data, we’ll never have to hear about the younger generation’s lack of interest in motorcycles. Article sited www.thedrive.com Written by Jonathon Klein Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @jonathon_klein
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L EG END S S
How’s it going Full Throttle readers? It’s Keigan here again. I want
to start off by wishing everyone a happy new year. I hope everyone had a great first couple months of what is sure to be a better year than last! Last month we were all blessed with Harley releasing their new models and some pretty cool new parts to customize your bike with. Personally, I like the new chopped engine guard for the touring models, and the new saddle bag guards Harley released to give the newer models a more nostalgic look. With the release of all the new products and partnerships this year, Harley Davidson has shown us that they still know what’s going on in the motorcycle industry, and why they are still the top dog in the market. Harley has taken a couple steps forward in the area of suspension, and that is what I wanted to talk to you about today. Suspension keeps the rides soft or firm, and helps keep the bike stable and on the road in the big sweepers. We can make your bike as fast as you want us to, but if you can’t keep it on the road, then what good is all that power? In the area of suspension, there are a couple of big names that have brought some awesome products to the market for these motorcycles. Harley Davidson has a premium adjustable suspension out, and we can’t talk about suspension without mentioning Progressive and Legends. So, let’s get into what I consider the most important modification you can do to your motorcycle. Let’s start with the Harley Davidson Premium Ride Hand Adjustable Touring Shocks. These premium shocks are Harley’s top of the line performance suspension. They are offered in two sizes: a standard size and a lowered size. These shocks use a single tube, nitrogen charged design, that allows the rider to fine tune the suspension using a knob that is located behind the left-hand saddlebag. The premium shocks offer a more controlled, yet plush, ride with their enhanced compression and rebound damping, which helps to prevents bottoming out. On these shocks, Harley has opted to go with an increased piston size of 40mm in diameter with 14mm rods. This allows the shock to react quicker to impacts, and also keeps the tires tracking while preventing vibration throughout the frame. If you’re looking to go a step up from the Harley premium shocks, you can go to a Progressive shock. Progressive has a number of different shocks for you to choose from. From your moderate rider, to the somewhat aggressive rider, Progressive has you covered. One of my personal favorite shocks from the Progressive line are their 490 Sport Series Shocks. The 490 series combines cost and function. It’s a true sport shock with an unbelievable low price. The 490 sport shock features
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U SPE NSI ON
Written By Keigan Borgmann
a high-pressure mono-tube with a deflective damping disc, which is coupled with a linear spring rate. What does that mean? It means that these shocks allow for a consistent and smooth feel through the damping stroke, and it gives them the ability to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads, all while keeping the ride safe and comfortable. These shocks are hand built and come with a lifetime warranty. If you have any questions on the Progressive line of shocks, reach out to me at the dealership, and I’ll get you answers. If you’ve tried the Progressive and found that you were out riding your suspension, or they just weren’t fitting your comfort needs, we can step you up to a set of Legends shocks. Legends offers a superior product with a life time warranty, and are hand built in the black hills of South Dakota. They come in a couple different spring rates and a number of sizes and finishes. Let’s start by taking a look at Legends top of the line system: The Legend Revo Arcs. The Revo Arcs are Legends top performing suspension. They offer adjustable rebound and compression damping. They come in a piggy back style for your Sportster and Dyna models, and in a remote reservoir for the Touring models. They are offered in 13” & 14” lengths, and standard & heavy-duty spring rates. These lengths of springs allow for a larger sweet spot for that ultimate ride comfort and performance. The 13” has a spring travel of 3.5” and the 14” shock has a spring travel of 4”. More spring travel means a better and smoother ride over all. They offer seven compression adjustments and seven rebound settings, which will allow you to customize the comfort and ride of the bike to you and your passenger’s liking. Legends come in a standard and heavy duty spring rate. Heavy duty spring rate is geared for the riders that ride with 550lbs, including luggage, 50% of the time. The Revo Arcs are going to come in three different finishes: black, gold and clear (silver). The next model in the Legends line up is their best-selling product, and they are the Legends Revo A’s. The Revo A is the perfect suspension for every rider. They are still offered in 12” (with 2.5” spring travel), 13” (with 3” of spring travel), and 14” (with 3.5” of spring travel) applications. One of the main differences in the Revo A’s and the Revo Arcs, is that the Revo A has compression control and six rebound settings, as the Arcs have seven compression and seven rebound settings. The Revo A’s are not a lesser shock by any means- they are just a different option to suit your wants and riding needs. If you are looking for a tailored shock ride and height, I would suggest the Revo A’s for you. Last, and certainly not least, is the standard Revo shocks. These are going to be your base line shocks for riders. There are no adjustment settings on them. They come from the factory with a rebound www.FullThrottle-Magazine.com
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setting of three. The lengths and spring travel are the same as the Revo A’s, and are offered in all three colors as well. If you’re looking for an easy install with no adjustments required, the standard Revo shock is for you. Moving from the rear suspension, all of these options are going to be able to pair nicely with a drop-in cartridge kit. Progressive offers their mono tube line and Legends has their Axeo drop in cartridges. Both of these are going to be offered in a number of different ranges and heights to help compliment the rear ride height. Progressive Monotube line offers high performance components that replace the sloppy open bath damping found in the OEM forks. Their kits feature a gas charged monotube damper and a set of custom tuned forks springs for all applications. The result of these components is superior damping and ride control combined with tunable preload. These are going to be a significant upgrade from your stock Harley front suspension. They are offered in standard height and 1” lower spring heights. If you’re not looking for a complete performance monotube setup, and are just looking to lower the bike a little to help with comfort and style, Progressive offers a drop in lowering spring kit that allows you to pull up to 2” out of the front forks to give your bike the ride height and look your after. Legends Axeo drop in cartridges take the bike to the next level. Weather you’re running the stock wheel size, or you opted to go with a bigger front wheel, Legends Axeo has you covered. These drop-in cartridges come with dual damping rods, which allows you the stability to maneuver the bike as needed. These cartridges also have a spring retainer in them. What the spring retainer does is keeps the springs straight inside the forks. One of the best things about the Legend’s cartridge is that they have a nitrogen charge in the top of the dampeners. That allows the first couple inches of movement in the fork to give it a smooth and plush ride. As you start to get to the end of the spring travel, it will get a little more aggressive and stiffer. That means you will be able to glide over the smaller dumps, and be able to eat up the bigger sized bumps in the road with ease. The Axeo’s come in a standard height, a +2 height, (for more ground clearance when cornering) and a lowered height. They also come available for stock wheels, 21” wheels, and 23” wheel applications. Suspension is one of those upgrades a lot of people generally don’t think about, because it isn’t the sexy thing people look for on a bike. However, suspension is a key component that brings all the power and riding together. It keeps the tires planted on the road and holds the bike true in the corners. It gives you, the rider, confidence when riding long distances-- knowing that you are going to stay comfortable and be able to handle the bike on any road you travel. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this article. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Suspension is one of my favorite topics and I could go on & on all day long about the benefits a good system has to offer. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 636-946-6487, or email me at: Keigan@stcharlesharleydavidson.com. Come by the shop and check out some of the builds we having going on, along with all the awesome products we have in stock. As always, keep the rubber side down and have yourselves a good day.
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STOUT’S
MOTORCYCLE APPAREL & NOVELTIES 1238 CLEARVIEW RD | UNION, MO 573.368.6551 OR 573.259.3229 EMAIL: STOUTS_STORE@LIVE.COM CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION ON HIGHWAY 47 AT CLEARVIEW RD ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.STOUTSSTORE.COM