In thirteen years of business I have seen different styles of motorcycles come and go in popularity.  Thirteen years ago choppers were all the rage.  Possibly because at the time the motorcycle reality shows American Chopper (Teutuls of Orange County Choppers) and West Coast Choppers (Jesse James) were popular television shows.  Biker Build off was also fun to watch.  The bobber was popular for a while too.  That was around the time our son Jake built his bobber as some of you may remember.  Jan also built “No Grey Area” when the bobbers were popular.  Then came the baggers and these babies are holding on!  Many changes have gone on with them over the years from the big wheels to long low bags.  Now the same size tire seems to be the thing.

So, out of curiosity I asked our new parts/service employee, Tommy, what he thought the next trend in motorcycling would be.  I thought I would do my own research to see what the industry gurus were saying.  Just to compare.  In my spare time (ten minutes) I looked up what the most popular motorcycles in 2018 were and to my surprise, the bobbers are back!  Several others on the top ten include the Suziki GSX250R and Zero SZF7.2 sport bikes (according to Popular Mechanics).  Hmm, no baggers made the top ten (again only ten minutes looking).

One article I ran into stated that motorcyclists tend to be “tribal” with sport bike riders hating cruiser riders who hate dirt bike riders who hate adventure riders with “a lot of playful animosity between brand-loyal riders” (article about Hipsters by Mark Hinchliffe 2017).  I did not like that line of thinking.  Say it ain’t so!  It definitely isn’t true here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  I guess you could call us Switzerland.  We love everyone no matter what you ride! 

Oops, a little side tracked there.   Back to the original question, what does Tommy think?  Tommy believes that Cholo style bikes will become all the rage.  After all, the rival gang on Sons of Anarchy (apparently making a comeback this fall) will be riding them.  Not to mention that Tommy’s last bike was Cholo style!  Bottom line is that we here at Chariots love ALL our customers’ bikes.  We treat each as if it were our own.  Keep the shiny side up! 

Peace out, Reine

So I’m going to state the obvious.  We all run into road hazards practically every time we get into our vehicles whether it is in our car, truck or on our motorcycle.  When we only have two wheels under us these hazards tend to be worse.  During the summer it seems that there are more hazards out there:  work zones – which can have edge breaks, narrow lanes, cones, no shoulders; distracted drivers – which can include phones, texting, minds on vacation; folks tired and/or dehydrated from a weekend of fun down at the lake or river; and of course animals – deer, dogs, skunks, and armadillos have made it up this far north!

So what’s a person supposed to do?  Stay home where it is safe.  Hell no!  I’m all about enjoying life.  Let’s just go out there prepared.  Make sure your machine is in top running condition with good tires and a tank full of gas.  Make sure your tank is full also with a good breakfast and plenty of water.  Be alert and drive defensively (be aware of your surroundings, have an escape route, cut out your own distractions).  Think safety first so when entering those work zones pay attention to the decrease in speed and other warning signs.  When riding at dawn and dusk make sure you are alert and scan ahead for any movement on the shoulder that could be a deer or other animal.  Being prepared helps keep the life you enjoy remain a joy!  Peace Out,  Reine

When it comes to routine maintenance, most people don’t think about fuel injectors and fork oil.  Dirty or clogged fuel injectors and fuel filters can greatly degrade your motorcycle’s performance and economy.  A plugged fuel filter can lower your fuel pressure leading to poor performance and possible engine damage.  Plugged injectors can do the same.  When it comes to the fork oil, it is just as important to change.  Why?  Think about this:  forks move at a very high rate, sometimes up to 2 meters per second as the fork springs compress and relax.  That movement can work dirt and metal debris into the fork oil.  Heat, shearing and contamination can take place with all that movement over the course of the bike’s life.

The damping characteristics of old fork oil are very interesting in cooler weather. At first it will resemble cold Maple syrup, not easily stirred. Fork action will be minimal, abrupt and quite harsh. After a few miles the fork oil will begin to warm and change its flow characteristics, providing a little more suppleness to fork travel. That will improve considerably the longer you ride, but only to a point. If you ride for longer periods of time and/or for more miles on your average bumpy roads the fork oil will get thinner and thinner, and then you have little damping to go with your springing.

So, you can see why it is important to change ALL fluids in your motorcycle.  We just happen to have 15% off fork oil changes and fuel injector cleaning this month.  Stop by or call for your appointment today 636-775-1385.

      As I mentioned last month, Rosie and I sat in on several very good seminars this
winter at the Drag Specialties expo. Last month I went over lighting. This month I
want to share with you what we learned from Brian Klock in his own words:

     “Not 3 weeks after winning the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off in 2006,
Klock Werks found themselves at the Bonneville Salt Flats with the winning
Bagger and Laura Klock as the pilot. In the first 2 passes she rode to a National
Land Speed Record. Reporting a lift in the front end as she increased speed with a
stock windshield, Klock Werks set out to design a windshield that would make the
bike more stable at high speeds.

     Starting simply, Brian held his arm out the window while driving, testing airflow
with his hand held in different positions to figure out how to add down force.
From there a prototype was designed, and the Flare™ Windshield was born. After
extensive planning and testing, including an incredible opportunity to test the
design at the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, NC, the Flare™ Windshield is now
available to you! “ Want more info on the Flare™

The Flare

     What Brian really emphasized at the mini seminar is the down force. I looked over
some of the reviews and most folks stated that it reduces wind and buffeting and
some mentioned being able to hear their stereos better.

     Brian makes a great product and we use his windshield on all our bikes. But don’t
just take our word for it. We have a “try it before you buy it” program. This is
how it works. Bring in your bike, trade out your windshield for one of the Flare™
models we have on display (we will also need a copy of your drivers license).
Ride for several days with the Flare™ and make an informed decision if it’s the
one for you. If not, then we can direct you to other models such as the Memphis
Shade. No matter what you choose, we have 15% off any windshield of your
choice for the month of May.

    As many of you know by now, Chariots of Fire Customs LLC prides itself in keeping up with the latest on motorcycle technology. We understand the importance of a well tuned, comfortable, beautiful and safe ride. Several times a year, staff members go to events that showcase the latest innovations. This year is no different as Rosie and I picked up some valuable information on lighting that we would like to share with you.

    Custom Dynamics® has everything to “light up your ride”. Rosie and I were most impressed with their new, low-profile LED taillight, which is included with other great lighting in the new ProBeam line-up. The way this taillight was designed lets the light be seen from the sides as well as the rear as it wraps around to increase side visibility and maximizes safety. Attending the mini seminar was interesting and gave us a chance to learn about the process in creating this specific light. The creator had to go back to the drawing board multiple times and almost gave on up this concept. Thankfully, he persevered and created a great product! There are five light pipes that illuminate across the taillight as the running light and 25 separate LED’s provide a full contrast brake light.

   The ProBeam headlamps are also very impressive. According to Custom Dynamics®, the low beam consists of three high-power LED lights and a DRL (daytime running light). High beam keeps the low beam illuminated and adds two additional LED lights with three projector lenses for an incredibly wide optical pattern. This brightly shines along the sides of you just as well as ahead of you down the road. Rosie and I were sitting on the opposite end of a large room when they turned the sample headlight on and we had to turn away. The guys sitting closer to the front had to ask the presenter to please turn it off because it was so bright! 

   The ProBeam lineup includes dynamic ringz, passing lamps, fillerz, head lamp trim rings and saddlebag lights. These products feature the highest quality automotive LEDs and modern light pipe design. We were able to see several of these products taken apart so we can vouch for their high quality. Custom Dynamics® is based in Youngsville, NC and was founded in 2002. Their products are proudly made in U.S.A. and are available for a wide variety of motorcycle makes and models. Custom Dynamics® also offers the best warranty program in the industry with a Lifetime Warranty against LED failure and a five year warranty on electrical modules followed with the best customer support to back it up.

   With this brief introduction to Custom Dynamics® you can see why Chariots of Fire Customs LLC is proud to carry their products. Be sure to call the shop or stop on by to find out how we can light up your world! We just happen to have all lighting on sale this month for 10% off, but if you mention this article we’ll make it 20%!

     Robert Thomson, a Scottish engineer, invented a hollow circular belt made of rubber which was then inflated with air. This is called a pneumatic tire and was patented in the U.S. in 1847. Shortly after, Thomson lost interest in his invention and about four decades later, John Boyd Dunlop reinvented the pneumatic tire for his bicycle and some early motorcycle prototypes by 1895. It was until then that solid rubber tires were mainly used.

     Many changes have led to the modern motorcycle tires we have available today. One being the radial tire, patented in 1915 by Arthur Savage. His patent expired in 1949 but Michelin had furthered and made commercial success of it in 1946. These tires enhanced road grip and traction which made them great for motorcycles.

     Early tires were made of cross-ply structure, which were threads woven across each other. These were great for accelerating yet, had solid sidewalls which made turning corners difficult. Michelin improved the cross-ply with rubber threads and were used roughly from 1920 until 1972, when Dunlop patented a tubeless tire. This was a revolutionary invention, though tubes are still manufactured and used. As the early motorcycle industry progressed, larger tire sizes accompanied larger engine displacements. Engine size, racing, riding in rain, cornering and being able to stop quickly all contributed to the progression of tires for both safety as well as a comfortable ride.  

     Tires are the most important part of your motorcycle.  Not only are they needed to move, but critical in safety for both you and your two wheeled baby. Happy and safe riding friends!

                 I began riding my own bike way back in 2000 or so. I’ve taken many day trips and vacations on the motorcycle along with my husband and good friends. Over the years we have experienced many break downs within our small groups. This year as I ventured out on my own, I had the good misfortune to break down. Not just once but, twice. Both times temperatures reached into the 90’s.

                I have been confident for many years, to take off alone on the bike, enjoying the wind, the road and local events. Recently, I was at an event waiting for the “Ride to the Wall Riders” to show up at a local V.F.W. Hall. It’s quite an eventful sight to see. So many bikes show up to honor our veterans. As I got ready to leave, my bike would not start. A dead battery. As confident as I am in my riding skills, I am not so confident in asking for help. Good thing I was with friends that knew exactly what I needed to do. Look for a motorcycle support vehicle. Soon enough, we found someone with a battery charger in his truck. That’s just what I needed to get my bike started!  I tried to offer him some money for his time and trouble but he politely refused. Before I knew it, I was headed home. Parked my bike in the garage and told my husband about the bike issue. I was sure he would know how to fix it.

                About a month later, it was time for a girls ride. Another hot day was in the forecast so we decided to head to the lake. Go for a swim, have lunch and ride home. What a nice afternoon we had sitting in the water, the shade, and drinking ice tea. We soon packed up our bikes and got ready for the ride home.  Yet once again, my bike will not start. UGH! It’s hot, my husband isn’t reachable and now I have to deal with this, again. We asked some locals if they could help and give my bike a jump. That didn’t work. I soon called a friend with a truck and trailer that was willing to come get me and the bike. The ladies I was with were nice enough to stay with me until my ride got there.

                We soon got the bike home and found out what it was that kept leaving me stranded.  The charging system went bad, which my husband was able to fix.

                I learned a couple of things through these mishaps.
1. It is very difficult for me to ask for help outside my family.
2. Bikers stick together.

I am very grateful for all who have helped get me back on the road and the ladies who stuck with me. Just when I think I’m independent, I have to learn to depend on others.

                Today as I got into my car, it would not start. Positive thinking, I was home and knew exactly what I needed to do. Whip out the credit card and call a tow truck to take the car to the dealership. Ride the bike to work.

                                                                                   Life is good.

  If you want a feel good story, keep reading!  Eight years ago Tim Swofford was the Chairman of Deacons at Troy First Baptist Church.  One of his duties was to work with the widows in their church community.  One Saturday Tim used his motorcycle to help tell a story relating back to the church.  At the end of this meeting Tim jokingly asked if anyone wanted a ride.  As Tim stated, the joke was on him as Gladys, who happened to be 85 years-young at the time, raised her hand.  So Tim gave her a ride that evening.  It was her first time on the bike and Gladys had so much fun she asked for another ride the following week.  This time she showed up with her friend Mary.  Tim took each of them around the block.  Well as often happens in life, Tim left this area for a few years.  And that is how this story begins. . .

  When Tim moved back, the girls asked him for another ride.  Tim of course complied as both ladies were now 92 years-young.  This time they showed up with even more friends.  Tim was somewhat prepared and had enough other drivers to take all of them for a longer ride in the fall of 2016.  They all had so much fun they requested yet another ride.  This time Tim called in reinforcements and CMA Broken Chains Chapter stepped up to the plate to help organize a bigger better ride along with other volunteers.  This time 19 widows showed up!

  Jan and I were invited to participate in the “Widows Ride” as they needed more drivers than the year before.  What a blessing to be asked to participate!  The day started with a briefing for the widows who range in age from 60 to 93 years-young.  Most have never ridden a motorcycle before, others only a few times and still others not since their husbands have passed.  Helmets were fitted and advice was given on what to expect.  At the same time the drivers were briefed on the route.  After prayers everyone headed out to pair up with their respective partners for the day.  It takes time getting up into the saddle when you’ve got artificial knees or hips or just stiff arthritis!  The guys were so patient helping the women.  It was wonderful to witness everyone working together, laughing and having fun, just loading up! 

  Several of us took off just ahead of the group to capture them as they road by several areas along the route as well as at both rest stops.  The girls were all laughing at all the hoop la stating that they felt like they were being followed by the paparazzi!  The first rest stop was at a pavilion in the town of Silex where water and a stretch break were provided.  I asked one young lady if she would like her helmet taken off since we were there for more than a few minutes.  She stated “No, thank you.  It is too much trouble to put it back on.”  The second stop was at a gas station in Elsberry where one of the drivers observed a group of the women coming out with candy bars laughing and giggling like school girls.

  The final stop was at Anchors Restaurant in Winfield MO.  I took the opportunity to ask the men and women about the best part of the day.  Here are just a few quotes:  “WOW, just WOW!”; “The Lord blessed us with wonderful people and weather.”; “I LOVED it!”; “This is only my second time on a motorcycle.  First time was just around the block.  This is really what you call living!”; “Open road.”; “Great driver”; “We got lost and had to turn around!” (there’s one in every group LOL!); “Seeing the joy on faces of those that have never ridden before.”; “Something I can scratch off my bucket list!”.  

      I love an educated consumer. Those that are in the know are more likely to keep their machine
running in optimal condition. An educated motorcycle rider knows how important maintenance
is: they know their service intervals; when to replace tires; change fork oil; when the clutch
needs adjusting. They know when something is loose that shouldn’t be! An educated rider
knows to listen and to hear subtle differences in the sound of the motorcycle: wheel bearings,
engine, transmission, primary, front forks.

     Under normal riding conditions most riders listen for the hum of the engine; the clatter of rockers
and lifters; the whine of the primary; the clunk of the transmission when shifting. These are all
normal sounds that you hear, but an experienced ear will be able to tell the difference from what
is normal versus abnormal. By tuning in to the “abnormal” they will be able to accurately tell
our technicians what is going on which greatly helps in diagnosing and inevitability cuts down
on cost to the consumer.

    Even if you do not feel that you are as experienced as others, still listen for the sounds coming
from your bike as well as the feel. Educate yourself! Even subtle difference that you can tell
will help our technicians. Many of these noises come over a period of time, so the daily rider
may not notices these small changes. That is why it is so important to have an experienced
technician ride your motorcycle during interval services. They may catch something going bad
that you might have missed. That is one of several reasons why we test ride every bike that gets
serviced at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.

Happy Fourth of July!  We’ve enjoyed some really nice weather this June, however it is Missouri and I believe the hot muggy weather is once more upon us.  It has been a few years since I last wrote out tips for hot weather riding, but as the matriarch of Chariots of Fire Customs LLC I believe it is my duty to keep you all riding safe.  Drink lots of water and wear loose fitting, light colored clothing.  Please do NOT wear sandals or flip flops.  Even though boots are hot, they will protect your feet in case you go down.  Long pants will also provide a bit of protection and 100% cotton under your leather or jacket helps prevent sweat from wicking off your skin.  Make sure you wear sun tan lotion.  I also recommend stopping for ice cream.

Jan recommends the following for your beloved motorcycle:  Check Your Tires:  Low tires create heat.  Heat expands tires to possible blow out stages.  Low tires and the heat of the road is a poor combination!  Proper air pressure allows tires to run at a cooler temperature decreasing your chances of a blow out.  Check all Your Fluids:  Proper fluid levels on air cooled and water cooled engines allow your engine to run at operating conditions.  Lack there of causes engine or other drive train components to over-heat causing premature wear.  Don’t Overfill Your Tank:   When stopping to fill up your tank, leave the fuel level slightly lower in the tank allowing expansion of fuel.  If you fill it to the top, it may expand and overflow onto your tank.  Especially if you are filling up and then going in for a refreshing drink (or that ice cream I recommended) and not running the gas down immediately (it will spill over!).

Enjoy your summer, where ever it may take you!  This picture is just out side the Corn Palace.