We were sitting around after work a few weeks back and our Techs, Chad and Jan started talking about setting up a “Wall of Shame”.  I’m like whaaat??? For all the mishaps brought in by our customers.  Here is a sampling of just a few of the many oddities that roll through our shop doors:

Hmmm???

What is it???  A mysterious piece of cloth pulled from deep inside a carburetor.  Piece of t-shirt, underwear (gross!), or maybe a pocket from a pair of jeans?  Who knows!

“I don’t understand why my bike won’t roll.”  Brake pads locked up.  Worn out way beyond what is safe!  Check them, keep records of when last installed, have them looked at when replacing tires (we do!).

These are REALLY thin!

Notice the date . . .

This is NOT a motorcycle safety inspection sticker (see photo).  Not always a good idea to try to cut corners . . .

Electronics – oh my, the stuff they have encountered!  Check out some of the photos.  Please make sure you go to a reputable shop that knows mechanics as well as electronics.  A car stereo place is not going to realize that while installing the stereo your bike has now lost throttle response.  Twelve connections to one main wire is probably not such a good idea . . .

Tires – cords showing, unfortunately very common and so unsafe!  Too often we have bikes come in for general maintenance and there is very little air in a good set of tires.  And you wonder why you didn’t get as many miles out of the tires as the manufacturer and mechanics tell you.  Check your air pressure often.  Especially with major changes in the weather.  This will help save you money in the long run as you will get the optimum mileage out of a set of tires.

Is it guitar strings?  No, just standard cables on a set of ape hangers. – Yes, they have seen cables stretched so tight that they look like they could play music!  Nope, no song coming out of stretched cables.  No turning radius either.  When customizing your ride, make sure you know what you need to complete the job.

Jan estimates that about 30% of our work comes from work gone wrong.  Either by customers attempting work on their own or having work done by someone else not knowledgeable enough to complete the work accurately and safely.  Word of advice, just because information is on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.  Know your source!  We do want well-informed customers, however, bottom line is:  “If you don’t know what you are doing, don’t mess with it!”  Also, when you bring your bike in for service, please tell us as much information as possible.  Knowing exactly what you attempted and how you tried to fix it helps us diagnose quicker.  This will save you money in the long run.  That’s why we are here.  Keeping you comfortable and safe on the road is our top priority!

Custom is in our name, quality is in our product, service is our reputation.

By: Reine Knobbe

We hope you all enjoyed Memorial Day weekend. Jan and I sure did. Driving through the Missouri country side gave us plenty of reminders of why we have the freedom to ride. Every cemetery we passed had American flags out as did many homes and businesses.

Monday was spent at the St. Louis zoo with our granddaughter, her parents and the in-laws. A blessed day celebrated with no worries or fears. As I rode home I reflected on our military out in the world fighting for our freedom. Jan and I were so very grateful to have enjoyed the weekend. The freedom to ride, the freedom to explore the countryside, and the freedom to love our family.

I wanted to say, thank you to those who gave their lives, and thank you to those of you protecting our freedom and way of life.

                                    PLEASE BE AWARE
                                      By: Reine Knobbe

May is motorcycle awareness month.  I love to see all the signs out in yards, bumper stickers and on Facebook reminding others to “Look Twice” and “Watch out for Motorcycles”.  That is great and important, however, we must also take our riding as seriously as we want those we share the road with to.

Susan Lockhart of F.O.R.R. 25 (Freedom of Road Riders) recently posted the following on their Facebook page and I have her permission to share:  “data from 2012 – 2014: Motorcycles represented two percent of the registered vehicles in Missouri but were involved in 12 percent of all fatal traffic crashes during the last three years. An area of particular concern is the number of unlicensed and improperly licensed motorcycle operators involved in crashes. Between 2012 and 2014, 38 percent of the motorcycle involved fatalities involved an unlicensed or improperly licensed motorcycle operator.  I’m not sure what we can do anything about the license matter but we can all be a bit more careful and watch out for each other. yes?”  Susan has shared other statistics with me that I won’t bore you with, however it is worth mentioning that a high percentage of motorcycle related accidents don’t even involve other vehicles.

Let’s each make a commitment this riding season to think safety first!  Remember T-Clock every time before you ride by checking the following:

T = Tires & Wheels – condition, air pressure, spokes, cast, rims, bearings, seals

C = Controls – levers, cables, hoses, throttle

L = Lights – battery, lenses, reflectors, wiring, head lamp

O = Oil – levels, leaks

C = Chassis – frame , suspension, chain/belt, fasteners

K = Kickstand – center stand, side stand

Don’t ride beyond your abilities.  It is better to get to a destination last than not at all.  When riding in a group experienced riders have inexperienced riders in the middle.  Ride staggered.  We also have to look twice and share the road.  Remember we are hard to see, so use your high beam headlight during the day.  Use your signals.  Ride smart.  Make sure your ride is well maintained.  Go to that riders education course.  Experienced riders take the riders education course designed for you.  We all develop bad habits and taking the course every year or two will sharpen your skills.

Let’s take responsibility for how we ride.  It is okay to make sure this month that four wheeled vehicles are reminded that we are out in force with riding season well underway, but let us also be smart and safe on the road.

Spring is a time to rejoice and be glad!  Riding season has begun in earnest with warmer days and sunshine bringing out motorcycle enthusiasts.  The calendar is filling up with various events for the riding season.  April’s highlights are the Bike Blessings.  There are three that we know of, and I’m sure there are many more in surrounding areas.  Check out our calendar for when and where.

Having our bike blessed at the beginning of the riding season is an annual event that I really enjoy.  Having our bike blessed by my Christian friends gives me comfort throughout the riding season.  Being on two wheels is a joy, but it comes with risks like any sport.  Being prepared with the right gear from the road up reduces risks.  Good tires, smooth running motor, gas in the tank, leathers on your back and the good Lord above!

Those of you who enter Chariots of Fire Customs LLC from our side door may have noticed the sign on our building above the flower bend.  It says BLESSINGS.  A reminder to all of us to be thankful for all of our blessings.  Family, friends, customers, freedom to ride and the list goes on. No matter your spiritual affiliation, a blessing is a blessing.  So be sure to check out at least one if not all three of the bike blessings this April.

Almost everything around us is about technology these days.  Including our two wheel rides.    Harley has been able to upload fuel and ignition maps to help the bike run correctly for new exhaust, air cleaners, and cam or motor combinations for several years now using their own tools.  We went to the V-Twin expo again this year in Cincinnati, OH.  I brought one if our mechanics with me this year.  We found several interesting equipment/tools that will aide us in keeping up with the newest technology in Harley Davidson, Victory and Indian motorcycles for tuning all the way up to 2016.  This also includes being able to flash stereo and upgrading for any different wheel combinations that people are putting on their bikes with the big wheel bagger craze going on.  With this new upgrading individuals can ride their bikes safely without the distracting lights on the dash flashing as is currently the result without the proper tuning.

We came home with the tool to flash the original ECU just like Harley does for anything from turning on ACRs (automatic compression releases), diagnosing codes, flashing radios so that the radio has all the capabilities of having rear speakers, saddlebag speakers or any stereo combination.  We also have the capability of flashing the original ECU for stage I, II, III, and IV engine builds to give them proper fuel and ignition maps.

When I opened up Chariots of Fire Customs LLC eleven years ago, we were working on  Panheads and Shovel Heads and tuning was done by changing jets in the carburetor and ignition timing using a timing light.  Since 2000 all motors for the big twins are now fuel injected and sportsters, as of 2007, are fuel injected as are Victories and Indians.  With people building motors to a much bigger cubic inch, tuning the motor correctly is hugely important.  We strive to find the tools to perform these technologic services for our customers.  I strive to take care of my customers by learning all the newest technology out there.  I’ve been an engine builder and tuner on my drag bikes, customers bikes and my own turbo charged road glide for the eleven years we’ve been in business plus an additional three decades prior to opening up Chariots.  I am proud to continue to make Chariots of Fire Customs LLC the very best.  Come by and see us if you have any questions we will be glad to show you our new toy.

There are many kinds of different sounds from a motorcycle. There are two main sounds that catch your attention. What’s the first sound that may catch your attention as a rider? Is it a good sounding motor? Is it a healthy sounding exhaust? Or is it the clarity of the motorcycle audio system? They all make their own thunder, but they have their own distinct sound. It matters what you, as a rider, prefer to hear as you’re riding.

The motor can consist of very expensive upgrades to achieve the sound you are looking for. You can reduce cost and obtain a similar sound with a quality exhaust system. You will gain a reasonable increase in performance due to the exhaust upgrade.

For the music enthusiast, you can upgrade your sound system with amplifiers and a speaker upgrade. In our shop we have installed anywhere from a 2 to 14 speaker system on a motorcycle. If you want to achieve premium sound, consider upgrading the radio as well. Factory Harley Davidson radios have their limitations.

Come talk to us for a custom designed system. Whether it is exhaust or audio, we will find what is right for you. Please remember we are a full service shop.

Thanks, Jan, Chad & Sparky

 The year 2015 was very busy with the following highlights:

• Good news from MoDot – motorcycle fatalities for 2015 are down 33.8% from 2014..whatever you did in 2015, please do it next year, it’s working.  This reported by Susan Lockhart of F.O.R.R.
• A wonderful turnout for our 10th Anniversary Celebration
• Lincoln County Bikes Nights held at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC, a fun success!

 Be sure to check out our gallery to take a visual look back at 2015 by clicking HERE 

The year 2016 looks to be just as busy starting with events taking place almost every month.  We have a strong team in place at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  Sparky is back to help you figure out what your motorcycle needs are while both Chad and Jan will be working hard to make your dreams a reality.  As we move forward through the coming year, we are optimistic that you will be pleased with all that Chariots of Fire Customs LLC has to offer: great service; upgrades; customization; accessories; and events. All services come with a smile (and a hug when I’m around).

Custom is in our name, quality is in our product, service is our reputation