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

by Reine & Jan Knobbe

Just coming back from the Hot Bike Tour, I was reminded once again about the wide variety of motorcycles on the road.  From simple streamlined Bobbers to the cureent popular 30 to 32 inch front wheel baggers.  One thing  that we all experience on our rides are the many bumps, potholes, and other objects on the road that can’t always be avoided.  Many riders start out on the totally awesome hardtails that look cool but are often termed “bar hoppers” because they are not comfortable to drive across the country like the cruisers.

Not all rides are created equal and some rides can be bone jarring!  Factory shocks have come a long way and most rides now have air ride shocks.  Jan, always on the lookout for new porducts, recently came across Super Shox shocks.  So he called the company and told them about the Hot Bike Tour and that he wanted to try out their shocks to determine for himself if what they were advertising was true.  They agreed to send him a set to try out.

Unffortunately Jan’s bike is down (that’s another story), so we were unable to take it on the tour.  Lucky for us we have a terrific employee, Chad Hemmelgard, who loaned us his bike.  We transferred our Mustang seat (I must have my comfy seat!) and Jan put on the new set of shocks.  I must admit I was a little nervous about the cross country trip having had very little ride time this summer with all the rain and then a downed bike.  I road over, 2,000 miles from Troy, Missouri to Billings, Montana and enjoyed every minute!  We took the scenic route off the major highways as often as possible and the ride was smooth everywhere!  Even the highway abutments that were big were not bad at all.  No bone jarring bumps on this trip!

There are lots of shocks on the market.  Big DIFFERENCE in shocks is that factory shocks are air over hydraulic, SUPER SHOX shocks are coil over Nitrogen, similar to the shocks they put on most of the Screaming Eagle models but much better.  Check out these shocks on YouTube and call me if you like what you see.  They are worth every penny or dollar, remember what HD stands for.

Your Tech and Owner,

Jan Knobbe and Reine Knobbe

Celebrating 75 years of Sturgis

by Pam Seng & Ashley Butler

1938- The Rally Begins…The first Sturgis® Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic was held on August 14th with a race of 9 participants and a small audience.

1942- Due to gas rationings in support of the war efforts the Rally did not take place.

1961-The Jackpine Gypsies introduce the Hill Climb and Motocross races.

1964-One block of Main Street is officially closed for motorcycle parking over the course of the 3 day event.

1965- The Rally moves to a 5 day event.

1975- The Rally evolves to its present 7 day event

1979- The City of Sturgis begins licensing temporary vendors. 9 vendors licensed.

1988- 117 vendors licensed in the City of Sturgis.

2000- The Sturgis® Rally saw the largest attendance exceeding 600,000 people.

2012- Attendance of 445,700 with participants from all 50 states as well as Canada and dozens of other international communities including Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc.

2015 – 75th Anniversary-Pam and Chad Seng are going for the first time and leaving Ashley behind to work with the Chariots of Fire crew!

Wishing you a fun filled trip; With preparations complete a couple of last minute things to keep you safe. Check tire pressure daily. Use octane boost “Rocket Fuel” for those times when the only gas station for miles and miles and miles only has 83 octane…..