As we transition from the chilly winter to the warm embrace of summer, adjusting to the change in weather is essential, especially for those long rides. While it’s tempting to shed layers for comfort, it’s crucial to remember that “riding cool” doesn’t mean stripping down completely! 

Here are some detailed tips to help you beat the heat while cruising on your bike this summer:

1. Hydration is Key: Keep yourself hydrated throughout your ride. Always carry water with you and drink regularly to replenish fluids lost through perspiration. Consider investing in a Hydration Pack for convenient access to water on the go.

2. Choose the Right Gear: Opt for ventilated and cooling outer gear that offers protection from the sun while allowing heat to escape through ventilation. Visit our shop to explore our selection of summer gear designed to keep you comfortable and safe.

3. Time Your Rides Wisely: Avoid riding during the peak heat hours, typically between 12 PM and 5 PM. Opt for early morning or late evening rides when the temperature is cooler and more comfortable. If you must ride during hot times, stay hydrated and take regular breaks to prevent heat-related issues.

4. Utilize Helmet Vents: Make use of the vents in your helmet to allow airflow and regulate temperature. If you’re unsure how to open your helmet vents or if your helmet lacks proper ventilation, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from our knowledgeable staff. We’re here to help you find a helmet that keeps you cool and protected.

With these tips in mind, we hope you can enjoy your summer rides while staying cool and safe on the road. Feel free to reach out to us for any further assistance or questions you may have!

by:  Reine Knobbe

Spring is here and the riding season is in full swing!  The topic came up at lunch last week of what our favorite rides are.  Thought I’d share them with you all.  If you get the opportunity to run one or all of these, let us know if you liked the routes.

First route is from our tech, Rick.  This is one of his favorite all day rides.  So make sure you have a full tank of gas before setting out!  From wherever you are at, head to Hwy 19 south, follow Hwy 19 south to Hwy 32 in Salm, MO.  Turn left heading east on Hwy 32, travel east until you come into the little town of Biby, MO.  Stop and enjoy breakfast or lunch at Bixby Country Store (2569 Hwy 32, Bixby, phone 573-626-4868) where you can eat in the restaurant or dine in a rail car or caboose.  Bridget, the owner, is a wonderful lady who will treat you like family.

After filling up your stomach and fueling up your tank, head east on 32.  You will then turn left on Hwy DD, toward Council Bluff Lake.  Definitely stop and take in the views of the lake and campgrounds.  Then head north on DD, when ending at Hwy C, merge right then turn left on Hwy P.  Take caution with the twisties and follow north to Potosi, MO.  When you come into town at Hwy B, turn left and follow B through town.  Merge right heading north onto 185.  Take 185 which is full of hills and turns and beautiful scenic views.  Stay on 185 north until you come to Hwy 100 in Washington, MO.  Then find your way home from there.  Enjoy!

Second route is from Frankie in the parts department.  This is a shorter ride, but a great way to clear your head!  He heads south on Hwy W just off of Hwy 61 south of Troy.  Take W to Foristell over Hwy 70, jog right then left onto Hwy T.  Follow T to TT, Frankie’s favorite back roads.  Take TT to Dutzow and make a right on Hwy 47.  Stop in Twin Gables (101 MO 47, Marthasville) for food and drinks.  Continue Hwy 47 north to Hawk Point and then Troy and then on home.

Hmmm, I’m trying to think of a ride that you may not have gone on, but it is hard because there are so many fantastic local roads to ride on!  So this one from me, Reine.  Since the other two took you south, how about north east?  From Troy take Hwy 47 east then left onto Hwy W.  Take Hwy W north all the way to Clarksville.  Left onto 79 into Louisiana.  Stop and top off your tank if you haven’t done so already.  Right onto Hwy 54 and go east to Atlas, IL.  Go right onto Hwy 96 east.  Keep an eye out to stay on Hwy 96 as it makes a left (don’t go to Hamburg).  Take Hwy 96 to Kampsville.  Make a right onto Hwy 100 south.  Stop in Hardin at the Illinois Riverdock Restaurant (501 S Park St, Hardin, IL).  Skip a heavy lunch and go straight for the pie!  When you leave, go right the way you road in and then go right over the bridge to continue on Hwy 100 south to Grafton, IL.  Stop at your favorite local bar for a drink.  We tend to head over to the Loading Dock, but there are multiple places to choose from.  Head south to Alton, IL.  Cross over the bridge back into MO.  We like to pick up Hwy 94 on the right.  It’s not too far up the road after going over the bridge.  Hwy 94 runs through the bottom lands through Orchard Farm and Boschertown.  Head home from there!  Just one way to run it.  You could take one of the river fairies back also.  

I can’t wait to ride!  I’m definitely going to Bixby Country Store this year.  See you on the open road!  Blessings, peace out, Reine

Embark on an exciting journey into the realm of LED lighting and transform your motorcycle into a head turner! From practical replacements to stylish accents, explore how LED lights can enhance your riding experience in more ways than one.

Standard Light Replacements: Illuminate Your Path with Safety and Style

Upgrade your motorcycle’s lighting system with powerful LED alternatives, offering improved visibility and safety on the road. Swap out traditional headlights, taillights, and turn signals for high-performance LED options, ensuring that you will ride with confidence and style.

Body Lights: Make Your Bike Shine with Vibrant Accents

Add a touch of personality to your motorcycle with strategically placed LED accent lights. Illuminate your bike’s body with a variety of colors and effects, making it a standout presence on the road. Whether you’re accentuating running lights or lighting up the entire frame, our expert tips will help you create a custom look that turns heads.

Wheel Lights: Turn Heads with Wheel Illumination

Infuse your ride with personality by installing LED wheel lights that command attention. Choose from a spectrum of vibrant colors to customize your wheels and make a lasting impression wherever you go. With eye-catching effects and enhanced visibility, these lights add flair and style to your ride, ensuring you stand out on the road.

Underglow Lights: Create a Captivating Glow Beneath Your Bike

Before installing underglow lighting on your motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of your state’s laws regarding its usage. Underglow lighting may be prohibited in certain states, so it’s crucial to verify its legality before making any modifications. In Missouri, however, underglow lighting for motorcycles is permitted by law.

Transform your motorcycle into a masterpiece with underglow lights that cast a mesmerizing glow. From beneath the fairing to below the fender, these lights add an element of excitement to your ride, illuminating the road ahead and turning every journey into an unforgettable adventure.

Affordable vs. Premium Lighting: Spotting the Contrast

Not all underglow lighting is cut from the same cloth. Motorcycle LED lights span a range of styles, from pod lights to strip lights, offering color-changing capabilities and dazzling effects. While the market teems with options, quality varies significantly. Some underglow lights sacrifice durability for a lower price tag, while others boast premium materials built to endure. Navigating this landscape demands research to secure the perfect fit for you and your motorcycle. At our shop, we’re committed to steering you toward optimal underlighting solutions tailored to your bike’s needs and your preferences.

Illuminate your ride and explore the possibilities of LED lighting at Chariots of Fire Customs. Let our experts help you find the perfect lighting solutions to elevate your riding experience and make your motorcycle shine like never before!

Ah, the aroma of fresh rubber tires—a scent that signals safety and adventure on the open road. Here at Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC, we’re gearing up for the riding season by stocking the best motorcycle tires available.

Tires aren’t just rubber hoops; they’re your bike’s lifeline, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. But as you rack up the miles, those trusty treads undergo wear and tear, influenced by your riding style and road conditions. Some riders effortlessly glide through miles while others wear their tires down faster than a Sunday ride burns through fuel.

When it comes to handling and performance, your motorcycle’s tires set the tone for your journey. Worn-out tires can drastically alter your bike’s feel, increasing the risk of losing control and turning your thrill ride into a white-knuckle ordeal. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of tire care—whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer the hands of a seasoned pro.

Pressure Check: Inflate for Success

Don’t play guessing games with tire pressure—it’s a matter of safety. Fluctuations in weather and riding duration can mess with tire pressure, impacting your bike’s performance. Take a moment to gauge both tires’ inflation levels accurately. No, a kick won’t cut it!

Inspect for Embedded Dangers

A quick scan of your tires could mean the difference between a smooth ride and a blowout disaster. Look out for embedded nails, shards of glass, or signs of wear like tread separation or bulging. Don’t gamble with tire safety.

Tread Talk: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Worn tread spells trouble, signaling the end of your tire’s useful life. Keep an eye out for smooth patches or wear bars—it’s a clear sign your tires are on their last legs. And remember, a penny’s depth can reveal if it’s time to part ways with your trusty treads.

Decode the DOT: Age Matters

Check the DOT number on the sidewall.  The last four digits are the only ones you need to concern yourself with.  How do you decipher these numbers?  For example, 0218 means that the tire was manufactured in the 2nd week of 2018.  Tires older than five years need to be replaced no matter how good they may look.  Reasons: tire deterioration starts from the inside out because of moisture from compressed air and temperature variation. Also, tire rubber gets harder with age and does not have the same traction as when new. This means wet riding is compromised when taking off and stopping power is not as good. Look at the tire tread closely as it will show you whether cracks have begun forming because of aging.

When to Seek the Pros

Tire talk can be tricky, especially with the many compounds out there. When in doubt, trust the experts to guide you. Swing by our shop during March for exclusive deals on tires. Get a grip on safety with 20% off all Dunlop and Metzler tires while stocks last!

Don’t leave your safety to chance—ensure a smooth ride with top-notch tires from Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC. Your adventure awaits!

By Jan Knobbe

As we step into the new year, it’s fascinating to reflect on the remarkable technological journey in engine upgrades since our establishment in 2005. Over the past 19 years, the advancements have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Fifteen years ago, our focus was on twin cam and evo engines. Upgrades involved meticulous valve jobs and hand porting, transforming 88 cubic inch motors into 96 or 96 into 103 cubic inches. Significant builds then pushed the boundaries, reaching 110 to 117 cubic inches.

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves working with twin cams and M8s. Modern upgrades now encompass CNC porting of heads, air research benches for precise airflow analysis, installation of big valves, and the integration of four-valve heads. The evolution of cam shaft technology is particularly noteworthy. Today’s cam shafts enhance airflow, leading to superior cooling of exhaust chambers, resulting in increased horsepower and reduced octane detonation.

In just five years, M8s have undergone substantial improvements, featuring two over and four over valves, coupled with CNC ported heads. This configuration nearly doubles the airflow in factory heads. The M8’s single cam design significantly reduces drag on the cam chest, freeing up horsepower in stark contrast to factory twin cams. Standard M8 upgrades range from 107 cubic inches to 124 cubic inches and 114/117 cubic inches to 128 cubic inches, creating reliable daily drivers. For the more adventurous, major engine upgrades can top out at 175 cubic inches.

To put this progress into perspective, consider that years ago, an 88 cubic inch motor built up to 96 might generate around 95 horsepower. Today’s factory motors, at 107 and 114 cubic inches, produce 100 horsepower. Pushed to 175 cubic inches, they unleash a staggering 200+ horsepower at the ground. For the true gearheads, there are additional options like pro chargers and turbochargers.

The evolution of motors is a perpetual journey, always seeking smarter ways to boost horsepower. At Chariots of Fire Customs, we take pride in staying at the forefront of these advancements.  Such as our drag racing endeavor in our early years to now racing in the bagger class at local tracks in order to put effort into finding even more horsepower.  Thus ensuring that our knowledge aligns with the latest market offerings. Our commitment is to provide the best possible service to our customers, tailoring each upgrade to individual needs.

If you’re contemplating changes to your machine’s heart (don’t just put in stents), come and have a chat with Jan. Discover what modifications will work best for you. Reach out to us at (636) 462-1648.  Let’s make this year a horsepower-packed adventure for your ride!

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast seeking to squeeze every ounce of power from your ride, you’re in the right place. There are various strategies to boost your motorcycle’s horsepower, and in this blog, we’ll explore four top-notch options that can transform your bike into a true powerhouse.

1. Exhaust and Air Intake Upgrades:

One of the most popular and effective ways to enhance your motorcycle’s performance is by upgrading the exhaust system and air intake. After-market exhaust systems reduce back pressure, making it easier for the engine to receive oxygen. This increased airflow leads to more power at the wheels and can even improve fuel economy. Investing in a high-quality exhaust and air intake system not only adds horsepower but also gives your bike a more aggressive and throaty sound.

2. Cams for Increased Power:

Cams, or camshafts, play a crucial role in determining engine performance. Upgrading your motorcycle’s cams can significantly boost horsepower by increasing cylinder pressure as the engine’s RPMs rise. The scavenging effect from precise valve timing and overlap in the cam enhances cylinder pressure, resulting in a power-packed performance. Before choosing a cam upgrade, consider your riding style and preferences, as different cam profiles cater to various RPM ranges.

3. Increasing Cubic Inches:

If you’re looking for a more radical approach to power enhancement, increasing your engine’s cubic inches is the way to go. There are two primary methods for achieving this: boring and stroking. Boring involves increasing the cylinder diameters, while stroking involves increasing the crankshaft stroke. Both methods result in a larger engine displacement, leading to more power. However, it’s essential to consult with professionals to ensure that your motorcycle can handle the increased stress and heat generated by the larger engine.

4. Dyno Tuning for Peak Performance:

To optimize the newfound power from your modifications, a dyno tune is crucial. A dyno tune involves adjusting various parameters such as fuel and ignition timing to ensure maximum performance, durability, and reliability. This process also helps diagnose any potential issues in the drivetrain. The dyno graph provides a visual representation of your motorcycle’s performance, allowing for fine-tuning and adjustments to achieve peak power. A proper dyno tune ensures that your motorcycle runs efficiently, avoiding issues like fuel wastage or performance limitations.

In conclusion:

Don’t leave the performance of your beloved ride to chance. Our team of professionals understands the intricacies of motorcycle upgrades, ensuring that every modification is tailored to your bike’s specifications. From exhaust and air intake upgrades to cam enhancements and engine displacement adjustments, we’ve got you covered.

by Jan Knobbe
Going into the new year, we thought it would be interesting to look at how far technology has come over the years we have been upgrading engines. We opened in 2005, and a lot has changed over the past 18 years!

Fifteen years ago we were working on twin cam and evo engines. Engine upgrades often included valve jobs and hand porting. We took 88 cubic inch motors to 96 cubic inches or 96 cubic inches to 103 cubic inches. Big builds then produced 110 cubic inches to 117 cubic inches.

Now we are working with twin cams and M8s. Engine upgrades often include CNC porting of heads; air research benches to see what the air flow is; big valves and four valve heads. Technology in cam shafts have progressed. Cam shafts now allow more air in and out of cylinders causing much better cooling of exhaust chambers which then increase horsepower with less octane detonation.

M8s have come a long way in five years with two over and four over valves along with CNC porting heads. This allows almost doubling what the air flow is in the factory head. With the M8 cam configuration of a single cam there is less drag on the cam chest which allows freeing up of horsepower very different from the factory twin cam. M8 standard upgrades are 107 cubic inches to 124 cubic inches and 114/117 cubic inches to 128 cubic inches. These upgrades are dependable daily drivers. We know this because we have modified our personal bikes. Major engine upgrades can exceed 155 cubic inches.

Years ago 88 cubic inch motors were built up to 96 making maybe 95 horsepower. Now factory motors are 107 cubic inches and 114 cubic inches making 100 horsepower. When built up to 155 cubic inches they make 200 horsepower at the ground. There are also pro chargers and turbo chargers available for you gear heads.

The evolution of motors is never ending. There are always better and smarter ways of gaining horsepower. We are proud of our efforts to stay current and knowledgeable about what is out on the market so that we can continue to provide the best possible service to our customers. We work with each individual customer to fit their needs.

If you’re interested in making some changes, come talk to Jan to see what modifications will work for you and your machine. Call us at 636-462-1648 and ask about our January engine upgrade specials.