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Now with locations in IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, WI
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 Publisher's note:
June was a month
to remember
Meeting riders from all over
— R. Kabel
June came bellowing in with event after event and ride after ride. The Throttler gang tried our hardest to hit as many as possible. Our first stop was Big Barn Harley-Davidson’s Open House in Des Moines then, a weekend in Sioux City, Iowa at the Awesome Biker Nights and then, J&P Cycles 30th Anniversary in Anamosa, Iowa and a few local bike nights in between.
Let me tell you this, if you’re into meeting people from all walks of life start hitting rallies and events in a few far away locations. Why far away? Why not? Get out of your comfort zone and say hello to fellow riders whenever possible. Get a hotel room for the night at a bike event and see how many new friends you can meet. It’ll be worth your time.
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Pictured left are Scott Chambers, Michelle Smith of the SPEED Channel and R. Kabel
Pictured left are Scott Chambers, The Motorcycle Monster and R. Kabel
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July 2009 online edition:
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Charity rides
A few reasons to donate time and
some jingle
By Cat Wilkie
A rare motorcycle may be hard to find, but finding riders with big hearts who are willing to get involved in charity rides isn’t such a scarce thing.
The owner of this rare Honda Valkyrie Rune, Jim Castle, has donated his time to charities for more than 20 years: the March of Dimes, the American Lung Association, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and most recently the American Diabetes Association and his latest labor of love: Rip’s B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Diabetes).
Castle has been riding since the tender age of 13. When he returned from Vietnam, he purchased his first bike, an SL 350 by Honda. He’s since ridden a 900 CB, an 1100 Goldwing, a 1500 Goldwing, and now his beautiful Honda Valkyrie Rune, of which only 1200 were built by hand in Marysville, Ohio.
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Do you know?
8-Ball
By R. Kabel
If you took the time to read our intro to this issue then, I expect you’ve skipped over everything until this page or maybe, you’ve just landed here with your tongue drooling on our pages and your eye balls popping from their sockets.
Yeah, that’s what happened to us when we saw this bike, too. Actually we said “Holy Shit!” when we saw it. And, yes. I’ve seen this in person and had the privilege to stand it up.
So, as you might already know, 8-Ball has impressed the hell out of us and we had to bring his ride to a wider audience to go ga-ga over.
We sat down with 8-Ball over a few beers, got to know each other a little and later came up with a few Q and A’s to share. Here tis.
Q: What is your background around motorcycles?
A: I started riding bikes at the age of 16 on a Honda Enduro 250. I had several dirt bikes and Road bikes in my 30 plus years of riding until finally buying a Harley in 1999.
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He’s Bak
“Better Built, Better Buy, Better Go Bak,
Bak BMW Victory”
By Alec “Chop” Brynnenson
Dave Bak — pronounced like the classical composer, Bach — is a fulfilled man with his dealership and family. Which, his constant grin and warming laugh show like the proud papa of a newborn pup.
Bak BMW Victory KTM in Sioux City, Iowa opened in January 2003 and currently has five employees selling BMW, Victory, KTM and Kymco with Victory now overtaking BMW as the “main” brand.
Growing up riding dirt bikes and 3-wheelers Bak’s father took on a Suzuki franchise in 1987, Honda in 1988 and then, BMW in 1995. In 2003 Bak split BMW off into the store he currently owns. Before that his father and him were partners. Before that, he worked for his father and even before that he worked for Ames Cycles in Iowa while attending Iowa State University.
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Can-Am Spyder
Passion moves the world. Innovation
makes it better
By James Lambert
You know what happens when you get lost out on the open road? They say you drive or ride in circles. It’s true, because last year I was up at Rob’s Performance Motor Sports in Johnson Creek, WI located on 601 Hwy Y (920-699-3287) and yes, I ended up there again a few weeks ago, but was not lost.
Rob’s is the dealer for Honda, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and Can-Am. Rob has been in business for 27 years, and his showroom has a fine selection of bikes, ATV’s and water craft. One of the best on his showroom is the Can-Am Spyder with its new 3-wheeled design. Can-Am’s engineers have outdone themselves with two wheels in the front and one in the back.
“Nothing you’ve experienced prepares you for the thrill of a whole new riding sensation on open roads. Can-Am Spyder’s revolutionary 3-wheel architecture stance alters the chemistry between vehicle and asphalt — delivering what’s come to be known as the Y-FactorTM,” states the Spyder Web site.
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Zylstra H-D’s Tri-state ride
Zylstra H-D’s 5th Annual Tri-State Ride, June 12-14, 2009
By Harley Rhoades
This is an annual ride which started out as a ride where they would visit all the Zylstra Harley-Davidson stores, which took us to at least three states. Thus the name, but as time went on they wanted to add some variety and some excitement to the ride so they started going on different routes each year.
That is where this story begins. There is a lot more to a ride than just hopping on a bike and going. Preparation for this ride started several months before the ride dates with hotel reservations, ride locations, t-shirt designs and a ride schedule. This ride has riders meeting up from all the Zylstra three stores at one time or another. This ride started as always for us from the store in Ames, Iowa.
We set out that June day on the ride all organized and gassed up. We had a beautiful day for riding on Friday. We stopped for lunch in Galena, Ill which is very historic and a fun place to stop. Because of the size of our group we picked an area with multiple places to eat. This way we set a time to meet back at a designated location and everybody picked their own place to eat. Lunch was excellent and we had excellent service.
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 X marks the spot
MX, SX and AX explained
By Sean Goulart, MXNewsfeed.com
Many race fans spout terms like “SX”, “MX” and “AX”… but what do they really mean? Are the riders the same? Where can you see the action? Indoors or outdoors?
Let’s take a quick look at the three main forms of “motocross racing”, explain the differences, and give you a look into who’s leading in each discipline.
First off, “MX” is officially known as The AMA Pro Motocross Championship and is the oldest of the three forms of racing described here. It’s the one most riders are most familiar with, and runs from May to September. Early champions included iconic names such as Bob “Hurricane” Hannah, Marty Smith and Tony DiStefano. Later, it delivered more greats like Jeff Ward, David Bailey, and Danny “Magoo” Chandler.
It’s an outdoor series, with huge venues that are normally designed by a combination of man and nature, with large elevation changes and huge obstacles. It’s not uncommon for riders to be clearing jumps well in excess of 100’ each lap. The most famous outdoor MX venues are Unadilla, High Point, Glen Helen and Red Bud.
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When in doubt, chop it
Harley Van Kirk, custom bike and hot
rod builder
By R. Kabel
Harley Van Kirk first started out on bikes when he was around seven or eight years old, when he purchased an old Kawasaki 100 Enduro that didn’t run from an older kid in town. He paid $50 for it — his bean walking money.
“I had to push that bike a mile down a pretty busy highway to our house in the country,” Van Kirk says. “My dad was pissed and said I would get no help from him on that piece of crap. I spent every day working on that pile. There was a biker that worked at one of my friend’s father’s body shop who built choppers, and I would go and bug him constantly. He would give me some help, and eventually I got her going.”
Though the rings and shocks were shot and the motor was missing side covers, Van Kirk didn’t care. “I rode the shit out of that pile, and from that point on, it was all over for me. I would go through many a dirt bike and ATV on my way up. I raced jet skis and Quads for a while. I crashed pretty hard one time, and decided to start building bikes instead of racing.”
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Click logo for complete info
Drag Race Classes:
All Non Street Legal vehicles are also allowed to Test and Tune at the Iowa Speedway as long as they meet NHRA rules and regulations.
NHRA rules as far as 6:40 and a 6:00 bike could run if has good brakes. Please remember there is no traction compound on the track so too much and they just spin.
Front and rear brakes, chain guards, snapback throttle mandatory. Any pressurized container (air shifter, nitrous bottles) must have DOT approved #1800 cylinder. All riders must have full face helmet of 2000 Snell or better, Leather jacket, Leather boots/shoes above the ankle, Leather gloves and full length jeans mandatory for all riders.
Pit-Bike Classes:
10" and smaller rear wheel
12" and smaller rear wheel
14" and smaller rear wheel
YSR 50 Class
(No minors class available
must be 18)
Front and rear brakes, chain guards, snapback throttle mandatory. All riders must have full face helmet of 2000 Snell or better, Leather jacket, Leather boots/shoes above the ankle, Leather gloves and full length jeans mandatory for all riders.
Hole Shot ’09
motorcycle drags and
pit bike racing
Aug. 22, MC drags and pit-bike racing at the Iowa Speedway
We’re proud to announce our end-of-summer bash this year. It’s going to be a ride-in event held at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa on August 22. We’re calling it “Hole Shot ‘09” with entertainment featuring “run what ya brung” drag racing opportunities right on pit row as well as thrill-a-minute pit-bike racing on the inside track.
As thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the Midwest gather for this one-day event at the world famous Iowa Speedway, America’s place to race, we’ll have motorcycle businesses from across the heartland on hand showcasing their stuff. There will also be plenty of food, beer and live music to add to the festivities. Exclusive motorcycle parking will be available inside the track in the pit garage area so whether you’re a spectator or a race participant, you’ll never be far from the action.
Come drag race your motorcycle down pit row in a head to head with your ex-wife’s lover and prove whom the best man really is. Or come to test n' tune your ride with the throttle wide open.
Cruisers, sport bikes, choppers, metric, Harley, bobbers or what ever type motorcycle you ride. Just get here! Whether you’re looking for heads-up drag racing or just to “see what she’s got,” there are classes for about every type of bike made. If you’re a pro with a Pro Stock or Top Fuel drag bike, come stage it and do a few burnouts to show the Midwest what it’s all about.
The sponsors for this event are already lining up; including PB Choppers, the renowned custom builders and winner of two Sturgis Bike Build-Offs. Also, Big Barn Harley Davidson, one of Iowa’s largest Harley dealers. More sponsors and vendors are in the works right now. Plus, Marshalltown Speedway promoter Toby Kruse is bringing pit-bike racing to the infield track. Ever think you’d have a chance to race at the Iowa Speedway? Now’s your chance.
• General admission is $10 with kids under 12 for free.
• Drag racing time cards are $35 (must meet all tech rules before racing).
• Pit-bike racing is $35 (must meet all tech rules before racing).
• The Iowa Speedway gates open at
11 a.m. for general admission.
• Drag racing check-in and tech at
9:30 a.m.
• Drag racing starts promptly at 12 Noon.
• Pit bike racing check-in and tech
at 11:00 a.m
• Pit Bike racing starts promptly at 2 p.m.
(Drag racing will shut down until 4 p.m.)
• Drag racing grudge matches and final passes begin at 4 p.m.
• Live music 5-7 p.m. with Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts.
A special note; all racers must pass inspection prior to racing. This includes wearing the correct gear before setting a tire on the racetracks. All participants must wear a helmet (no novelties), leather coat, long pants (jeans or leathers) preferably and leather boots that cover the ankle. You pit bike guys know the drill already but be assured you’ll be required to wear proper gear as well.
We invite everyone around the Midwest to witness the awesome display of speed and power at “Hole Shot ‘09” in August. Open to the public and anyone can come and watch or bring their motorcycle and compete in motorcycle drag racing or pit-bike races.
For more information check out www.throttlermagazine.com and for sponsorship or vender opportunities contact Throttler Motorcycle Magazine at roderick@throttlermagazine.com. Better call now, spots are already booking!
As always, ride hard
— R. Kabel & Scott Chambers
Bike Nights and Rally's
Bike Nights around Iowa
Monday’s
Fireside Grill Altoona
Rookies Sports Ankeny
Tuesday’s
Victory Lane Des Moines
Wednesday’s
O’Kelly’s Pub Baxter
Hooters West Des Moines
Latitude 41 Bar & Grill
(Saylorville Lake Marina) Johnston
Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs
Thursday’s
Trophy’s Bar & Grill Des Moines
Porky’s Pub & Garage Des Moines
Daytona’s All Sports Bar Des Moines
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill Waterloo
Full Throttle Thursday’s
BJ’s Bar & Billiards Waterloo
Friday’s
Picket’s Pub Johnston
Ferg’s Grand Junction
Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville
Throttle Down to “O” Town Osceola
Fatboyz Saloon (2nd & 4th Friday) Grimes
Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola
Saturday’s
Booneville Bar Boonville
South Central Bike Night
(3rd Saturday of June and July) Corydon
Water Street Bar & Grill Cambridge
Rally’s & Events around Iowa
July 2 – 4 Freedom Rally Algona
July 11 Big Barn H-D Summer Celebration Des Moines
July 16 – 19 State HOG Rally Sioux City
July 25 Ride Iowa Motorcycle Rally for
March of Dimes Newton
Aug 15 Rip’s BAD Ride Des Moines
Aug 20 – 23 Hawgstock Motorcycle Rally Winterset
Aug 22 Throttler’s HoleShot ’09
Iowa Speedway Newton
Aug 29 Big Barn H-D Fall Open House Des Moines
Sept 11 – 13 Davis Motorcycle Rally New Hampton
Sept 26 Hawkeye H-D Fall Open House Coralville
Oct 2 – 4 Ride for the Cure Des Moines
Oct 11 ABATE of Iowa Annual Toy Run
Des Moines
Bike Nights around Minnesota
Wednesday’s
2-Wheel Wednesday
Yarusso’s
St. Paul (Every 1st Wed.) The Joint Bar (Every 2nd Wed.) Minneapolis
Duluno’s Pizza (Every 1st Thur.) Minneapolis
Cowboy-Up Bike Night
(Every 2nd Thurs.) Plymouth
Mad Jacks Sports Bar (Every 3rd Thurs.) Brooklyn Park
Rally’s & Events around Minnesota
July 8 – 11 Excelsior Henderson Rally Le Sueur
July 9 Rumble on the Deck – Ride in Show Stillwater
July 10 – 12 Upper Kettle River Shakedown Finlayson
July 17 – 19 Bottoms Up Bike Fest Farmington
July 31 – 8/2 Strawberry Lake Motorcycle Rally Ogema
July 31 – 8/2 Moonlit Road to Sturgis Rally Walker
Aug 1 Donahue H-D Summer Open House Sauk Rapids
Aug 17 Motorcycle Sunday Saint Peter
Sept 4 – 6 Rally Up North Brainerd
Sept 4 – 7 American Bikers Motorcycle Rally Litchfield
Sept 4 – 6 Max’s Bash Northome
Bike Nights around Illinois
Thursday’s
Coziahr Harley-Davidson Bike Night Forsyth
Friday’s
Poopy’s Pub & Grub Savanna
Sunday’s
Culver’s Bourbonnais Weekly
Bike Night Bourbonnais
Sunday Bike Day in Paradise
(Hosted by Des Plaines
Cheeseburger in Paradise)
Texas Roadhouse Tinley Park
Bike Night (2nd & 4th Sunday)
Tinley Park
Rally’s & Events around Illinois
July 3 – 5 IronHorse Bike Rally & Music Festival Savanna
July 18 – 22 Annual Loop Around Lake Michigan BridgeView
July 31 – 8/2 Illinois District Summer Rally Quincy
Aug 16 Hot Times Charity Poker Run Villa Park (Wild Fire Harley Davidson)
Sept 20 Legacy H-D Open House Effingham
Oct 1 – 4 HogRocktoberfest Cave In Rock
Bike Nights around Wisconsin
Wednesday’s
Quaker Steak & Lube Madison
Thursday’s
Harley-Davidson Museum Bike Night Milwaukee
House of Harley Ride to Bike Night Greenfield
Rally’s & Events around Wisconsin
July 11 Burnout 2009 Appleton
July 17 – 19 British Biker Cooperative Rally Blue River
July 18 Hardtail Motorcycle Party Milwaukee
July 19 Maxwell Street Day Cedarburg
Aug 6 – 9 After Sturgis Gathering Black River Falls
Aug 7 – 9 Can’t Afford Sturgis Party Wisconsin Rapids
Aug 14 – 16 F%$K Sturgis Run – Bay of Pigs Superior
Sept 3 – 6 Milwaukee Rally Milwaukee
Sept 17 – 20 Tomahawk Wisconsin Rally Tomahawk
Rally’s & Events around Nebraska
July 10 – 12 ABATE State Rally Kearney
July 25 – 25 Angels Straw Bale Bikefest Spencer
Bike Nights around Missouri
Thursday’s
Show-Me’s Sportbike Night St Charles
July 11 Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson Bike Night Osage Beach
Aug 8 Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson Bike Night Osage Beach
Rally’s & Events around Missouri
July 10 – 13 Not Superman Rally Cape Girardeau
July 10 Hootentown Bike Rally Crane
July 10 – 12 Firecracker Classic Glasgow
July 18 Fastlanes Motorcycle Rally for Hailea Chillicothe
July 23 Chrome on the Creek Patterson
Aug 14 – 15 Bikers & Babes at the Beach Rockaway Beach
Aug 14 – 16 Heaven or Hell Rally Neosho
Sept 4 – 6 Bootheel Bike Fest Carurthersville
Sept 10 – 12 State HOG Rally St. Charles
Sept 17 – 20 Bikefest Osage Beach
Bike Nights around Kansas
Thursday’s Old Town Bike Night
Emerson Biggins’ Wichita
Rally’s & Events around Kansas
Aug 8 Thor’s Roar Motorcycle Rally Lindsborg
Aug 22 Rip’s BAD Ride Wichita
Rally’s & Events around South Dakota
July 3 – 5 July Sturgis Riders Rally Sturgis
July 17 Friday Night Live Twin Falls
July 30 – 8/9 Custer Cruisin Motorcycle Rally Custer
July 31 – 8/2 CMA State Rally Deadwood
Aug 3 – 9 69th Annual Sturgis Rally & Races Sturgis
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