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Now with locations in IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, WI
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In our May issue we featured a great photo of a Maico 490. We left out the fact that this bike is owned and was restored by Bret Bonham, who actively races it. Thanks Bret!
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June 2009 online edition:
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Extreme Bagger
No, this is not fiberglass — it’s steel
By R. Kabel
Darren Knoll was one of those kids that turned his Schwinn bike into a chopper by lengthening the front tubes. The first model he ever built was a large-scale replica of Captain America’s Chopper that Peter Fonda rode.
He purchased a 1999 Road King FLHP in 2001 which was wrecked and in pieces. After putting it back together in stock form, he rode it until it had about 80,000 miles and parked it. Knoll had extreme modifications for the bike in mind, and nothing was going to stop him.
As for his background in metal fabrication, Darren admits he doesn’t have much experience, but during his 25 years as an auto body technician, he has straightened a few pieces of metal.
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Do you know?
Kristin Grebe
By R. Kabel
Kristin Grebe was bitten by the biking bug at a young age (around 12 or so) as she and her childhood friends spent the endless summers riding dirt bikes in and around their neighborhood. But as the saying goes, “Life Happens”. While Kristin entered her teens and early adulthood, her participation in the world of two wheels waned while she focused on other things. But, later into adulthood, the bug struck again… big time.
Kristin’s husband, Scott had a Honda V65 Sabre sitting in the garage. As she walked past the bike every day, she eventually decided that it was time for her to re-declare her love for the two-wheeled adventure, so she dove back in with both feet by borrowing her husband’s bike. She took a local motorcycle safety course and obtained her motorcycle endorsement to become a full blown licensed rider. Kristin’s experience in the riding safety course was invaluable. “I highly recommend to any new rider to go through any of the local motorcycle safety courses offered in your area.” she says.
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Don Hotop
Inside the shop of a Master Builder
By Joe Benedict
The average everyday Iowan may not know what exactly goes on inside Don’s Speed and Custom Cycle at 2613 Ave. L in Fort Madison, but many motorcycle enthusiasts do. Inside, one of the country’s master bike builders toils away daily on custom bikes that could be being built for a Fort Madison resident, or could be being built for the CEO of a major motorcycle company.
But anyone who knows bikes has most likely heard the name Don Hotop. Think for a minute. Yeah, wasn’t that the guy you read about from Iowa in that issue of Easy Rider while you were waiting for the guy at the Harley shop to take out your baffles?
Or maybe you saw his custom parts when you were looking through that copy of The Fatbook or the Drag Specialties catalog you were thumbing through the other day. It could have been any number of places, including the episode of Monster Garage that featured him and several other master builders.
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Pivot Works...
and works, and works
A leading supplier of things that wear out on bikes
By Sean Goulart, MXNewsfeed.com
Bikes eat parts. You may have heard this before because it’s true! Well maybe not in the way you would think…
Riding off-road and especially motocross, whether two wheels or four, is extremely hard on the wear items your bike or quad uses. One company has recognized that fact, and has capitalized on it.
Their name is Pivot Works.
Started by Evelina Chen and Curt Leaverton (above), Pivot Works has grown to become a leading supplier of things that wear out on bikes. Things like top ends, cylinders, rods and suspension components.
The Throttler Magazine Crew spent some time with the Pivot Works folks at their 60,000 sq. ft. facility in Urbandale, Iowa. It’s fascinating what they do there, and we thought we’d give you some insight on what it is that Pivot Works offers you, the off-road rider.
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New buyer do’s and do not’s
Tips for getting the best deal
By Harley Rhoades
When looking for that new bike or first bike you want to do some prep work. The internet is a great tool to use to do that homework. Every manufacturer will have a Web site that will show you the models that are available. Some sites will even have a program that you can pick the bike and add color, accessories, and other options. By all means, print out the information brochure on the bike you are thinking about and take it in with you. This will let the sales person know you have done some research and know the bike and MSRP.
Don’t be afraid to call or e-mail a dealer and ask questions. This simple act can tell you a lot about the dealer you are thinking about buying from. If they are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful on the phone, think of how they will take care of you once you spend some money in their store. But the best way to pick out a bike is to go into the dealerships and sit on one. Most dealers want you to come in and sit on the bikes. As long as you are careful they will not have a problem with it. As a matter of fact the good dealers will offer to roll it out for easy access. This is simply because when you sit on a bike it shows some commitment to the process.
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 J&P Cycles: 30th Anniversary
A 2-day Open House celebration
By Alec “Chop” Brennenson
It’s going to be a huge year at J&P Cycles. They’re gearing up to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a two-day Open House celebration. That’s right — this year’s Open House is two spectacular days, June 27 and 28. The hours Saturday are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Naturally, this event is going to be the largest one, yet. J&P is already known for their open house event. The one-day J&P extravaganza last year brought in more than 15,000 visitors and more than 60 different product manufacturers. The event this year will be highlighted again by Michele Smith’s presence, some of the industry’s top manufacturers, well-known bike builders, including Cory Ness, Rick Fairless, Brian Klock and more.
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LaCrosse, WI offers
much for riders
Riding hills and curvy roadways along the Mississippi
By Scott “Kong” Chambers
Three rivers meet in La Crosse, Wisconsin, creating a site that has been beautiful and busy since Native Americans were the only ones on the waterways. Now with the modern convenience of our roadways, many can enjoy a scenic ride along the Mississippi River that won’t soon be forgotten.
La Crosse... a historic, vibrant city of over 50,000 people, nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. La Crosse has much to offer for anyone looking for a short or long ride. There’s an historic downtown with a flair for the old but sprinkled with the new. New development has changed the skyline of our growing city. The La Crosse downtown is bordered by the Mississippi River which attracts riders far and wide. An improved riverfront invites people to Riverside Park for sightseeing, river cruises, biking or just to watch a sunset.
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Van Wall Motorsports
Superior service and a hand in the riding community
By Stacy Kabel
In central Iowa the Van Wall Group is a recognized name for quality products and personal service. What began in 1974 as a John Deere dealership has grown to include 13 stores covering four states under the direction of Don Van Houweling. Don’s personal love of motorcycling led him to add the Victory, Yamaha, and Honda names to some of the stores in an interesting juxtaposition of work and play.
The personal enjoyment of motorcycling turned into three very distinct stores, and of course the high level of personalized service includes a lot of characters that love to ride either on- or off-road.
In Ankeny, Victory Motorcycles and Vespa scooters fill this showroom. Brent Lawrenson and Paula James recently hosted the Victory Tour semi at their location, with a private VIP tour for customers.
READ MORE
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Click logo for complete info
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
Daytona’s All Sports Bar Des Moines
Wednesday’s O’Kelly’s Pub Baxter
Hooters West Des Moines
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
Friday’s Picket’s Pub Johnston
Ferg’s Grand Junction
Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville
Throttle Down to “O” Town Osceola
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
June 13 Big Barn H-D Spring Open House Des Moines
June 17 – 20 Sturgis on the River Davenport
June 18 – 20 Awesome Biker Nights Sioux City
June 27 – 28 J&P Cycles 30th Anniversary
Open House
Anamosa
July 2 – 4 Freedom Rally Algona
July 16 – 19 State HOG Rally Sioux City
July 25 Ride Iowa Baxter
Aug 15 Rip’s BAD Ride Des Moines
Aug 20 – 23 Hawgstock Motorcycle Rally Winterset
Aug 22 Throttler’s HoleShot ’09
at the Iowa Speedway
Newton
Oct 2 – 3 Ride for the Cure Des Moines
Bike Nights around Minnesota
Wednesday’s 2-Wheel Wednesday @ Yarusso’s (Every 1st Wed.)
St. Paul
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
June 6 East Central ABATE Spring Fundraiser Weber
June 12 – 14 Vintage Motorcycle Festival St. Paul
June 12 – 14 Claim to Fame Motorcycle Rally Geneva
June 12 – 14 Up North Blow-Out Staples
June 19 – 21 X Winos Turkey Roast Gaylord
June 19 – 21 30th Annual Blowout Mt. Lake
June 25 – 28 State HOG Rally Duluth
June 26 – 28 Frenzy on the Farm Hartland
June 28 Motorcycle Show & Bike Blessing Aitkin
July 8 – 11 Excelsior Henderson Rally Le Sueur
July 17 – 19 Bottoms Up Bike Fest Farmington
July 31 – 8/2 Strawberry Lake Motorcycle Rally Ogema
Aug 17 Motorcycle Sunday Saint Peter
Bike Nights around Illinois
Thursday’s Coziahr Harley-Davidson Bike Night Forsyth
Sunday’s Culver’s Bourbonnais Weekly
Bike Night Bourbonnais
Sunday Bike Day in Paradise
(Hosted by Cheeseburger in Paradise) Des Plaines
Texas Roadhouse Tinley Park Bike Night (2nd & 4th Sunday)
Tinley Park
Rally’s & Events around Illinois
June 5 – 7 Summer Boogie Penefield
June 7 Biker Sunday Decatur
June 11 – 13 State HOG Rally Springfield
June 13 Great American Biker Jam Rockford
June 14 Bobstock 7 Elk Grove
July 3 – 5 IronHorse Bike Rally & Music Festival Savanna
Aug 16 Hot Times Charity Poker Run
(Wild Fire Harley Davidson) Villa Park
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
June 5 – 6 Chopper Fest Sharona
June 6 Bikes & Blues on Main Street Durand
June 12 – 13 The Roar on the Shore Sheboygan
June 18 – 20 State HOG Rally Appleton
June 25 – 28 Great Northern Bike Rally Crandon
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
Rally’s & Events around Nebraska
June 6 Auburn Blues, Bikes & BBQ Auburn
June 12 – 14 ABATE of NE District 10 Hog Roast Bridgeport
June 12 – 14 FACES Rally Upland
June 19 Motorcycles on Main Plattsmouth
July 25 – 25 Angels Straw Bale Bikefest Spencer
Bike Nights around Missouri
Thursday’s Show-Me’s Sportbike Night St Charles
June 6 Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson Bike Night Osage Beach
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
June 5 – 6 Rebel Yell Chaffee
June 6 – 7 Christfest 2009 Cabool
June 19 – 21 Spring Fling Chillicothe
June 19 – 21 Bohmont Ranch Rally Sparta
Aug 14 – 15 Bikers & Babes at the Beach Rockaway Beach
Bike Nights around Kansas
Thursday’s Old Town Bike Night
@ Emerson Biggins’ Wichita
Rally’s & Events around Kansas
June 4–6 State HOG Rally Lawrence
Aug 8 Thor’s Roar Motorcycle Rally Lindsborg
Aug 22 Rip’s BAD Ride Wichita
Rally’s & Events around South Dakota
June 11–13 State HOG Rally Watertown
July 3 – 5 July Sturgis Riders Rally Sturgis
July 17 Friday Night Live Twin Falls
Aug 3 – 9 69th Annual Sturgis Rally & Races Sturgis
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