PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Until next season

Our winter break arrives again

It’s that time again when we take our winter break to await the snow fall and thaw. No, we’re not closing our doors for good for those of you new to Throttler magazine. This will be our third year in print and it’s our way of regrouping and gearing up for the 2011 riding season.

While we’re out we would love to hear from you about any interesting articles we should consider next year. Just drop us an email and we’ll get back to you on specifics.

This month’s issue has an interesting article that’s not our typical read. Dean Lambert takes us into a realm that we’re not comfortable with as riders and looks at personal safety. Not the kind of safety one would think, such as, bike safety. Rather, the personal safety we need to keep our eyes peeled for situations we encounter ourselves in.

Like when we might find ourself in an unfamiliar location in a bar or dark alley. We’ve seen it a million times when egos get pumped up and the alpha dog comes out at full speed.

Dean interviews a few law enforcement professionals about how to defuse hostile situations and proves that it’s always better to ride another day than to get mixed up with some dude’s ego.

Our experts also inform us about our own mental preparedness. Are we always looking around us for deer, obstacles, cars, a fist, a knife or anything that can harm us? How will we react and how fast is our reaction?

Keep in mind that these professionals are just that, and what they say isn’t what we’re (Throttler) instructing you to do. They are experts with years of training and years of practice. However, they do give us good reason to pause the next time we ride.

Our cover story this month is the AMA Flat Track races that will be held September 18 in Knoxville, Iowa. I assure you that this will be like nothing you’ve seen in quite a while. No, this is not a chance for you to bring your bike and race. These are the AMA Pros on the circuit racing for the crown.

We’ve been assured by Knoxville’s marketing director, Brian Stickle, that the atmosphere will be electric, the track will be fast and the fans will be packing the stands.

The Midwest has some really great riders that have become Grand National Champions and front runners in the series. Names like Chet Dykgraaf, Bart Markel, Jay Springsteen, Randy Goss, Garth Brow, Ted Boody, Scotty Parker, Rich King, Aaron King, Jared Mees and Henry Wiles.

Likewise, there are young stars rising to the top like 14 year old Kole King of Burlington, Iowa, whom has won two National championships and multiple top 3 finishes competing in AMA Flat track riding his KTM 250 and 450.

Youngsters like Kole are an inspiration to all of us that wish we had the guts to try flat track racing.

We hope to see you at Knoxville and please do us a favor by patronizing our advertisers. Without them, we wouldn’t be hear.

See you next year! As always, ride hard.

— R. Kabel and Scott Chambers

Distributed throughout IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, WI


If your business deserves a bigger presence in a respectable, authoritative motorcycle magazine that hits every motorcycle market then, increase your visibility in the iron horse thoroughbred of Midwestern motorcycle magazines — Throttler Magazine.

December 2010 online edition:


“WAR ON ICE” COMING TO THE CEDAR RAPIDS ICE ARENA!

The anticipation is growing as Round-7 of the 35th Annual World Championship ICE Racing Series Presented by McGrath Powersports approaches. This Round of the ICE/International Championship Events sanctioned and managed series will take place in the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on Friday & Saturday nights January 14th & 15th at 7:30PM. The world’s top professional riders will be in town for the event competing on state-of-the-art Manufacturers World Cup Motorcycles and wild ICE Unlimited Outlaw Quads. Participants will race it out on a treacherous solid ice track specially prepared inside the arena. Over 20 races will be run off in 2 1⁄2 hours to crown the Cedar Rapids Round Champions in both divisions.

Two-time and reigning World Champion “Jammin” Jared Mees from Clio, MI will lead the stellar field racing exotic and explosive Manufacturers World Cup Motorcycles in Cedar Rapids. Mees’ other major racing accomplishment was winning the AMA Grand National Dirt Track Championship on his Harley-Davidson XR750 in 2009. Cambridge, MN’s Kevin “The Viking” Anderson 2009 ICE Racing World Champion will be taking on Jared and the rest of the best including MI’s “Captain” Kirk Cheney & Adam Beldyga, PA’s “Freight Train” Tom McGrane and “Sideways” Sammy Wiggins and many more.

In ICE’s other professional division, the Unlimited Outlaw Quads, don’t be surprised to see ICE Wars break out when the notorious Iowa Posse shows up in force with their full body armor strapped on for battle. Red Oak’s “Dapper” Dan Jensen, “Sprint Car” Ryan Jamison from Mediapolis and Des Moines pros Steve Palmer and Kevin Veon to name just a few. Hoping to spoil the Iowa fun fest, among others, none other than The First Lady of ICE Racing, 3-time World Champion Mandy “Wild Child” Brodil from Grandy, NC. After taking several years off due to injuries and subsequently starting a family, Brodil returned to race the full season last year. She started off easy gradually working her way up to speed. By the end of the series the Wild Child was back on top of her game winning two Major Championships. Also in the mix will be Madison, WS’ Chuck “Rocketboy” Calvert fielding his Harley-Davidson V-Twin powered “Thunder Quad” and current WC Points leader Jeff Brodil, Mandy’s dad.

Fans won’t believe their eyes when this unpredictable no holds barred – anything goes class of racing takes to the track. These machines are highly modified 4-wheel ATV’s built and prepared specifically for the ice tracks. Certainly not your father’s ATV these machines are governed by few rules with any type of engine allowed in any chassis configuration. This form of the sport attracts some of the most colorful characters in all of racing and anyone who still thinks racing isn’t a contact sport will be in for a big surprise.

Fast and furious racing excitement for the whole family starts at 7:30PM sharp Friday & Saturday nights. Make your plans to join us as the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena hosts this very special event. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com> or order by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Friday night is Family Night with Advance Kids Tickets only $5 Bucks plus applicable fees. $5 Off VIP Ticket Coupons available at McGrath Powersports.

And remember – IF IT’S ICE RACING – IT’S ICESPEEDWAY.COM






F&J Racing has the right stuff

Dustin Veld builds his dream with Fred and Jackie

Back in 2009 Throttler magazine received a call from Jackie Ingraham of F & J Racing in Marshalltown, raving about a young boy they built a custom motorcycle for. “I wanted to tell you about Dustin Veld who came to us three years ago for a custom motorcycle. He’s even winning contests with it now, and he’s only 16,” she says.

When Dustin Veld was around the age of 13, a friend of Dustin’s father stopped by their home to buy a back rim off his dad’s shovelhead. It was that day that Dustin caught the bug and pondered the possibilities of building his own motorcycle. “The guy told my dad that he needed the rim for his own son’s project and it got me thinking ‘why not give it a shot?’” Dustin says. “Back then, all I knew was that I wanted a bad-ass bike by the time I was 16.”

A quick call to lifelong friends, Fred (a certified factory trained H-D mechanic) and Jackie Ingraham at F & J Racing in Marshalltown IA, got the ball rolling. “I told Jackie and Fred what I was looking for and they gave me a call a few weeks later asking if I wanted a hardtail or a softtail. I picked the hardtail, and even slept with the frame in my bed for a while until the build began,” Dustin said.

Without any practical experience under his belt, Dustin began his bike’s mock-up with his father in their family living room. Later, Dustin moved his conquest to the F&J shop with Fred leading the charge. “I was really into the old stories that people would tell me about building motorcycles around F&J, the David Mann paintings I had seen over the years, and at that time the biker build-off shows were all over the television — that kept me motivated,” Dustin says. “I’m not sure where the design inspiration came from. It just kind of came together this way.”

“Seeing as Dustin grew up coming in here with his parents, he knew Fred could build his dream. Dustin did help out a lot and watched because Fred wanted him not only to be happy, but be able to take care of his bike when it was done,” Jackie says.

“We looked long and hard at motorcycle swap meets for parts and Fred and Jackie filled in the gaps for everything else,” Dustin says. “I wouldn’t be riding today if it wasn’t for their kindness, generosity and expertise.”

Dustin’s bike build turned out to be an old-school ride with a new-school twist. The engine is a stock 80 inch Evo with some head-work by F&J with wideglide forks, an Ultima 6-speed transmission, and a 3 inch open belt drive. Dustin also mowed Harold McStockard’s yard for two years to get the bike painted. McStockard runs H.e.m.i Innovations in Whitten, IA.

On what Dustin would do differently Dustin says, “It rides like a Cadillac and it’s perfect the way it is. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Since its completion, Dustin has placed in a few bike build contests. He placed in 2008’s Ride Iowa in Baxter as well as at the Octember Fest bike show in Marshalltown and Capital City Custom Cycle Show in Des Moines. Dustin says he’s already looking for parts for his next build, and F&J Racing is ready to help out again. Dustin hopefully plans to attend college at MMI in Florida when the time is right. “I would like to come back home after college and work for F&J in the future,” Dustin says.

Lastly, we want to thank Fred and Jackie of F&J Racing in Marshalltown Iowa for assisting us in September with another break down. An end of summer ride found us in their neck of the woods with a flat tire. A quick call to Jackie and she and Fred came to the rescue. They’re the type of friends and business owners that exemplify the the best the Midwest has to offer. If you know them, you would agree. If you don’t, then get to know them. Contact Jackie at (641) 752-8652 for more information or www.fandjracing.com.







NNEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON FUEL STABILIZER

Provides 12 Months of Protection from Ethanol-Related Fuel Issues

Ideal for winter storage, the new Harley-Davidson® Fuel Stabilizer (P/N 94874-10, $5.95) from Genuine Motor Accessories® keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months. Blended with corrosion inhibiters, this fuel stabilizer is formulated to protect fuel tanks, fuel lines, carburetors and injectors from long-term exposure to the adverse affects of ethanol-blended fuel. It fights deposits that can accumulate as a result of ethanol-produced solvents, and acts as a demulsifier to eliminate condensation in the motorcycle fuel system. A four-ounce bottle treats 10 gallons of fuel.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
















Triumph 800 and 800XC adventure bikes break cover

Posted November 4, 2010
From a press release issued by Triumph...


Triumph today held the global unveiling of its eagerly awaited Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC adventure touring models at the internationally renowned EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The unveilings follow the global introductions of the new Thunderbird Storm, America and Speedmaster at last month’s Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. Triumph’s 2011 model range represents the largest new product offering in the company’s 109-year history.

“Entering the adventure touring segment is big news for everyone at Triumph, and we know from customer comments that they’re just as excited,” said Satu Mehta, Vice President of Sales for Triumph North America. “Triumph’s new adventure motorcycles give us a strong offering in every motorcycle category and a great platform to build on in the coming years.”

The all-new Tiger 800s represent Triumph’s first entry into the mid-capacity adventure touring sector. Powered by a 94hp long-stroke 799cc three-cylinder engine, the two models share the same tough steel frame but have their own distinct personalities.

Designed for the city and open road, the Tiger 800 offers outstanding accessibility and maneuverability with cast alloy wheels and, thanks to the adjustable seat that’s on both models, a seat height as low as 31.9 inches to make it an adventure bike for the masses. The taller Tiger 800XC, meanwhile, delivers true off-road capability thanks to its longer-travel suspension and 21” spoke front wheel. With its higher riding position, the Tiger 800XC provides a commanding view of the road ahead and absorbs even the worst road conditions.

Both models come with a wide range of official accessories that are specially designed to help owners get the most out of their machines. High quality soft and hard luggage options as well as optional gel seats with varying heights make these new Triumphs exceptionally capable and inviting touring machines. A range of off-road protection parts also has been developed for riders who plan to go off the beaten path, while the class-leading 645w alternator ensures that the Tiger 800s will have no problem running the auxiliary lights and heated handlebar grips that are available as official accessories.

To find your local Triumph dealer, please visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.





AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships will crown first 2011 champions

Posted November 15, 2010

From a press release issued by AMA...


AMA Racing will recognize its first champions of 2011 at the Jan. 22-23 AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships. This extreme event, promoted by North American Action Sports (NAAS), will take place at the Birch Run Expo Center in downtown Birch Run, Mich.

"The winter months bring out some of the most dedicated AMA racers, and the best of the best converge on the Ice Race Grand Championships," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "We're looking forward to working with NAAS to offer our racers a top-level program and a great facility."

The AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships feature classes for riders from 4 years old to 50-plus competing on bikes that range from lightly modified off-road machines to full-on, purpose-built ice racers. Riders will battle for AMA Racing National No. 1 plates in a number of classes. The top riders at the event also will compete for the AMA Racing Ice Racer of the Year award, given to the most impressive rider on the ice, while the youth riders will chase the honor of AMA Racing Youth Rider of the Year.

"The NAAS team is really excited about this event, and with the help of some great people, we hope that the racers and fans will be too," said Patrick Grzebinski of NAAS, which is known for mixing family fun with the racing atmosphere.

The Birch Run Expo Center is a modern facility that will feature a number of amenities. A few hundred feet away from the half-mile ice track, a custom motorcycle show will be on display in the 110,000 square feet Expo building. In addition, the venue is located adjacent to the Premium Outlets of Birch Run, which includes a variety of over 145 stores, restaurants and hotels.

"Racers and their families will have all the fun they can handle, both day and night," Grzebinski said.

To learn more about the event go to BajaMX.com or call the NAAS office at (989) 871-3356.






KTM announces 2011 50 SXS mini-mx'er

Posted November 19, 2010
From a press release issued by AMA...

Just in time for the holidays KTM North America, Inc is excited to announce the launch of its newest 2011 motorcycle the 50 SXS.

For this model KTM took an already outstanding bike, the 50 SX, and cranked it up even more. If you are looking to stay in front of the competition, look no further than the 2011 limited-edition 50 SXS.

The new 50 SXS comes stock with the following items:

FMF SXS Pipe and Silencer
Race Tech SXS Shock with preload and rebound adjustability and the capability for internal compression valving
Race Tech SXS Fork internals with gold valve cartridge emulators and internal compression damping adjustability
KTM PowerParts SXS billet machined chain adjuster blocks, chain guide, axle block and ignition cover
KTM PowerParts SXS clutch setting
KTM PowerParts SXS throttle assembly
KTM PowerParts SXS Renthal diamond grips and bar pad
KTM PowerParts SXS graphics
KTM PowerParts 38-T rear sprocket
“The 50 SXS is built to provide elite 50 racers across the country with a true race bike that is capable of showcasing their talent,” remarked KTM Product Line Manager John Hinz. “Although the production on the bikes is limited, the 50 SXS will be legal for AMA stock classes. Additionally, a SXS kit or individual components can be purchased through your authorized KTM dealer to take your current 50 SX to the SXS level.”

For more information please visit your local KTM dealer.







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