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Gasoline Magazine, a FREE seasonal motorcycle magazine based out of North Dakota. Distributed through out the upper midwest. Visit www.gasolinemag.com
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TOUGHTOUGHTIMES
CLOTHES FOR
AT PRICES THAT WILL GO EASY ON YOUR WALLET. AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WALMART.COM.
WHEN YOU WORK, YOUR CLOTHES SHOULD TOO.™WWW.JESSEJAMESWORKWEAR.COM
3www.gasolinemag.com
CONTENTFEATURE STORYJason Doll - Doll's Studios ......................... 18
OTHER SH*T INSIDEProduct Review .............................................. 6
Discover North Dakota .................................. 7
Harley-Davidson Iron 883 ............................ 10
June 2009 Events ........................................ 14
Gasoline Poster ......................................16-17
Winter Motorcycle Shows ........................... 22
Honda Fury .................................................. 24
Stock vs. Custom ......................................... 26
Motorcycle Tips .......................................28-29
OUR ADVERTISERS Action Motor Sports ...................................... 5
Corral Sales RV ............................................ 30
Dakota Sanitation ........................................ 12
Deborah Kates Fine Photography .............. 23
Doll's Studios ............................................... 29
Drink, The ..................................................... 29
Full Throttle Motorsports ............................ 26
Guilty Customs .............................................. 3
Hitman Industries ........................................ 32
Jesse James Workwear ................................. 2
Larsons Creative Concepts ........................ 26
Ma's Cycles .................................................. 30
Napa of Mandan ............................................. 4
Open Road Honda ....................................... 13
Scooter Shak ................................................ 23
Shooters Images .......................................... 13
Silver Dollar Bar ........................................... 15
Stage Stop Saloon ......................................... 9
Starion Finanical ............................................ 4
MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MISS AN ISSUE.SUBSCRIBENOW $22.00 (TAX INCLUDED)
PURCHASE A GASOLINE MAGAZINE BLACK T-SHIRT
(SIZES: S/M/L/XL/2XL)
AND HAVE GASOLINEMAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR THE YEAR
OF 2009 AND ALSO be ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST.
MAILING ADDRESS:GASOLINE MAGAZINE (SUBSCRIBE)
630 sixth AvE. S.E. • MANDAN, ND 58554
EMAIL ADDRESS:[email protected]
Include: Name, Address, Phone and Email.
4 fuel your veins. gasoline
Owner/Publisher Chad Hatzenbuhler
Chief Editor Dan Geiger
Feature Editor Scooter Pursley
Contributing WritersEdward MillerRussel Myers
Scooter Pursley
Creative DirectorChad Hatzenbuhler
Art Director and PhotographyDan Geiger
Deborah KatesDon Kates
Russel MyersScooter Pursley
AdvertisingChad Hatzenbuhler
SubscriptionsGasoline magazine is offering
subscriptions to its viewers. Learn more at www.gasolinemag.com
Gasoline magazine is not liable for misprints, production errors, or accuracy of information provided by advertisers.
Reproduction in any form is prohibited unless written permission is granted by Gasoline magazine. We reserve the right to refuse publication of advertisers that are not
up to standard and quality of Gasoline magazine.
We insure summer funWe can insure all your summer toys by choosing among many companies to find what’s best for you. Expect responsive quotes, a complete explanation of your coverage and answers when you need them.
Bismarck Mandan250-1508 667-1048
These insurance products are: Not a deposit . Not FDIC insured . Not insured by any Federal Government Agency . Not guaranteed by the bank
Agent Darren Haugen
NAPA OF MANDAN400 East Main
Mandan, North Dakota 58554
(701) 663-AUTO(2886)
words from gasoline.words from gasoline.Hello, I want to introduce you to Gasoline magazine. Gasoline is a project I started two years ago and with some special people telling me, "It's good to dream." I had to prove to them and to myself that it was more than a dream. As you can see, it became reality, and I want Gasoline to grow into a publication that is in every motorcyclists' hand. With every issue, there will be more local/regional stories, interviews and everything going on in North Dakota and the motorcycle world. Pick up every issue and see us grow into your favorite motorcycle magazine. I want to say "Thank You" to the advertisers, my wife, family and friends - Enjoy the Ride.Chad HatzenbuhlerOwner/Rider
5www.gasolinemag.com
words from gasoline.
6 fuel your veins. gasoline
CHOPPERTOWN: THE SINNERS DVDChoppertown is an award- winning documentary following the Sinners, a well known hot rod and motorcycle club based in California. The DVD basically follows the build of a traditional chopper for a member of the club. The build is done on the cheap, in a garage, with the help of a lot of friends. It will without a doubt remind you of a weekend you’ve spent wrenching with your homies all day and rounded out the night with a couple dozen beers. I highly recommend this film. Head to www.choppertown.net to check it out and order a copy. If you watch the trailer and still aren’t convinced, you’re not a biker.
INKED MAGAZINEI first came across this magazine a year or so ago and have been hooked since. As you might assume by the name, INKED is a tattoo mag. INKED isn’t the normal tattoo mag you might be used to, though. You know, the ones with hundreds of pics of tattoos and not a whole lot of anything else. They’re good if you’re trying to get ideas, but not much for entertainment. Inked features more of the tattoo culture and lifestyle, as well as old-fashioned tattoo pics. A sort of tattoo GQ, if you will. Head to your local newsstand or check out www.inkedmag.com
DB CUSTOMS: CUSTOM HELMET AND MOTORCYCLE PAINTING
I came across this company while at a local bike show. DB Customs offers creative airbrushing and custom paint for anyone looking to paint their helmet or motorcycle.Visit www.dbcustoms.com to learn more.
YOUNG CHOPPERS: SHIFT KNOBS
While looking around for a suicide shifter for my next project on the Triumph, I came across some cast aluminum shift knobs. At an affordable price, these knobs can be on your custom bike without busting your budget. www.youngchoppers.com
JAYCO ZX TOY HAULER
Check out the Jayco ZX Toy Hauler. With a base pricestarting at $27,429, this is an affordable camper for anyone hitting rallies orgoing camping and wanting to go for a ride.Check out the toy haulers at Corral Sales RV Superstore in Mandan, N.D. www.corralsales.com
GASOLINE PRODUCT REVIEW
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Bob Seger may have been talking about North Dakota when he sang the lyrics to one of the best motorcycling songs of all time – “Roll Me Away.”
There are no bad rides on the Northern Plains, specifically North Dakota, a state whose
excellent roads, low traffic and friendly people make it perfect for cruising the wide open plains.There is a unique beauty to the vast expanses that plains’ bikers experience when they roll out of the city. On a recent trip to the Sturgis Rally, storm clouds gathered in the western sky as we rolled south on Highway 85 between Bowman, N.D. and Belle Fourche, S.D.
A feeling of helplessness sweeps over you as lightning crackles. Out here, it’s no different than it was in the Old West – a cowboy and his horse; a biker and his ride; both at the mercy of nature and their senses.
There are many rides in North Dakota that are pleasing to the
senses. So, no matter where you are, take some advice from Bob: Take a bead on the Northern Plains and just roll that power on. And whether you’re a North Dakotan heading out on the highway, or an out-of-stater on your way to Red Lodge, Sturgis, Menoken and so on, try to hit these
routes. You won’t be disappointed.
The Mobridge Loop From Bismarck-Mandan, motor south on Highway 1804 to Mobridge, S.D., cross the Missouri River and come back up Highway 1806. Lewis and Clark went up and down Highway 1804 and 1806 in – you guessed it – 1804 and 1806. It took them two years to do it. We can do it in a few hours.
Start out at Bismarck and make your way to the high hills south and east of the Missouri River. This is 1804. The closer you get to the South Dakota state line, the higher the bluffs above the Missouri River. The road twists back down to river
By Scooter Pursley Photo Credits: Scooter Pursley
DISCOVER NORTH DAKOTASTART THE ENGINE AND LETS RIDE.
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level as you near Mobridge, S.D. where you must fill up and grab a bite to eat. It’s about 120 miles from Bismarck. The return trip is up the west side of the river on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota and Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The route includes the Standing Rock Native American National Scenic Byway from the state line to the Cannon Ball River. The route runs along the Missouri River valley. Stop at Prairie Knights Casino to drop a few quarters or come all the way back to Mandan, past Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and the Veterans’ Cemetery. Enchanted Highway Make the loop from Bismarck-Mandan. Head south on Highway 6 to Highway 21 and take 21 to Mott (top off the tank) and on to Regent. Here the Enchanted Highway begins. Go north out of Regent to Interstate 94 and back home. This stretch of road is flanked by giant metal sculptures by local artist Gary Greff, who hopes to soon start pro-duction on a giant mo-torcycle to be located in Regent at the gift shop and restaurant. Stop at the “Tin Family,” “Fisherman’s Dream,” “Pheasants” and more for photos. There is another sculpture every few miles to Interstate 94
where you find “Geese in Flight,” the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture. This is an annual run for some bike groups. Great photo ops. Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway
Getting there is half the fun, but when you pull into Manning headed north on Highway 22, you’re on the way to dramatic scenery. The byway runs up Highway 22 through Killdeer, past the mountains and into the Badlands. It meets up with Highway 23 to New Town. The Killdeer Mountains dot the horizon long before you get to Killdeer. The rolling hills that lead riders along the east side of the
mountains eventually give way to the deep, rugged Badlands and Lost Bridge. Riders emerge from the Badlands on the high plateaus of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Take a camera.
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Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway This 63-mile-long route south of Valley City was listed as one of Harley-Davidson’s featured rides in its 2009 map and travel book. The tree-lined valley makes you forget you rode through some of the flattest country on earth to get here. Its rolling hills feature small towns and farms and winds up at Fort Ransom State part. It’s classic Americana. River Road A local favorite in the Bismarck-Mandan area. It can be as short as a ride from south to north Bismarck or as long as 45 miles to Washburn. Roll through the trees on the banks of the Missouri River, climb the ridges for panoramic scenes and wind up in Washburn. Pick up some grub and head down to Fort Mandan a couple miles out of town on the banks of the Missouri River and enjoy a peaceful meal in the outdoors.
We hope you enjoy the trips. Just get out and enjoy the ride in North Dakota!
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Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s.
The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing thestyling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.
"The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,"
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDENew Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDENew Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude
said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives
the owner a platform for creative customization."
The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution
powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883
deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
and performance tuning with a broad
torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers
plenty of power for the city scene.
The pipes on the straight cut shorty
dual exhaust flow the distinctive
Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.
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The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.
A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.
As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at
www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDEContinued...
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15www.gasolinemag.com
One of best events to check out this summer. All weekend you can enjoy the garage culture in Mandan, North Dakota. More than 500 vintage cars line Main Street in Mandan. Beer gardens, food booths, live music and car-related displays and swap meet. To learn more go to www.buggies-n-blues.org
Cycle Hutt - "On the Strip"
Saturday, June 6: Local Stunts Sunday, June 7: Motorcycle ShowTime: 10 a.m.For details: www.NDracing.com
Schwan GM Auto Center "On the Strip"
Saturday, June 6: Classic ExcitementCar ShowTime: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Scotty's Drive In
Saturday, June 6th: Show and ShineTime: Noon - 3 p.m.
Silver Dollar Street DanceJune 5-6Rock out with the band "RIFT" at the Silver Dollar Street Dance on Friday and Saturday.8 p.m . - Concession Stands - NO COVER CHARGE
Buggies and BluesMain Street - Mandan, North Dakota
Sunday, June 7th: Show and ShineTime: 10 a.m.
buggies and bluesjune 6-7, 2009
You ever walked outta the store and suddenly realized you don’t know which Volvo station wagon to put your groceries in because there are seven more in the parking lot that look just like yours? Happens to me all the time! Each time I find myself thinking, “Damn, I knew I shoulda gotten that sick flame job layed down that I was gonna get. Then I’d know which Volvo is mine, fo sho!”
If this sounds all too familiar, there’s a man out there who can help: Jason Doll, owner of Doll’s Studios (Doll’s Kustom FX) on the strip in Mandan. Specializing in custom paintwork and tattoos, Jason and his crew can turn your boring ass grocery getter, bike, or even your skin into a recognizable piece of artwork. Gasoline recently caught up with Jason to learn a little more about the man behind the artwork.
Gasoline: What’s your business all about?
Jason Doll: Doll’s Kustom FX/Doll’s Studios is a “one-stop shop” for all your custom needs. We do custom airbrushing, tattooing and piercing. I also tour with a select group of top artists from around the nation teaching instructional classes throughout the US. Our goal is to provide art and tattoos to those who want the best work and highest quality. We’ve all worked hard to be where we are and continue to grow each and every day.
Where did you start your shop?
I started it as a hobby out of my dad’s garage in 1996 after teaching at Turtle Mountain College in Belcourt. I opened a full blown custom shop with paint and tattoo in Bismarck on Airport Road the summer of 2004.
What do you prefer, painting or tattooing?
I love to do both. The illustration on motorcycles is my first love, and there’s nothing better than great artwork accented with a lot of chrome on a bright sunny day. However, I love tattooing also. It’s a great feeling doing great permanent
By Edward Miller Photo Credits: Russel Myers
artwork that will last a lifetime. I occasionally need a break from each one and it’s nice to be able to jockey back and forth between the two.
What is your favorite subject to airbrush or tattoo?
My favorite subject material is morbid and sexy. Skulls and chicks. However, it’s nice to do a variety, as long as
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it’s detailed. I’m a detail freak! It’s the details … that extra 10-20% that separates you from the sea of all the other artists out there.
Not many custom shops survive in North Dakota, how did you become so successful?
I work my ass off! I learned a great work ethic from my dad, and I’m not afraid to work long hours. People either have an employee mentality or an owner mentality. The owner mentality never does just the minimum to get by, they do whatever it takes to be successful.
You have some custom bikes of your own?
I have a custom chopper. I’ve always wanted something personalized. I decided to go with a radical two wheeled business card. I talked with Travis Feist of Kustoms Inc. and we discussed the exact look that I wanted. It was cool that I was able to have a say in the design. I was looking for a design to help showcase the artwork, and he captured it. I’m very happy with it and it turns heads everywhere I go.
How many miles do put on your motorcycle annually?
Not enough….too busy workin’! I am planning on doing a lot of riding this summer.
Nice Excursion outside, people can tell you are coming down the road. New shop truck?
Yes. We needed another 4x4. Our daughter had a car accident with our other one this last summer, and we needed to replace it. I knew what I wanted. I wanted something that looked like a beast going down the
road, and of course something to put some kick ass paint on!
You have a DVD out? What is it called?
We decided to do a DVD line nationally…the first one is The Complete Guide to Motorcycle Painting. It walks you through the painting process of a motorcycle. It covers basics to advanced techniques. It can be found from us directly or from Coast Airbrush, or ASET.
Who do you admire?
My parents are first. My dad, he instilled in me the hard work ethic, and my mother
21www.gasolinemag.com
for keeping me going with her inspirational talks. And all of the true artists in the airbrush and tattoo industry. They are real artists that are doing true art as it should be done, not just because you can make a quick buck at it. Also, the real businessmen in the blue collar field like Jesse James, that work hard and kick ass. Also, marketing gurus that are huge at creating unorthodox business ventures with great brand recognition like Gene Simmons, and the guy from “Girls Gone Wild,” Joe Francis.
What’s next for Jason Doll?
I am thrilled to be working on a T-Shirt line. That has been my lifelong dream in actuality. So watch for it! It’s going to be awesome!
Any information you may feel you want to tell about yourself or new things coming up for 2009 riding season?
We are having a big party July 17-19 at Eagles Park in Bismarck. All proceeds will be going to an abused animal charity. Jack’s Steakhouse will be serving alcohol and food the whole weekend and we will have some awesome live bands both days. We will be doing a motorcycle run that Saturday as well. All the information will be on my web site. It’s going to be a great time!
Any shout-outs to friends, family?
Nikki, my fiancé, and all of our crew here, they’re first-rate when things get busy and we all need to step up and get shit done. The staff and artists associated with ASET in Salt lake City, they have all become close friends and unbelievable industry contacts. I feel very fortunate to be where I am with my career. Thanks everyone!
22 fuel your veins. gasoline
FM Crusaders - Fargo SHow
09 Winter Bike Shows
FM Crusaders - Fargo SHow
09 Winter Bike ShowsIn the winter months we are all thinking the same thing, I want to ride! Gasoline checked out some bike shows this winter to get us pumped for the 2009 riding season. We are going to try to make it to every event this summer and next winter. Take a look at some of our photos...
Freedom Riders - Bismarck ShowFreedom Riders - Bismarck Show
23www.gasolinemag.com
FM Crusaders - Fargo SHowFM Crusaders - Fargo SHow
09 Winter Bike Shows
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2010 Honda FuryHonda Fury/Open Road Honda2010 Honda Fury
now available atcheck it out today!now available atcheck it out today!
25www.gasolinemag.com
It’s the chopper you would build for yourself─if you had a factory instead of a garage. Introducing the Fury, a machine that radiates attitude and delivers a total riding experience approaching the outer limits of motorcycling. Welcome to the wild side—of Honda.
2010 Honda FuryHonda Fury/Open Road Honda2010 Honda Fury
With hand-built appearances radical enough to turn every head and catch every eye, only the Fury dares to open the door to the most extreme level of custom looks. But once you’re rolling, the Fury experience is all about that special bond between rider and machine: the unmistakable big V-twin pulse, the characteristic Vee engine note and the no-nonsense riding stance bring you back to the core
element of riding.Destined to become a milestone machine, the Fury captures the pure, undiluted chopper essence, places it within easy reach of nearly every rider, and then backs it up with the same quality and reliability built into every Honda. It’s a radical concept in a unique package, a combination never before offered─until today.
Features: Full-on chopper styling, longest wheelbase ever in a production Honda motorcycle, muscular V-twin power, sound and feel, clean looks, superior attention to detail, spacious riding position, low seat height, single-shock rear suspension features “hard tail” look, extra-wide 200-series rear tire, slim-look 21-inch front tire, legendary Honda fit, finish and reliability and unrivaled value.
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Larsons Creative Concepts | 109 3rd Ave. NE, Mandan N.D. | 701-400-5217 | www.larsonairbrushing.com
Tattooing
Airbrushing
Pinstriping
Custom Upholstery
Whether you’re looking to personalize your ride or have one painful therapy session, Larson can meet all your customizing and tattooing needs. You won’t find all that ego in our shop — we make sure you leave happy and with a top-quality product.
Call Jon Larson today at (701) 400-5217.
27www.gasolinemag.com
So the big cheese here at Gasoline has bestowed upon me the task of writing a “Stock vs. Custom” article. I’m not sure if he picked the wrong person, or if he did it on purpose, because I can’t really think of too many arguments for the “stock” crowd. But maybe that’s just me?
Now don’t get me wrong, if you ride a stock bike I’m not calling you an idiot or anything. Imagine you showed up at a hoppin’ social gathering and some other cool cat was wearing the exact same pastel purple leisure suit as you. You’d feel kinda like a tool, right? Now just change the scenario around. Imagine you’re out popping wheelies and tearing up the streets all day on your stock Harley. You’re feeling pretty cool and then you pull up to a stoplight right beside some other dude with the same exact bike as yours, right down to thepaint job. The cool level of your bike has just dropped. You need to add somepersonality, dude.
A guy doesn’t have to have a full-blown built-from-scratch chopper to stand out a little from the other bikes parked in front of the local pub. There are a million ways to make your bike your own. Maybe the most drastic change you could make without actually changing any parts would be a new paint job. Take those tins off and get some flames put on 'em. Maybe some bass boat metal flake? Get a picture of your mom airbrushed on the tank. What it is isn’t really as important as the fact that it’s original, and a representation of who you are. If you don’t wanna drop the Benjamins on a new paint job, don’t.
Heck, you can probably make your bike more unique without spending a dime. Take some crap off. It doesn’t cost anything to lose unnecessary trinkets here and there and it can make a big visual impact. Sometimes less is more as they say.
I could write a novel about ways to customize your bike but I don’t have the time or the space, and I really don’t want to. What one guy thinks is cool, the next guy might not. Some people might prefer a 20-foot-long OCC bike tricked out with a water fountain and a fish tank, and some people might prefer a WCC bike tricked out with nothing more than what it absolutely needs. Just make your bike an extension of your personality. Pick up ideas where you can and keep it to you or your buddies’ abilities. Just because you saw a killer chopper on Biker Build-off doesn’t mean you can turn your Gold Wing into the same thing with a torch, a 9/16ths wrench and some JB weld. Now quit reading and go customize! (Actually finish the mag, then get out there.)
By Edward Miller
28 fuel your veins. gasoline
Getting your motorcycle ready before heading out this summer is one of the smartest things any motorcycle rider can do. Having your motorcycle at its peak will make both you and your motorcycle's life easier. Here are some things you should remember when you get that itch to go out and hit the road.
1. Change oil and filter.There’s a lot of discussion on using synthetic oil vs. non-synthetic oil. I go with whatever the manufacturer of my motorcycle recommends. As far as I know it’s more important to get the viscosity right than if it’s synthetic or not.
2. Check tire pressure.Easy to forget when you just want to go and ride. But quite a lot of air actually fizzes out during the 3-5 months your motorcycle is parked for the winter. If you don’t have a pump at home, your first trip should be to the gas station checking that tire pressure. Again, I go with whatever the manufacturer recommends.
3. Recharge the battery.It depends a bit on how old your battery is and if it’s a gel battery or not, how crucial charging your battery will be. I’ve had bikes that started on first turn after the winter, without being charged, but it’s recommended to charge it once or twice over the winter.
4. Check brake pads and chain.Check chain tension according to your manual. Also check if the chain is worn and should be replaced. If you grab a link with two fingers on the rear sprocket and you can lift it from the teeth of the sprocket, the chain will need to be replaced soon. Check brake pads according to your manual. Usually there’s no need to remove the brake caliper. Most brake pads have slits cut into them. If you can still see the slits, you’re fine.
5. Clean and lube.When everything is checked, replaced as needed and fully charged, it’s time to give the motorcycle a thorough spring cleaning. Of course you cleaned it when you put it in storage, but if you’re like me you gave it a light spray lubricant of some sort to prevent rust and corrosion during winter. All that needs to come off and fresh bike spray needs to come on. It’s best to lube the chain while it’s hot. If you just cleaned it with chain cleaner, give it a light lube, go for a ride and lube again when you get back. Remember it’s best to lube more frequently than too much at one time.Now is also a good time to check your cables and give them a drop of lube.
If you do these five things, your motorcycle will last long and always be in perfect condition. Riding a clean motorcycle in good condition puts a smile on your face. After all, that’s what it’s all about.
By: Russel Myers
TIPS BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD THIS SUMMER
29www.gasolinemag.com
T – Tires and Wheels
* Check the air pressure of your tires and inflate to the pressure specified in your owner’s manual. Look for wear-and-tear on the treads, cracks, bulges or embedded objects. * Check your wheels for roundness, cracks and dents, and bent, broken or missing spokes.
C – Controls
* Review the levers and pedals to make sure they’re still lubricated, and adjusted and fitted properly. They should not be broken, bent, or cracked. * Inspect cables to make sure they are not frayed, kinked, or folded into sharp angles. Also, test to make sure your bike’s cables at no time interfere with your ability to steer. * Check hoses for cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing or deterioration. Like cables, hoses should not interfere with your steering or suspension, and should not be folded into sharp angles. * Test that the throttle moves freely, does not stick and snaps closed when released.
L – Lights
* If you removed your battery over the winter, install it—your owner’s manual should tell you how. Check the battery to make sure the terminals are clean and tight, it’s properly charged and secured. Check the vent tube to confirm it is not kinked or plugged, and is routed properly.
O – Oil and other fluids
* Check the levels and quality of the engine oil, hypoid gear oil, shaft drive, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel. Replace or top-up fluids that need it. C – Chassis
* Review the condition of the frame, looking for lifting paint, cracks, or dents. * Make sure the front forks and rear shocks are properly adjusted.
S – Stands
* For both center stands and side stands, make sure they are not cracked or bent and that it springs into place and has the required tension to hold the bike in position.
T-CLOCS
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31www.gasolinemag.com
motorcycle {Friendly} Establishmentsbuy your SH*T HERE
Bismarck-Mandan, N.D.
Action Motor Sports1417 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-667-4524
Corral Sales RV617 6th Ave SEMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-9538
Cycle Hutt3700 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-223-4888
Dakota Sanitation1751 Channel Dr.Bismarck, N.D. 58501701-226-2553
DB Customs1810 N 8th St.Bismarck, N.D. 58501701-226-2553
Deborah KatesFine Photography Mandan, N.D. 58554701-471-4180
Doll's Studios3001 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-1069
Drink, The4007 South Bay Dr. SEMandan, N.D. 58554701-751-2898
Full Throttle Motor Sports1101 Airport Rd.Bismarck, N.D. 58504701-222-1999
Gimpsters Power2726 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-8083
Larsons Creative109 3rd Ave. SEMandan, N.D. 58554701-400-5217
Open Road Honda4120 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-4023
Roughrider Harley- Davidson3708 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-2220
Scooter Shak2014 Memorial HwyMandan, N.D. 58554701-667-2033
Silver Dollar 200 E Main St.Mandan, N.D. 58554701-663-5248
Stage Stop Saloon611 6th Ave. SEMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-7768
Starion Financial109 1st St. NWMandan, N.D. 58554701-663-6434
Dickinson, N.D.Grumpys Hideaway48 E Broadway St.Dickinson, N.D. 58601-5656701-483-6446
Honda West745 W Villard St.Dickinson, N.D. 58601-5022 701-225-2803
Fargo, N.D.
Fargo Harley-Davidson600 Main Ave. WWest Fargo, N.D. 58078701-277-1000
Hitman Industries900 Page Dr. Fargo, N.D. 58078701-391-0534
Ma's Cycles619 Main Ave. EWest Fargo, N.D. 58078701-277-4584
Jamestown, N.D.
Buffalo Lounge & Casino905 7th Ave. SEJamestown, N.D. 58401701-252-9405
Minot, N.D.
Action Cycles2815 S BroadwayMinot, N.D. 58701701-252-8176
Bennie's Cycles30 1st St. NEMinot, N.D. 58703701- 852-0874
Twitch MX1104 15th Ave. SEMinot, N.D. 58701701-833-1972
Long Beach, C.A.
JJ Workwear &West Coast Choppers718 W Anaheim St.Long Beach, C.A. 90813562-983-6666
Orlando, F.L.
Guilty Customs2220 Platinum Rd.Apopka, F.L. 32703407-886-5796
ADD YOURBUSINESSTO OUR DIRECTORY$30 YEARORADVERTISEAND YOU WILL BE ADDED. CALL 701.202.0683OR EMAIL:[email protected]
WANT A SPIFFYSTICKER? CALL, EMAIL OR FIND US AT AN EVENT.WE HAVE SOME.