From the monthly archives:

September 2007

Suzuki Biplane and Crosscage Concept Motorcycles

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/29/2007

in Motorcycle Design, Motorcycle Shows

Suzuki has 2 concept motorcycles ready for the Tokyo Motor Show, the Biplane and the Crosscage. Unlike the Honda concepts we showed you last week, these do not look even remotely close to production. They are what concepts usually are, designers and engineers whipping something up to show where their thinking is at the moment [...]

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What do you call a spark ignition engine that runs on JP8, the military’s standard fuel for jets and most everything else? You call it Patriot. Even better, in a pinch, this engine runs on gasoline, JP5 or regular highway diesel!
Polaris Industries produces ATVs for the military, specialized gasoline powered models for the troops [...]

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Buell Dirt Bikes Delayed Indefinitely

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/27/2007

in Motorcycle Business

It looks like Buell Motorcycles will not be adding a dirt bike to their lineup anytime soon. Although the program was supposedly still in the works last month when I interviewed Erik:
Kneeslider: What about the dirt bike project? Is there anything you can say about that?
Erik Buell: It’s definitely a project underway and when we [...]

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The promise of a production turbo diesel motorcycle has been long anticipated since we first saw photos and drawings of the prototypes and now Neander Motors is announcing the introduction of their first Neander Turbo Diesel motorcycle. The very first production unit will be on display at the international motorcycle show “Mondial du Deux-Roue” in [...]

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2008 Kawasaki 250R Gets Redesigned

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/26/2007

in Motorcycle Business

The 2008 Kawasaki 250R has been redesigned and it looks good. The 250R makes a great entry level ride and it doesn’t lack for performance either, plus it’s the only 250cc sportbike for sale over here in the states. You get a 249cc DOHC parallel twin with a six speed transmission, great handling, high mileage [...]

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2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 Gets More Power

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/25/2007

in Motorcycle Business

For the truly power hungry, Kawasaki is adding even more to their premier power monster, the 2008 ZX-14. While refining the engine to meet strict noise and emission regulations, they actually increased power. On top of that, the frame is lighter, too. Lots of changes throughout.
From the Kawasaki press release:
Every champion knows sustained dominance is [...]

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How about a Honda Gold Wing quad? Dave Hannigan just introduced a 2 wheel front end to replace the standard Gold Wing’s single front wheel, which, when added to the usual trike setup gives you one large and luxurious quad.
I talked to Dave Hannigan of Hannigan Motorsports recently about what he calls his HRT Roadster. [...]

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Ducati CBX Custom by Dan Uhing

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/24/2007

in Motorcycle Builders, Vintage Motorcycles

Flipping through the new October Motorcyclist magazine I saw this very sweet Ducati / Honda CBX custom. It’s the work of Dan Uhing of Nebraska who owns quite a few CBXs and got the desire to do a special. The Europeans do their share but he didn’t like the flip up tail that seems common [...]

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