The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Casting the Musket V-Twin Engine

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Aniket sent me the first photos of the new 1000cc Musket V-Twin engine castings fresh out of the foundry. Those gorgeous wooden patterns we saw several weeks ago performed their job beautifully and the new aluminum castings look just perfect. The photos below step you through the process from making the sand molds to pouring the molten aluminum and finally we see the new … [Read more...]

Dangerous Thoughts About the Future of Motorcycles

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It’s easy to look right past it, but there’s more happening to the motorcycle business than a recession. The economy plays a part, no doubt, but there’s something else missing, … it's the excitement, that feeling of being on the cutting edge of a technology where big things are happening. I’ve been fascinated by technology all of my life, not only with engines and … [Read more...]

Heavy Press Program – Monster Machines for Forging Light Metal Components

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We talk about all sorts of methods here for making metal components, from welding and machining to casting small and large parts, and some of you are personally involved with a lot of these methods on a daily basis, but I came across this article yesterday about the Heavy Press Program, and it just stopped me in my tracks. These machines are absolutely breathtaking. The … [Read more...]

Horex Set to Begin VR6 Production

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Horex is within weeks of beginning series production of the VR6 Roadster. The bike will be powered by the 1200cc, very narrow angle (15 degree) triple overhead cam, V6. The narrow angle engine, just under 17 inches measured across both cylinder banks, allows Horex to make a compact V6 engine in practically the same space as an inline four. The VR6 will be offered in both … [Read more...]

Ducati Reported to be For Sale

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Investindustrial Holdings, current owners of Ducati, are now reported to be searching for a buyer with sufficient resources to grow the firm going forward. According to an article in the Financial Times, the Bonomi family hopes to put together a deal that could be worth up to €1 billion. Mr Bonomi said a handful of industrial groups in Asia, Europe and the US were … [Read more...]