The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

The Two Stroke Dirt Bike Engine Building Handbook

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If you're a longtime reader of The Kneeslider, you may remember a review several years ago of The Four Stroke Dirt Bike Engine Building Handbook by Paul Olesen. It's a great book if you're planning to dig into any four stroke motorcycle engine, not just one from a dirt bike. Well, since I just showed you the Rimar 2 stroke project, I thought it might be helpful for those of you … [Read more...]

Rimar Motors 600cc 2 Stroke V-Twin Project

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Rimar Motors, in the Netherlands, is in the advanced stages of machining and assembling a 600cc 2 stroke, V-twin engine, designed to be installed in a 2004 Aprilia RSV1000R frame. The project has been going on for about a year and they've put up detailed photos of the entire process. The engine uses reed valves and two counter-rotating crankshafts. Cylinders come from a … [Read more...]

Gasoline for the Win – Electric Power Struggles to Catch Up

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After the previous half dozen articles on electric powered motorcycles and bicycles, it might appear that I've become an advocate for electric power in all vehicles, all the time and it isn't true. I've looked at the pros and cons, the current electric technology and the various use cases for batteries in place of gas tanks and in my view, gasoline is the better choice now and … [Read more...]

An Early Skirmish in the Upcoming Motorcycle Wars – Brough Superior Versus Curtiss

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The sound of distant guns signals the approaching battle, it's not fully upon us just yet, but it soon will be. Two combatants in the high end luxury motorcycle market carry opposing flags, the reborn Brough Superior enters the fray armed with V-Twin rumble while the rebel entrant, Curtiss, packs electric power. While this particular battle between high priced, low volume … [Read more...]

Honda KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha Motor Intend to Develop Swappable Batteries

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For a long time, many have suggested developing a standard battery that could be quickly and easily swapped so electric vehicles would be able to deal with the persistent issue of range and recharge time and now, four manufacturers, Honda KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha, announced their signing of a letter of intent to do just that. The focus is on what's called the L-category; mopeds, … [Read more...]