The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Öhlins Lite Shock – Affordable High Performance

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When you mention the name Öhlins, people often think really nice suspension components but a wee bit expensive, a shock can set you back about $1400, maybe more. In this economy, when motorcycles aren't flying off the showroom floor, it goes without saying that high end components may be moving a little slower, too.   It looks like the folks over at Öhlins … [Read more...]

Kawasaki W800 – Updating the Retro Standard

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Kawasaki has updated the W650 retro standard with more displacement and a refined style but it's only available in Japan, so far, and based on the W650's poor sales when it was available in the US in 1999 and 2000, the new version may not make it here at all. This is one of those bikes that lots of riders will say, bring it here and I'll buy one, but if it ever did get … [Read more...]

Norton NSU Special – A Sleeker Mini Mammut

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Many of you remember the Munch Mammut, we've written about them several times on The Kneeslider, they were a fascinating motorcycle from the 1960s powered by an NSU auto engine. Very impressive engineering at the time but they looked a little ponderous, after all, that 4 cylinder engine wasn't designed to fit into a motorcycle, what would you expect? A few days ago, Mick … [Read more...]

Old Bike, New Tool: Giving a 1932 Harley a New (Thermal) Image

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For many riders a motorcycle is not merely a toy, but a doorway to adventure and a tool for travel, commuting and skill building. It’s a focus for intellectual growth and an opportunity for learning. That learning takes place not just on the road but in the garage, where even amateur mechanics quickly learn that the tools they hold can be as useful, enlightening and … [Read more...]

Osorb the Oil Absorber

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One of the constants when dealing with motor vehicles of any kind is oil and all sorts of other chemicals that can get into our water. I came across this demonstration of Osorb, a silicon and benzene polymer that sucks it all up and I was absolutely amazed. This isn't some clay like substance you throw down on your garage floor or any of those absorber mats we might use, in … [Read more...]