The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Rising Chinese Labor Costs May Signal Opportunity for Manufacturers Elsewhere

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As motorcycle manufacturers everywhere are struggling to remain competitive, they're facing cheap Chinese producers making impossible demands on their few remaining profits, leading to outsourced production in China in order to compete, however, a news item this week signals a change may be brewing. Foxconn Technology, a Chinese contract electronics manufacturer making … [Read more...]

1983 Dnepr Bobber From 500 Dollar Pile of Parts

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You remember Dr. Robert Harms, he's built some spectacular bikes from the most disparate piles of parts imaginable. This Dnepr is no exception, starting as a $500 pile of parts, everything was reconstructed, rebuilt, improved, modified and reengineered. The result is a knockout. How does he do it? The Doc was kind enough to send me this note to explain: This is a … [Read more...]

Radial Engine Sport Bike?

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With the recent mention of the radial engine project going on down under, you start to wonder what the guys building radial engine customs have been up to. The guys at JRL Cycles, who have now put together a number of bikes around the 9 cylinder Rotec radials, are working on several projects, including an 18 cylinder two row version which should be quite a sight. While … [Read more...]

2010 Can-Am Roadster Clutch Recall

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Bombardier has issued a recall for a some 2010 Can Am Spyder Roadsters for a problem related to the clutch locking up when coming to a stop. Please read the details below. Manufacturer: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. Models affected: 2010 CAN-AM / Roadster Spyder RT SE5 2010 CAN-AM / Roadster Spyder RS SE5 NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V232000 Potential … [Read more...]

1975 Yamaha XS650 Street Tracker by Cycle Sports

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Ken Fontenot and the crew at Cycle Sports in Houston, Texas, were thinking about putting together a project bike, something to occupy their time this past winter when things were a little slow. Digging around the shop, they looked at the rusty 1975 XS650 rolling chassis that had been sitting outside the shop for about 16 years and figured, why not? Here's Ken to tell you … [Read more...]