The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Harley Davidson Hints at Move From Milwaukee

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They may be outlining a bargaining position for upcoming negotiations, but Harley Davidson suggested moving the company's manufacturing operations from Wisconsin as a way to slash millions of dollars in costs. Labor costs and scheduling flexibility were cited as the two major issues. The Wisconsin plants at risk include its powertrain operations in Milwaukee. Those … [Read more...]

Museum or Garage – When is it Right Not to Ride It?

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When a stash of old Norton motorcycles recently turned up for auction, still in their delivery crates, still unassembled, the debate began over what any prospective new owner should do. Should they be uncrated and prepared for display, prepared for riding or left in the crate as-is. There are opinions on all sides and some of you might have a fast answer but have you thought it … [Read more...]

Honda XR600 9 Cylinder Radial Engine Progress Continues

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A thing of beauty is a joy to behold and this is certainly mechanical beauty. Some new photos just arrived from down under, courtesy of Ian Drysdale, who is working on this marvelous 9 cylinder radial engine with Russell Sutton, using Honda XR600 top ends. We've written about this project twice before which began back in 2008 and the in-progress photos show it's well along … [Read more...]

Print 3D Engineering Models on Your Desktop – HP Designjet 3D Printer

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We're bouncing back and forth between high tech and low tech, from 5 axis milling machines to hands on clay mockups for body kits, today it's back to high tech with this brand new 3D printer for the desktop from HP, the HP Designjet 3D Printer. It's now on sale in Europe starting around $17,500, still a bit high for the home do it yourself designer, but pretty amazing, … [Read more...]

Custom Motorcycle Body Kit the Low Tech Way

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After watching a computer controlled 5 axis milling machine turn a solid block of aluminum into a very precise facsimile of a motorcycle helmet, you might get the impression that the days of low tech hands on work are over. After all, who can compete with all of that industrial high tech capability? Well, take a look at this. Over in India, the Bajaj Pulsar is the largest … [Read more...]