The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Norton Motorcycles Suspend Operations

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Norton Motorcycles, the Oregon company trying to revive the Norton name with their new Norton Commando 961, has suspended operations. Paul Gaudio, Norton's Director of Design and Development, when contacted by The Kneeslider, said: We have decided to suspend operations while we continue to talk to investors. We remain committed to making new Nortons, and will … [Read more...]

AMA Superbike Shootout at Mid Ohio

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The AMA just announced the Superbike finale to be held at Mid Ohio will be made up of several heat races of 5-7 laps where the top finishers will qualify for the 20 rider feature race. Riders who do not qualify for the feature get a consolation race of their own and the finishers of that race will be awarded places 21 through 30. It sounds like dirt track racing. This could … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Design Competitions part 2

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A couple days ago I said we need more design competitions and cited a few examples of auto oriented competitions from the likes of the SAE and Ferrari. Some might wonder why I didn't mention the Motorcycle Design Association, after all, we previously noted the design win by the Ducati Hypermotard as Design of the Year for 2005 awarded by the MDA along with a number of other … [Read more...]

Piaggio Testing Hybrid Scooters

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Two new hybrid scooters have been introduced for testing by Piaggio, the LX 50 HyS based on the Vespa LX 50 and the more powerful Piaggio X8 HyS based on the Piaggio X8 125. The Vespa version has a 50cc gas & 1000W electric motor while the Piaggio has a 125cc gas & 2500W electric motor. The combination is said to provide 25% more power while reducing fuel consumption by 20% by … [Read more...]

Kawabusa – Suzuki Powered ZRX

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Look at the photos, then look again. That's a Kawasaki ZRX, right? Or is it? In the tradition of Tritons and Norvins, what we have here is a Kawabusa, a Suzuki Hayabusa engine in a Kawasaki ZRX. I like this! I've wondered for a long time why more guys weren't doing something like this with modern bikes and it looks like Norm Wilding was wondering, too. Norm owns Mid Missouri … [Read more...]