The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

BMW 1232 – A Brand New Look for an Original

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In 1923, BMW introduced the R32, the company's first foray into the motorcycle manufacturing business. The 500cc 8.5 horsepower boxer, set the design and styling cues that BMW still follows in many ways. A lot of enthusiasts love the look of the original, but let's face it, as an every day rider today, it's simply inadequate. So, what if you could take that original model and … [Read more...]

Triumph Motorcycles Heading to India

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In a move that joins other companies already planning to sell there, Triumph Motorcycles announced it will be entering India's motorcycle market. Royal Enfield's ex-Europe head, Ashish Joshi, will be the Managing Director for India. Triumph did not say when it would begin selling in India nor whether the bikes would be imported or assembled in India. It does strike me … [Read more...]

Norton Villiers FITS Engine – Forced Injection Two Stroke

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Norton Villiers, NOT Norton Motorcycles, has announced a new engine under development, the FITS (Forced Injection Two Stroke), which, according to their press release, has a number of interesting features and high tech components: it runs on plain non premixed fuel and is lubricated by a controlled spray system and also uses things like specially treated ceramic bearings that … [Read more...]

How About a V-Rod Glide?

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In the comments on the post about the water cooled Harley Davidson heads, one of our readers, todd8080, pointed to a few Photoshop images he put together with the Revolution engine in a variety of other big Harleys. Though the Harley faithful might object they certainly look good to me. I wonder if any of the designers at the Motor Company ever do anything like this when no … [Read more...]

Harley Davidson Water Cooled Heads Patent – Updated

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Everyone keeps talking about Harley Davidson making the move to water cooling, but there's nothing like a patent to show us what they're up to. Charles from Strasbourg sent me a note about this patent they just turned up, and sure enough, it's Harley Davidson's plans to water cool the heads on their touring models by hiding the cooling system within the leg shield portions of … [Read more...]

Multi Fuel Internal Combustion Electromechanical Batteries – Got That?

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Still not sure electric power is the wave of the future? Here's a way to keep yourself squarely on the fence, batteries powered by gasoline. Set your coffee down and think about that one. When I saw this story the other day I wasn't sure what the breakthrough was. Clarian Labs designed this small rotary engine/generator, but except for size, why is it different than rotary … [Read more...]