The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

2010 Yamaha YZ450F Turns Cylinder Around – Air Travels Straight Through

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A common question is why motorcycle engines aren't arranged with the air intakes in the front and the exhaust in the back. Reasons given for the usual arrangement are many but Yamaha evidently thought the straight thru approach might make sense so their new YZF450F makes this "revolutionary advancement" by turning the cylinder around, slanting it to the rear and just like that, … [Read more...]

Honda Dual Clutch Transmission – Automatic Shifting for Big Engine Sport Bikes

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Honda has announced their "Dual Clutch Transmission" for use in large displacement sport bikes. I read through the description of this new bit of technology and it's pretty interesting, one clutch for odd gears, the other for even gears. Each clutch engages the next gear then, with the assistance of the computer, gradually disengages one clutch and engages the other for a … [Read more...]

Mac Motorcycles After Buell Fits Yamaha Power

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Decisions often have far reaching effects. When Buell crushed the Blast, it caused a bit of collateral damage to the Mac Motorcycles plan of basing their new bikes on the Buell sourced 500cc single. After retiring to the pub for a "what now?" session, the boys at Mac came up with some alternative ideas and sent over this reworked image of the Spud with an engine from the Yamaha … [Read more...]

Honda NT700V – Lightweight Touring or Well Equipped Commuting – An Everyday Dual Purpose

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Honda has something nice for 2010, the NT700V, a 680cc, 52 degree, SOHC 4 valve per cylinder V-twin for everyday use, commute to work during the week and take off for distant locations on the weekends. The fairing with adjustable windscreen offers excellent protection from the weather. Shaft drive gives you ease of maintenance. A very nice set of integrated saddlebags look good … [Read more...]

2009 Buell XB12SS Front Brake Recall

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Buell has issued a recall for the 2009 XB12SS motorcycle for problems with front brake line positioning. Please read the details below. Manufacturer: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company Models affected: 2009 XB12SS NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V347000 Potential Units Affected: 405 Problem: Buell is recalling model year 2009 XB12SS motorcycles. The front brake line may … [Read more...]

Yamaha R1 Street Tracker from Gregg’s Customs

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You know what a Yamaha R1 is all about, high power, cutting edge technology for the track and even though it's not unusual for the custom guys to stretch the swingarms and mount 300 rear tires, it's a track weapon, through and through. Well, suppose the track you have in mind is a one mile dirt track, then what? Obviously you need to look elsewhere, you could start with a … [Read more...]