After writing about Pete Larsen's new Honda Gold Wing powered Ace, it crossed my mind that another fellow, Robert Q. Riley, had been promoting DIY plans for a couple of three wheelers for several decades. Some of you likely remember those trikes and other similar projects appearing in the pages and on the cover of Mechanix Illustrated and Popular Mechanics magazines encouraging … [Read more...]
Triumph TE-1 Prototype Electric Motorcycle Ready for Road and Track Testing
Almost one year ago, Triumph revealed their electric TE-1 design as a series of concept drawings. They've now completed their prototype and it's ready for testing on the road and track which is expected to take around 6 months. The prototype looks very close to the drawings we've already seen, but they plan to wait until testing is complete before body panels and paint scheme … [Read more...]
What Everybody Ought to Know About Our Rapidly Changing Motor Vehicle Powertrains
If you visit this website, you probably know more about motor vehicle powertrains than most people, but unless you're actively involved in their development, it's also likely you know only a small portion of what's going on in the high speed push to go green. It's fascinating, but at the same time, far more complex than many believe and certainly beyond the comprehension of the … [Read more...]
Beautifully Restored 1971 Dunstall Norton Commando
After the story the other day about the newly reborn Norton with their all new V4 sport bikes, you might want to see a wonderful example of what Norton used to produce, a beautifully restored 1971 Dunstall Norton Commando. Compare the bikes and decide for yourself if the new carry on the tradition. It's an interesting contrast. If you have ever wanted a classic Norton, … [Read more...]
Salt Motorcycle Company is Building Two Stroke Road Bikes in Australia
Have you ever looked at a two stroke off road bike and thought, you know, with a few changes, that would be pretty sweet on the road? After all, some of the most desirable vintage bikes are two strokes, but they've disappeared from the showrooms in the US. Down in Australia, though, Salt Motorcycle Company is transforming KTM enduro bikes into lightweight corner carvers. They … [Read more...]
Building a Steam Trike From Recycled Parts
If you have a pile of old motorcycle parts, some tubing, an old steel drum, the seat from a junk car, you might think it's time to get it all hauled away, so you can get serious about building your next project, right? But wait, why not upcycle this junk and turn it into parts? Professor Pardal in Brazil did exactly that, he looked at all of this and saw a steam powered trike … [Read more...]