The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Builders Have to Build So Why Not a Custom Lawnmower?

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There's a builder over at the Old Mini Bikes forum, goes by the name Jeep2003, and he just decided one day to build something cool, a mini custom style push mower. Sure, why not? This isn't some reconfigured standard mower, this is a scratch build. The engine is from an old snowblower and the deck is the lid from an old smoker grille. He went the full 50s style custom route, … [Read more...]

A Meticulous Restoration Sparks Thoughts of the Big Project

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Browsing the motorcycles for sale listings I spotted this 1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra, a nice vintage 2 stroke, but the condition of the bike is far beyond what you would have found in any dealer showroom back in the 60s. I just can't see any flaws, so I thought I would check out the fellow who did the work, Jeff Weier. I've never heard of him, but if you head over to his website, … [Read more...]

Time Clock Jobs and the Disappearance of Riding Time

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When is the last time you punched a clock? Go to work, punch in, work is done, punch out. Fifty years ago it was still common practice, today, not so much. As factory work has dramatically declined, the ability to compartmentalize your work and not having to think about it during your off hours, declined right along with it. Going in early, staying late, carrying a phone and … [Read more...]

BMW K100 Custom – A Gentleman’s Express by Alex Zemlin

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Alex Zemlin has been on The Kneeslider twice before with his Honda CB 1.5 and then again with his VTR 1000 Super Hawk GT. In both instances, his work displayed that finished factory look, where many miss the amount of work done until a closer look begins to reveal the truth. His attention to detail is apparent everywhere and his build quality is top notch. He's still … [Read more...]

Design and Build a Two Stroke Engine with No Machine Shop?

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If you're one of those people that loves to learn, you'll simply learn, all the time at every opportunity. If you keep learning long enough, sooner or later your mind will begin to overflow into the real world. That pretty much describes J. Joachim Hall. He's a self taught and home schooled builder and college student. He's quite a maker who loves everything mechanical, … [Read more...]

Chris Barber’s Maserati V6 Motorcycle Project is Underway Once Again

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It was almost four years ago when I first wrote about the beginnings of Chris Barber's Maserati V6 project. I hadn't heard much about it since, but Chris dropped me a note saying he, too, had taken a break, but he's back at it now and I'm really happy to hear it because this is a great build. Chris first caught my attention over ten years ago when he built the AlfaBeast, … [Read more...]