The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

More Norton Motorcycles Speculation

By

With Norton production on hold, the speculations and "what ifs" are coming out of the woodwork. There's an article in the London Times Online saying there's talk Triumph may buy the Norton name and bring it back to life. Triumph is certainly doing pretty well at the moment, could they pull it off? Hard to say, but this probably isn't the only idea that will float to the surface … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Jewelry – MotoGP Racetracks

By

We just received notice of this jewelry that should go along nicely with those tire tread rings and other motorcycle jewelry we mentioned a little while back. These pieces made in Italy by Circuiti are pendants for necklaces, charms for bracelets plus cuff links, too, in the shape of various race tracks from the MotoGP series. (How many can you identify?) Looks like they come … [Read more...]

Norton Motorcycles Suspend Operations

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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...]