The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Motorcycle Design for Baby Boomer Riders

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How should motorcycles adapt for aging riders? If you've been on the road since the 60's or 70's, you, ahem, ... we, might begin looking for a few things on our bikes the twenty something rider wouldn't think about. There was an interesting article yesterday on how the automotive industry is changing as it recognizes the increasing number of older drivers. Brighter and … [Read more...]

Hybrid Motorcycles are not necessary – part 2

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So, Yamaha wants a hybrid motorcycle before the end of the decade. Can someone explain why? When Yamaha president Takashi Kajikawa said that was one of his goals for the company, it had me scratching my head. A couple months ago I said there was no need for hybrid motorcycles (right before the Gen-Ryu appeared) and I'll say it again. Motorcycles already get great mileage and … [Read more...]

Smartuki video

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If you doubt that motorcycle powered cars have potential, you need to see this. Also listen, it sure doesn't sound like your average Smart car! The videos are no longer available. see also Smartuki … [Read more...]

Vespa exploded view

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Cutaway drawings and exploded views are a neat way to see how mechanical things go together but what if you did it with the real thing? There was an art exhibit in Turin where the artist took three Vespa scooters, left one intact, removed the outer panels on the next and completely disassembled the third. It was suspended with all of the parts in proper relationship, just like … [Read more...]

Small gasoline engine builders

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Small engines, no, make that REALLY small engines, are so cool I just want to get a lathe and start turning metal. Of course, I haven't done any machining so I would trash the casting in short order but there are a surprising number of web sites showing what time and lots of skill can do. Gasoline engines about 5 or 6 inches long, some even smaller, designed and built from … [Read more...]

Yamaha targets hybrid motorcycle by decade end

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Yamaha president, Takashi Kajikawa, is pushing for a hybrid motorcycle (possibly like their concept, Gen-Ryu?) by the end of the decade. This was just one of the interesting comments he made in an interview with The Times Online. Kajikawa noted that Yamaha faces a declining motorcycle market in Japan, even though it is growing everywhere else, and in the face of that domestic … [Read more...]