The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Twincharger engines – maybe motorcycles, too?

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Speaking of engine ideas for the Vmax, here's a recently developed engine from VW, the Twincharger, that holds promise not only for small displacement cars but possibly the motorcycle market as well. The Twincharger, is a 1390cc 4 cylinder engine with both a supercharger and a turbocharger. The supercharger is used for power below 2400rpm well before the turbo gets spooled … [Read more...]

Owosso Pulse – Yamaha powered car

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I received an email a few weeks ago from someone looking for details on a motorcycle powered car and what she described triggered some memories. I couldn't remember the name of the vehicle but I remembered what it looked like. As luck would have it, while looking for something else, I discovered the car in question, an Owosso Pulse for sale on ebay. These were powered by a … [Read more...]

The new Yamaha Vmax – ideas

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Now we've seen the new Vmax, or at least some early design ideas. Yamaha still needs feedback so I thought I would send some their way. Yamaha, are you taking notes? Memo to Yamaha: The Vmax, when first introduced, was a knock down, take no prisoners muscle bike, and everyone knew it. Those days are long past. A lot of current sportbikes will kick sand in the face of Mr. … [Read more...]

EcoRacer and small displacement performance diesel engines

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It's no secret at The Kneeslider that you can do amazing things with a diesel engine, that's why we've written so many times about the Thunder Star 1200. At least one carmaker, VW, is pursuing the same course and has unveiled a prototype EcoRacer. This is a carbon fiber bodied racer with a 1.5 liter TDI diesel engine making 134 horsepower. It does 0-62 (0-100kmh) in 6.3 seconds … [Read more...]

Honda DN01 in Tokyo

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The Honda DN01 automatic sports cruiser looks ready for production which is what Honda indicates is their not too distant plan. Notice in this photo the lack of gearshift. I still think the first time you ride one of these it would take some getting used to. photo courtesy Gaijin Biker … [Read more...]

Honda Gathers M navigation

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Gaijin sent a photo of the Honda Gathers M waterproof handlebar mounted navigation system. From what I could find, this has evidently been available for a little while for the Forza scooter and may be available now as a separate system. (I was reading translated Japanese so this could be a kitchen appliance for all I know.) Update: Gaijin Biker confirms my translated … [Read more...]