The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Motorcycle powered Isetta and Messerschmitt

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We've given a lot of attention to the Smartuki here but there were some early motorcycle powered cars with interesting designs, too. The BMW Isetta and Messerschmitt KR were around in the 1950's and early 1960's. Long out of production, Tritech, a company in the U.K., started making replacement parts so owners could keep them on the road and restore their former glory. After a … [Read more...]

Kawasaki adds to contingency program

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Kawasaki has announced their 2006 contingency program: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (KMC) recently announced that the all-new 2006 NINJA® 650R and NINJA® ZXâ„¢-14 will be included as eligible models in the Team Greenâ„¢ 2006 Race Rewards Program. Effective January 1, 2006, Kawasaki is increasing payouts at major road racing events across the country, including Superbike … [Read more...]

Ducati Sport Classics begin production

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Two of the Ducati Sport Classics, the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition and the Sport 1000 have started rolling out of the factory. From the Ducati press release: At the end of 2003, Ducati previewed three new concept bikes at the Tokyo Motor Show, which embodied the beauty, timeless style and sporting heritage of the Ducati motorcycles of the 1970’s. Now, just two years … [Read more...]

Motorcycle kits and components – part 2

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Yesterday's post on motorcycle kits and components drew some response and a long critique by one reader (Aaron), who pointed out some pitfalls. Most of the critique illustrated the difficulty of facing the manufacturers at their own game which is building the latest high tech bike. I would cede that territory without a fight because factory racing will keep the lastest tech … [Read more...]

Suzuki B-King Kit by Lazareth

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Ludovic Lazareth, the French custom builder who has put together some superb bikes I've highlighted before, has come up with a limited edition conversion kit to transform the Suzuki Hayabusa into what looks a lot like the much rumored and highly anticipated, Suzuki B-King. The German magazine, Motorrad, has a long series of photos from what seems like a road test or at least a … [Read more...]

Build your own carbon fiber motorcycle frame

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After mentioning motorcycle kits and components I noticed these two links describing the process for building carbon fiber bicycle frames. Super light and super strong, carbon fiber is showing up in all sorts of vehicles. I previously mentioned one company building carbon fiber motorcycle frames for the chopper market but when you look at the work these two did, you get the … [Read more...]