The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Unix Motorcycle

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OK, I'm going out on a limb here, but I bet some of you not only ride motorcycles but, ... here goes, you like computers, too. I know, crazy idea but it's true. Don't feel bad, I fall into that category and so does this guy who built a PC into his Kawasaki Z1000. The PC runs Unix and currently is used to take the feed from his helmet camera. If you happen to feel the need to … [Read more...]

High gas prices, same total cost

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Whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car, you eventually end up at a gas pump. These days that can be a pretty exciting experience. On your bike it's not so bad, but lots of motorcyclists have pickup trucks with big tanks, let's see, 30 gallons of regular @ $2.15, ... ouch. There is another side to this and the AAA has a report out that examines total costs to drive … [Read more...]

New Snell helmet standard for children

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If you have some little riders in your house, you may be interested to know the Snell Memorial Foundation has a new proposed standard for helmets for children. Basically it recognizes the difference in strength and stamina of a child and their ability to wear a helmet designed for an adult. They have the proposed draft on their site but I believe it may be beyond the draft … [Read more...]

3D printers and Fab labs

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A while back I said easy access to advanced software made smaller shops capable of high level design and engineering and used the Motoczysz C1 and Hayabusa V8 as examples. Well, hold on to your hat, Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore. Some time ago I read a few brief articles on 3D printers and thought, hmm... interesting, after which I pretty much forgot about them. Seems a … [Read more...]

Spring opens with snow

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Just a comment about our local weather. There were a few brave souls out riding last Friday and Saturday even though temperatures struggled in the 30's to almost 40 degrees. I guess I don't have that sort of commitment. Some riders in southern California get depressed over a long bout of constant rain, (wait a minute, what about that song? "It never rains in southern ...") I … [Read more...]

More ENV observations

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When I looked at the ENV hydrogen motorcycle the other day, it seemed to be a great showcase for the hydrogen fuel cell technology it uses, and it is that, but it really isn't a bad design in any event. It has an aluminum frame and swingarm (with an enclosed monoshock), belt drive, good ground clearance and suspension travel, in other words, this could really work. Seeing … [Read more...]