The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Micro sized internal combustion engine

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We keep hearing about how fuel cells can replace batteries, well how about replacing them with little engines? REALLY little, teeny, tiny little engines. Liquid hydrocarbon fuels are really energy dense which is why all of those batteries and fuel cells are having a hard time serving as substitutes since you need a lot more hydrogen or whatever else to make up for a small … [Read more...]

A Real Monster V Twin Motorcycle

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There's been a continuous move towards larger and larger V Twins. The chopper guys have been building large displacement engines and 2000cc bikes are available from the factory. Well, suppose you just cut to the chase and go big, REALLY big. You take a 9 cylinder radial aero engine, remove 2 cylinders and make a motorcycle engine. Then you build a suitably large bike to wrap … [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...]

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...]

1970 Triumph 1000cc 4 cylinder

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While looking through the listings for the Bonhams auction I mentioned the other day, I spotted another curious entry, easy to go by unless you're looking closely. The listing has this as a 1970 Triumph which is the year it was put together evidently, though the frame is a 1962. They managed to mount two 500cc Triumph Daytona twins in the frame for a 1000cc 4 cylinder. Built by … [Read more...]

Ilmor Engineering to build MotoGP engine

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Ilmor Engineering, famous for racing engines used in both CART and Formula 1 racing is developing an 800cc, 75 degree V4 engine with pneumatic valves and a rev limit in the 17-18k range for the 2007 MotoGP season when the new downsized engine rules take effect. Engines will be available for lease to various racing teams. Dyno testing followed by track testing will begin in the … [Read more...]