The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Iconic Design on Two Wheels – What is the Motorcycle Equivalent to the AC Cobra?

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Is there a motorcycle equivalent to the AC Cobra? Is there a motorcycle that has that unique combination of appearance and performance that it appeals to almost any enthusiast? It's hard to think of one. In the automotive world, no matter the enthusiast's particular interest, many car guys, if not all, will find an attraction to the AC Cobra as one of those rare occurrences … [Read more...]

Mac Motorcycles After Buell Fits Yamaha Power

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Decisions often have far reaching effects. When Buell crushed the Blast, it caused a bit of collateral damage to the Mac Motorcycles plan of basing their new bikes on the Buell sourced 500cc single. After retiring to the pub for a "what now?" session, the boys at Mac came up with some alternative ideas and sent over this reworked image of the Spud with an engine from the Yamaha … [Read more...]

Yamaha R1 Street Tracker from Gregg’s Customs

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You know what a Yamaha R1 is all about, high power, cutting edge technology for the track and even though it's not unusual for the custom guys to stretch the swingarms and mount 300 rear tires, it's a track weapon, through and through. Well, suppose the track you have in mind is a one mile dirt track, then what? Obviously you need to look elsewhere, you could start with a … [Read more...]

Is a Good Enough Motorcycle Good Enough?

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An interesting article in Wired magazine about the "good enough" revolution got me thinking. Products with fewer features and less than top shelf performance combined with lower price can become very successful because they do everything the majority of the market wants or needs. My weekend was a good example. Over the last few days, I was at a family wedding out of town. As … [Read more...]

Stellan Egeland Takes the Harrier to the Track

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If you're going to build a custom bike, why not build one that handles like a real motorcycle? Stellan Egeland certainly seems to think that way and he sent me a note about his new video. He came home from the World Championship the other day with his Harrier in tow and the very next day he thought a trip to the racetrack was in order. Check out the tire and think about how … [Read more...]

CB450R Cafe Racer Kits Convert Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike to Street Legal Cafe Racer – Updated

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There's been a lot of interest in converting 450cc dirt bikes into race bikes. The 450 singles are lightweight and inexpensive, making for a nice nimble entry level racer. But a question always pops up, why not a kit for the street? Kurt Blankemeyer of Design Cycle Inc. is working on a conversion, too. He starts with a Honda CRF450R, but instead of building a track oriented … [Read more...]