The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

CFMoto Middleweights – 650NK and 650TR – the Coming Competition?

By

CFMoto is introducing a couple of new middleweight motorcycles, the 650NK and 650TR. These could be a sign of things to come, bargain priced middleweight motorcycles with good performance and decent quality from mainland China, new competition for established companies in a sector they dominate at a pricepoint that could cause big changes in the market. Some might point to the … [Read more...]

BMW Motorrad and TVS Motors Discuss Partnership in India Motorcycle Market

By

First it was Hero MotoCorp and Erik Buell Racing getting together to add expertise to the Indian company's motorcycle endeavors and now comes word that BMW Motorrad is doing the same with TVS Motors as a way to better compete with Hero and Bajaj Auto Ltd., as well as the Japanese manufacturers doing business in India. A collaboration will help TVS develop bigger motorcycles … [Read more...]

Champion Investments Acquires Lehman Trikes

By

Lehman Trikes has a new owner. After dealing with economic turmoil, the loss of the Harley Davidson business and the passing of owner, John Lehman, Lehman Trikes may be on the road again. Press release follows: Today Champion Trikes, via its sister company Champion Investments, Inc., a South Dakota Corporation, announced the resumption of Lehman Trikes, USA operations. … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Kickstarters – No, the Other Kind

By

You've read the stories before, the lone inventor or small company has built a prototype of the next big thing, a revolutionary engine or a fantastic new design for a motorcycle, and all they need now are "investors" to carry it through. They should try Kickstarter. Kickstarter projects, no, not the old lever kind, the money kind, have become the current favorite way to … [Read more...]

What’s the Point of Model Years?

By

Have you ever wondered why motor vehicles are sold by the model year? It's been going on for so long, no one seems to think much about it other than to wonder what the "new" models will have that's different from the "old" ones. Cars change sheet metal or plastic a little bit and put some spiffy new electronic gizmo in the dash, but motorcycles often do a lot less, commonly … [Read more...]

Ducati Posts All Time Record Monthly Sales in May

By

Well it just goes to show someone is moving motorcycles. In May, Ducati had an all time record month for sales, selling 1782 bikes, an increase of 388 over their previous record. Maybe a lot of Audi owners thought they could park a sexy Italian next to their sporty German since they are now part of the family. Whatever the reason, it's nice to see them doing so well. Press … [Read more...]