The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Dangerous Thoughts About the Future of Motorcycles

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It’s easy to look right past it, but there’s more happening to the motorcycle business than a recession. The economy plays a part, no doubt, but there’s something else missing, … it's the excitement, that feeling of being on the cutting edge of a technology where big things are happening. I’ve been fascinated by technology all of my life, not only with engines and … [Read more...]

Horex Set to Begin VR6 Production

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Horex is within weeks of beginning series production of the VR6 Roadster. The bike will be powered by the 1200cc, very narrow angle (15 degree) triple overhead cam, V6. The narrow angle engine, just under 17 inches measured across both cylinder banks, allows Horex to make a compact V6 engine in practically the same space as an inline four. The VR6 will be offered in both … [Read more...]

Ducati Reported to be For Sale

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Investindustrial Holdings, current owners of Ducati, are now reported to be searching for a buyer with sufficient resources to grow the firm going forward. According to an article in the Financial Times, the Bonomi family hopes to put together a deal that could be worth up to €1 billion. Mr Bonomi said a handful of industrial groups in Asia, Europe and the US were … [Read more...]

Harley Davidson Seventy-Two – Looking Back on the Early Days of Customs

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If you understand the words "factory custom," you'll understand everything you need to know about Harley Davidson. The just introduced Sportster Seventy-Two is a perfect example of what the Motor Company does, it builds factory customs; not new motorcycles, not racers, not cutting edge technology machines, it builds custom versions of every standard model in their lineup. The … [Read more...]

Cleveland CycleWerks Updates

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The Cleveland stop on the IMS tour was this past weekend and I had the chance to talk at some length to Scott Colisimo about his company, Cleveland CycleWerks. It was also the first time I had the opportunity to see the bikes up close, and my impression is they look pretty good. The Heist and Misfit are the models available in the USA right now, while the Ace, already available … [Read more...]

Harley Davidson Posts 4th Quarter Profit

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Not very long ago, Harley Davidson was in critical condition. Sales and profits were in a shambles and the company's survival was a real question, but it's beginning to look like they've gotten through the worst of it. The economy is still a drag on their business and things could easily turn down, but they're going in the right direction. Income from continuing operations … [Read more...]