The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Oldest Honda Motorcycle Dealer in US Closes Doors

By

University Honda Yamaha of Seattle, Washington has gone out of business. First Honda dealer in the US, it was established in 1959 by Gilbert Eaton who ran it until 1967, it has twice changed hands, the current owner, Pete Wicken, has owned it outright since 1984. The site's home page simply reads: We regretfully announce that after 50 years of business University … [Read more...]

2009 Harley Davidson Iron 883

By

Harley Davidson has introduced the Iron 883, a blacked out Sportster in the Dark Custom series, an 883 much in the style of the popular Nightster. Looking for a smaller displacement Harley at a nice price point? How about an 883 for $7899? You get a brand new Harley Davidson that looks pretty cool, the price is right and on top of that, if you buy it before March 31st 2009, … [Read more...]

Harley Davidson Sales Down – Lower Production and Job Cuts Planned

By

The fourth quarter numbers are in and the economic troubles causing adjustments at all motorcycle manufacturers have hit Harley Davidson, as well. Harley Davidson fourth quarter net income dropped 58 percent. Worldwide retail sales of Harley's motorcycles fell 13.1 percent, including a 19.6 percent drop in the United States. In response, Harley plans to cut 1100 jobs and … [Read more...]

Blank Canvas Motorcycles

By

After seeing some of the comments about the recently introduced Honda Fury, I can appreciate Honda's thinking and the same goes for the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird. Both of these bikes are simply a blank canvas for whatever the owner wants to create. Both are complete and finished on the dealer floor but, as offered, very plain. Though Harley Davidson has always promoted the sale … [Read more...]

Chinese Motorcycle Design Curiosities

By

Some examples of Chinese motorcycle design are inspiring. Take this example for instance, maybe it's just me but this HBMoto "250 Sport Cruiser" looks like it was "inspired" by the Storz XR1200. Just a coincidence I suppose. Of course, no one is going to mistake this 250 for a 1200 but c'mon. Tom wrote in to point this out and said: HiBird is one of China's second tier … [Read more...]

New Motorcycle Design Studio for Xenophya Design

By

Major motorcycle manufacturers have their own in house design studios but smaller builders often hire out much, if not all, of their design work to specialized firms. Even the large companies occasionally go outside for a portion of their work and, whether for large firms or small, that's where studios like Xenophya Design come in, they are one of a very few consultancies … [Read more...]