The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Ducati Ownership Changes Once Again

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Ducati's ever changing ownership is once again in play. According to Dealernews, Performance Motorcycles S.p.A. a new group formed in April made up of the 3 largest shareholders of Ducati, Investindustrial, BS Investimenti and Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOPP) will be the new owners. Ducati leadership says a draft of the merger plan will be drawn up and subsequently … [Read more...]

S&S Cycle Downsizing After Sales Decline

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S&S Cycle of Viola, Wisconsin announced layoffs due to declining sales. A total of 60 employees were either laid off or offered voluntary separation, a total of 195 employees remain at the company's 2 locations in Viola and LaCrosse. Company President Brett Smith announced Friday that 60 workers have been cut this month through voluntary separation and layoffs. “This … [Read more...]

Harley Davidson Completes MV Agusta Buy

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The agreement for Harley Davidson to acquire the MV Agusta Group, announced July 11th, has been completed. In conjunction with the acquisition, Harley-Davidson has appointed Matt Levatich as managing director of MV Agusta Group. Levatich, 43, joined Harley-Davidson in 1994 and has served in various roles, including positions in Harley-Davidson Europe sales and … [Read more...]

Vintage Motorcycle Days 2008 Photos

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As mentioned before, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio is one of those events you really should attend if you have any interest in motorcycles beyond the latest and greatest factory offerings. I've already pointed out a couple of bikes, the Doublewhiz and the Munch Mammut replica, but there were thousands of motorcycles at the track, some in the various show areas and … [Read more...]

Doublewhiz – Twin Engine Whizzer Motorized Bicycle

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For all of you small displacement, lightweight motorcycle guys, here's something I came across as I wandered around Vintage Days 2008 at Mid Ohio. It's called Doublewhiz for the twin engines it currently sports. Total displacement is 276cc. The engines are Whizzers, or whoever made them for Whizzer, and power runs through a 3 speed transmission. I'm not sure of the year this … [Read more...]

2009 Victory Motorcycles

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The other American cruiser company, Victory Motorcycles, is celebrating their 10th anniversary and their 2009 lineup is out. After introducing the Victory Vision last year, changes this year are a bit less dramatic. There's a new 106 cubic inch Freedom V-Twin and a new Kingpin Low. The rest of the lineup seems to have only minor changes. The Freedom V-Twin is a new 106, not … [Read more...]