The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Brakko Combined Wheel Brake System

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Here's another idea in front brakes, the Brakko combined wheel brake system. It centers the brake disc inside the front wheel, applying the braking force on the wheel centerline and putting the force very close to the wheel rim instead of transmitting the force through the hub and spokes outward to the rim and tire. According to the company, it could be used for cruiser, … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Night Vision

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Motorcycle manufacturers have introduced ABS and traction control, dual clutches, variable valve timing and lots of other interesting technology, but one thing we haven't seen yet is night vision. If you're a rider like Darren Haley and you work for FLIR, a company that makes a lot of thermal imaging equipment for the military, police and other folks that need to see in the … [Read more...]

2010 Honda VFR1200F

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After all of the teasers, patent drawings and spy shots, Honda has finally introduced their new high tech 2010 VFR1200F. Power comes from a 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4, Throttle By Wire, Unicam® valvetrain, optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters, Honda slipper clutch in the … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Traction Control on the Street – The Technology Keeps Coming

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You can buy a Ducati 1098R with traction control and it's the kind of bike where you might expect it to appear, hit the hammer hard exiting a corner and the computer keeps you hooked up. Very nice, race oriented tech available on the street. So along comes Kawasaki, with their 2010 Concours 14, offering their ABS equipped model with traction control. Does a non-race oriented … [Read more...]

Honda V4 Engine with Unequal Cylinder Spacing and Cylinder Deactivation

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If Honda's dual clutch, which will debut on the new VFR, got your attention, how about a V4 with unequal front and rear cylinder spacing plus cylinder deactivation? These Honda patent drawings show the layout of their new engine with the front cylinders widely spaced and the rear closer together. The connecting rods are mounted to the crankshaft with the rear cylinders both … [Read more...]

Honda Dual Clutch Transmission – Automatic Shifting for Big Engine Sport Bikes

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Honda has announced their "Dual Clutch Transmission" for use in large displacement sport bikes. I read through the description of this new bit of technology and it's pretty interesting, one clutch for odd gears, the other for even gears. Each clutch engages the next gear then, with the assistance of the computer, gradually disengages one clutch and engages the other for a … [Read more...]