The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Moto Guzzi W103 – 3 Cylinder V-Triple Motorcycle Engine

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Have you ever noticed how once you start looking for things, they just seem to jump out all over the place, like W configuration engines. After mentioning the Anzani W3 the other day, I came across another one I had never seen before, this one is the Moto Guzzi arrow W103, a 3 cylinder engine in a V-Triple, arrow or "W" configuration. This arrow configuration engine was … [Read more...]

Romanelli Anti Turnover System Prevents a Wheelie from Going Too Far

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An unplanned wheelie can catch you off guard, but, even when intentional, if it goes too far, it can result in some nasty bruises, road rash, or worse. With all of the stunt guys getting their wheels up, it seems everyone is a wheelie expert but you, even though the vast majority of riders, never get their wheel up except by accident. A little too much throttle on your new … [Read more...]

Flossie – The Motorcycle Test Robot

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Flossie, the motorcycle test robot, is the first indication that we're all doomed, ... OK, maybe not, it's actually a Castrol developed robot used for testing motorcycle lubricants under all kinds of specific, extended and sometimes, extreme conditions. It has a self learning capability to get a feel for the clutch, gear change pattern and throttle response and it's totally … [Read more...]

Synergy Fuel Cell Motorcycle Concept

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Piers Prendergast, a 2009 graduate of Transport Design at Coventry University, sent me these images of his final year project. It's a fuel cell motorcycle concept with hubless wheels which are kind of unique: The hubless wheels work though a fixed inner rim and a rotating outer rim that spins on internal bearings. The concept doesn't technically have any motors; the rear … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Landing Wheels for Paraplegic Rider

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Here's a project built by "Team Motorcycle," students at the University of Minnesota, they added landing wheels for a motorcycle that is coming to a stop, enabling a paraplegic to ride a two wheeler. Ryan sent me a note: The bike was designed for Scott Tyson, a paraplegic of 15 years following a motorcycle accident. Next weekend, Scott's friend Andrew Hightower (adviser … [Read more...]

Rediscovering the Value and Deep Satisfaction of Highly Skilled Hands on Work

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Do you like working with your hands? I bet quite a few of you do but you might be surprised to find not everyone understands the attraction. There's a growing resurgence in respect for this type of work, for the value it delivers, the feeling of pride among those who practice it and, not a small thing these days, the knowledge that it can't be done by someone thousands of miles … [Read more...]