The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Tangeras Verksted & Stoperi T900 – Custom Twin from CAD to Metal

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John TangerÃ¥s from Norway thought we might like to see a motorcycle he currently has under construction, the TangerÃ¥s Verksted & Støperi T900. The new 21st century builders, like John, start with CAD drawings, detailing all of the various components, including the engine, and when the design is to his liking the build begins. Unlike the old school cut and weld, … [Read more...]

Aluminum Block to Engine Block

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Here's how Kirkham Motorsports, the guys that build those aluminum bodied Cobra roadsters, put a big block of aluminum on a diet. You start the workout with 30 hours of CAD work followed by 50 hours of programming and finish with 30 hours of CNC. This exercise formula trims the overweight 386 pound block of aluminum down to a svelte 64 pounds of engine block. Yes, you've … [Read more...]

Old Bike, New Tool: Giving a 1932 Harley a New (Thermal) Image

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For many riders a motorcycle is not merely a toy, but a doorway to adventure and a tool for travel, commuting and skill building. It’s a focus for intellectual growth and an opportunity for learning. That learning takes place not just on the road but in the garage, where even amateur mechanics quickly learn that the tools they hold can be as useful, enlightening and … [Read more...]

Jesse James is Selling His Toolbox

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Here I am setting up my new garage workshop, looking for bits and pieces to equip it properly and what comes along but Jesse James' personal MAC Tools toolbox. You may have noticed it on one of his TV shows. It's a monster, 6 feet tall, 12 feet long and 27 inches deep. Yep, that should do it. Jesse has left the west coast for new opportunities in Texas. It looks like he … [Read more...]

Four Year Degree in Motorcycle Restoration

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McPherson College in Kansas, is now offering a college degree in motorcycle restoration. Already offering a degree in automotive restoration, they've just now expanded to include motorcycles. Joe Dickhudt, assistant professor of technology, agreed the new major will give McPherson College students skills in a market exploding in popularity. “It turns out there’s a lot … [Read more...]

No Parts Available – Problem or Opportunity?

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Every now and then, a post on The Kneeslider misses the point, quite a few readers seem to misunderstand what was meant and the post about high tech parts is a good illustration. In that post the focus was on the potentially serious, or at least inconvenient, issue of electronic parts failing years after a motorcycle had gone out of production. While manufacturers provide … [Read more...]