The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Radial Engine Motorcycle #2

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The radial engine is a thing of beauty and it looks like several other folks think the same thing. After we posted the radial motorcycle yesterday, we contacted Rotec Engineering, makers of these 7 cylinder radial engines, and according to them, there are at least 4 of these projects in various stages of completion at the present time. Yesterday's bike and this one as well seem … [Read more...]

Storz XR1200 Conversion Kit

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In our search for accessible high performance, here's another possible direction. Harley Davidson's Sportster isn't a performance machine, even though in the earlier years some thought it was. The Sportster plays the role of entry level Harley, a way to get a genuine HD nameplate without the price of admission required by a Softail or V-Rod or one of their other models. It's … [Read more...]

E.J. Potter – Michigan Madman

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We've mentioned EJ Potter before, known as the Michigan Madman and probably best known as the fellow who made exhibition runs during the '60s at dragstrips all over the U.S. and overseas, on his homebuilt "Widow Maker" Chevy V8 powered motorcycles. We just finished reading his book, "EJ Potter, Michigan Madman," and found those motorcycles were only one part of his unique … [Read more...]

BMW V12 Powered Motorcycle

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If 8 cylinders are good then 12 cylinders are better, right? We showed you the BMW V8 motorcycle the other day and now we'll show you what happens when someone takes a 5.5 liter BMW V12 and builds a drag bike around it. HMS Sportbikes, over in Germany, has been working on this project, taking the engine from a BMW 750i and creating something a little more sporting. They say it … [Read more...]

NextEngine Desktop 3D Scanner for Solidworks

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How do you accurately measure a 3D object and put it into a design package like Solidworks? You might want to do this when restoring or rebuilding an obscure motorcycle or trying to create replacement parts or even designing something brand new. Perhaps you hand carved a piece that will fit but it still needs to get into the computer so you can transfer the data for machining. … [Read more...]

Kawabusa – Suzuki Powered ZRX

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Look at the photos, then look again. That's a Kawasaki ZRX, right? Or is it? In the tradition of Tritons and Norvins, what we have here is a Kawabusa, a Suzuki Hayabusa engine in a Kawasaki ZRX. I like this! I've wondered for a long time why more guys weren't doing something like this with modern bikes and it looks like Norm Wilding was wondering, too. Norm owns Mid Missouri … [Read more...]