The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Turbocharging

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Speaking of speed, I came across this book and I liked it right away. The author starts by comparing Top Fuel dragsters to the Formula 1 cars of the late 1980's when turbos were king. Guess which cars put out more power per cubic inch? Formula 1, hands down, they were producing about 1300 to 1400 horsepower! And the neat thing about it is that the Formula 1 cars had about 90 … [Read more...]

Electra Cruiser

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This has apparently been out for quite a while but I just ran across it, it's the Electra Cruiser or Electric Hog as it used to be known. Constructed by the Vogelbilt Corporation of Oak Beach, NY, it looks like a Harley that's been completely refitted with 10 batteries, a 5 speed transmission, a 78hp electric motor and a belt drive system. It has a top speed of 80mph and a … [Read more...]

Motorcycle display cases

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For the guy who has everything, here are display cases for your motorcycle. Made out of oak, plywood or PVC, depending on which model you choose, they keep your bike all cozy and free from the fingerprints of the little anklebiters just waiting to rest their greasy fingers on your spotless paint. I'm not sure these would be of much use during riding season but they might be … [Read more...]

Dead battery winners

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I've mentioned Make magazine several times before, if you don't read it, you're missing out, really. They had a neat challenge, Makeshift, that set out a situation where you were camping and after one of the your cohorts leaves the lights on in your car you're stranded with a dead battery 50 miles from anywhere and bad weather closing in. They listed what you had on hand, so … [Read more...]

V8 motorcycles and Glenn Curtiss

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Sometimes it's easy to look at some new creation and think it's the first time anyone ever thought of it. V8 motorcycles have been tried before by a number of companies but how far back do they go? Glenn Curtiss made one back in 1907 and went 136mph on it. Glenn was an aviation pioneer but started out and always remained a tool guy. This V8 motorcycle is a good example of the … [Read more...]

Dolmette 24 cylinder motorcycle

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Sometimes you do it because you can. Here's a company, Dolmar, that makes chainsaws and they decide to build a motorcycle powered by 24 chainsaw engines, the Dolmette. It's a blending of reality and a German comic strip character. The result actually runs, though starting is a bit of a chore with 24 pull starters. The power is delivered through a belt drive system that feeds it … [Read more...]