The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

What is The Kneeslider About? Are We Writing for You?

By

Almost every day, for the last 5 and a half years, I have been writing articles on The Kneeslider. I’ve done my best to write in the same tone and with the same perspective as I would use if you and I were having a one on one conversation, a tone of optimism, curiosity and appreciation for the often wonderful work done by designers, builders and companies around the world. I’ve referred many times to those I write about as the “doers,” the people who take action and then assume full responsibility for it, willing to accept whatever results come their way.

The Kneeslider’s Purpose
Knowing what I write about, though, is only half the story, it’s why I write that’s key. Why I write, the purpose behind it all, is to inspire. Though some posts on The Kneeslider are simply informative, a press release, a product recall or something similar, the far larger majority are there to show you what others have done or what they’re trying to do. Whether the project is complete or in its earliest stages, seeing people creating, designing, building and producing always makes me smile. Seeing the effort they put in, working on a goal they have no guarantee will be achieved, shows how each of these individuals has decided to move forward. For those who are not working on a goal and not accomplishing much, I’m hoping the cumulative effect of these stories will light a spark that gets you to start your own project, gives you an incentive to try your own hand at something you haven’t done before or, perhaps, inspires you to finish that project sitting far too long half done.

Yes, it’s the “Doers.”
Right now, as the economy is idling along with seemingly little forward motion, there are many individual stories of people who are not waiting for something to happen, people who know you can keep moving yourself no matter how many around you choose to sit it out. I actively search for those people so I can tell you about them. Coming to The Kneeslider and being introduced to these “doers” is your chance to hang out with an active and positive crowd instead of listening to the constant complaints, criticisms and stories of how bad things are.

Who do you spend time with?
Listen to complaints too long and you’ll begin complaining, too. Read stories of doom every day and you’ll be afraid to take action. Tell me who your friends are and I’ll show you your future.

Raise your standards.
I have an idea, raise your standards. Hang out with doers, spend time with positive people, you’ll feel better and, amazingly enough, you’ll begin doing more yourself. It’s hard to spend time with active people while doing nothing, you’ll get left behind. If everyone around you is positive and you do nothing but criticize, you’ll sound foolish until you change your outlook.

Spend your time wisely.
You have a choice every day, on the Internet there are millions of websites and blogs with every point of view imaginable, but your time is limited. If your view of the world is intensely negative and you would rather criticize the work of others before doing anything yourself, save some time, The Kneeslider is not for you. If, however, you want to see what the less often reported doers are doing, if you want a little positive thought to rub off on you, if you’re tired of waiting for something to happen and you believe you’re ready to get moving, The Kneeslider would be a good investment of your limited time.

I’m doing what I can to create a community of active, confident and positive people here, that’s who we are. If that’s who you are (or want to be) it’s a good fit. There are so many things each of us can do and we only get one chance to do it, let’s do it together.

Related: What recession, just do it!

Posted on Filed Under: Kneeslider

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Comments

  1. Mr. Kneeslider,
    I frequent your site because it intrigues me.
    The world is starved for substance, and you provide it.
    The design platform of a motorcycle is a combination of ergonomics, engineering and aesthetics; because your bike is a physical extension of you, the human.
    The variety of articles you provide explore this triad, as we the builders freely discuss the outcomes.
    Keep up the good work, sir, you are appreciated.
    Jim

  2. What I see on Kneeslider is that you are a true motorcyclist who greatly appreciates all the aspects of the engineering, design, people, and history of this “hobby” of ours. Of course hobby us used very loosely here as I am aware that for most of us our love for these machines go way beyond a mere hobby bordering on insanity. Me thinks you are also a fellow Buell fanatic and I thank you for not only the great promotion you published for Buells but also for one of the best web sites I have ever seen.
    Ron in Cleveland

  4. I’ve been riding motorcycles for 30 years, and this is the only site I visit daily related to bikes. It has a very useful perspective and I love the range of bikes featured here.

    The only thing that could make it better, in my humble opinion, is an occasional piece by Kevin Cameron. Other than that, I really appreciate the content and writing style of this site, (plus I enjoy indulging my fantasy garage via the eBay links).

  5. Sounds like people will be getting their hands dirty some time soon!
    There is nothing like the sense of satisfaction of doing something that you were not sure you could do before you gave it a go.

  6. Senor Slider, you’re completely right about raising the standards and promoting the doers … for a long time I had this idea and goal to build my own bike, and the Kneeslider helped me to really jump into the action, part by feeding my inspiration while seeing a lot of different and interesting bikes, and part by discovering that a lot of folks are doing nice stuff from their garage, so why not my humble self ?
    Already bought an engine, a frame w/ title, an inverted fork and one wheel are on their way, thanks craigbay and e-list … uh … whatever, I’ll show you one day.

    Now, don’t raise the standards too high, that would be sad, I really laugh my arse off reading the epic comments about HD or so … 😉

  8. Your writing and topics are indeed inspirational, and the one I ponder each day is the post where you talked about the potential for a new American virtual industry of bike-builders. All I need is a CAD designer, a list of fab shops, and a dream! …and enough cash to pay them. The last bit is what I spend my days doing, but your writing has given me a long-term goal that I will one day embark upon.

    The only problem I have with your site is that you don’t post often enough. Maybe 10, 12 posts per day sounds just about right (haha)!

  10. Every morning I thank the Internet Muse for bringing the Kneeslider to me! I discovered it quite by accident while researching some bike-related subject, and have visited the site daily since then. In my opinion, the motorcycle is the perfect mechanism to focus the creative spirit, combining the mechanical, electronic, and aesthetic as it does…….
    Truly human scale, the perfect extension of the human animal – maybe second only to the bicycle (the ultimate human amplifier!).

    I’ll agree with Bob that an occasional piece by Kevin Cameron would be a great addition. I had the good fortune to hang with Kevin and his pals back in Cambridge
    MA in the 60s, watching them wring racetrack performance out of the 305 Superhawk.

    Please, Paul – keep it up, seek it out, keep doing, stay optimistic – in other words,
    don’t ever change!

    Mike

  11. A positive attitude, and an inquiring mind, are both wonderful attributes.

    And with both should come the ability to use those in examining everything.

    Pointing out inconsistencies, and the just plain ridiculous, is not contrary to those attributes or necessarily negative. It should also be noted that many, no most, of the “concepts” presented in Photoshop or cadcam formats never ever go to even the most preliminary stages of an actual moc-kup. let alone construction. Why?

    Because they fail to be more than fantasy, with fatal flaws that can’t be overcome.

    Should I would I could I …have the time, skill and machinery to fabricate my own such beast in real steel; would I? Yes, as a younger rider with more time and other friends joining together to pool resources, we did so, building a few decent and wholly functional bikes from scratch. And we were often inspired by concept vehicles at the Oakland Coliseum shows. Not by posters (the Photoshop of that day), and not by unrealistic drawings with no purpose other than to be drawn.

    But for myself, I would find it far more inspiring to see workable ideas that could not only be built, but ridden on the street as bikes are meant to be ridden. Or at least completed and accurate designs that aren’t missing significant components.

    Paul, a forum for the exchange of ideas must have room for contrary commentary, and a dose of observant skepticism. Bring what you will to the readers, but expect more than “wow, that’s cool”. And for those that may be “inspired” by fantasy art, at least the observation and discussion of the flaws and drawbacks might be just as inspiring as “measure twice, cut once”.

    Best to all.

  12. Thank you Paul, for this article, and for the many ideas and concepts I have learned about through this site.

  13. I love this site. It’s the only one I’ve stuck with for years on end. I enjoy that people don’t always agree. I think it’s great when posters add their critique to a bike design. As a designer I would not appreciate it if everyone agreed with my designs. It’s very beneficial to get some (constructive) criticism on each project. Those are the things that open your eyes and allow you to grow and learn. Otherwise it becomes what we used to call “design masturbation”, excuse the term.

    You still hold the ultimate reigns on this site; steer it the way you wish, but please don’t take away our freedom of differing opinions.

    -todd

  14. An intriguing thought. As a college student, focusing on studies has put me in an accidental state of narcissism, where I focus on academics and cast the world in the shadow of my blinders. I find myself losing track of my activities outside the classroom and reason that it’s because I’m too busy. This article reminds me that there are people with more on their backs than myself achieving much more. At a glance of the general student body I see many people who go to school for the diploma and to party on the weekends. Then there are the individuals who make the most of their time by taking on multiple responsibilities and doing so with patience and diligence. These are the people who succeed in life by doing what ought to be done. Everyone is a dreamer, but a doer makes their dreams a realization. Society caters for dreamers with the many distractions to keep oneself contempt and uninitiated. I can’t say I know many people that would make sacrifices to follow their dreams because living with the flow is how they were raised. But the individuals who inspire me go let go of frivolous social duties to pursue their aspirations. Men who spend their nights working tirelessly on their resto mod UJMs, cafe racers, hot rods, classic cars, etc. Some would call them reclusive, but they don’t understand.
    I sorta lost track of what I was trying to say here, but I’d like to share a great slam poetry video called, “Hot Rodding is Dead’:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXU3N9wT3u0

  15. Well put, and I think we need to be reminded of your purpose from time to time. I find myself surrounded by people who whine and moan and complain, and you know what? It irritates me! So I start whining and moaning and…oops!

    In the spirit of doing I’ve started, well, doing. I spend less time thinking about things, scheming about them, and I just do it. If it’s wrong I do it again until its right. People are already noticing, and I’m starting to infect them.

    Thanks for staying positive.

  16. You are right. I would like to see those people who criticize the work of others doing something and exposing their projects to the public opinion. Anyway, we can always find something to learn from all those criticism.
    Paul, you have a great blog! It is the only site I visit every day.

  17. Seriously, when someone submits material or pictures to the Internet world, they are saying, “Check out these ideas I came up with!” This site is the best there is for that in the motorcycle world. Period! Where else can you do it or find all the new ideas?

    And when people comment on what they see here, their own personalities show through. Some will criticize to no end and others will pile on the praise. As a bike builder, I need both. The negative to point out when I’m way off base and the positive so I can make sure that I’m close to being on the right track. Yes, there is ego involved as well, otherwise a designer or builder would not bother to let other’s see their work.

    If a person wants to get very critical, then they better be an artist, a builder or a helper to either. They need to at least be involved in the world of design/build reality. Bolting a sissy bar on your bike doesn’t qualify.

    Here’s another point. When you start with a clean sheet of paper or nothing more than a motor on the bench, it takes an enormous amount of brain space to build an entire bike. Then when someone walks up and looks at the finished product and says, “I don’t like this or that or why didn’t you change this?”, you want to ask them, “Where were you at 2:00am all those nights when I was drawing pictures and drilling holes trying to make parts to fill empty spaces?”

    I look at thsi site several times a day, everyday. I love it. Good job Paul!!

  18. This site is my daily escape from building airplanes at work. I have a passion for both aircraft and motorcycles and though I only build one, I will build both someday. Your site is where I draw that positive inspiration from. Not so much from the comments or your posts, but from those individuals and teams you feature. That is what it’s all about and you make it happen. Keep up the good work, Paul Crowe. Thank you.

  19. ALL the great people come here!
    Truly, if you want to just look at “motorcycles” you can collect manufacturers brochures, but if you have any interest at all in the machines you’re riding and in how other people express their ideas into kinetic art then this is the place to visit.
    There’s SO much satisfaction in solving a problem or fabricating an improvement that you can lose yourself in the process and absolutely change your life for the better.
    When folks like Mule come up with new designs or when a young man with no previous training in some extremely arcane technologies builds the Enfield Musket V-twin you just have to smile and applaud!
    Life is good!
    Participate!

  20. Well said, Paul. There are a handful of blogs I read every day and yours had been one of them, I think since you started The Kneeslider.

    Doug

  21. Agree with all, i hit this site daily.. check for any updates. Really gets you thinking about what you can do. (esp while stuck at work, or on a long boring call!!) Anyways, gave me ideas, things to try, and read about when rebuilding my old harley. Also really got me in to some of the other styles that i may not see otherwise, such as older cafe styles, board track, etc. Also love seeing the new/old tech mix.

    Either way keep it coming love following!

  22. LIfe is so stuffed with inanities. And then there is the Kneeslider. (spell check did not like the name!)

    THANK YOU(!) for all the wonderful ideas. Things well said. Sometimes mistaken but seemingly always scratching an itch in the brain that one may well not even have known known was there until you voice it.

    Keep up the good work and otherwise!

    Reg Lawson

  23. you could write a book on how to inspire someone after visiting this blog and reading the posts. Truly top notch work by both Paul and all the featured bike builders.

  24. Another virtue of this website, I hope, is that it influences the manufacturers. An adult discussion among consumers about what they want and are interested in should be taken seriously by those who make the product in its various forms. Kneeslider is intriguing for the way it examines possibilities on the edge of conventional design.

  25. The economy will never come back until we produce something, be it pig iron, or the world’s finest motorcycle. Paul Crowe for President!

  26. Paul, your work on this site is greatly appreciated and all I can say is that you have achieved your goal of inspiration to pursue and achieve developments in our shared passion for motorized two-wheelers. I check-in every day and have shared many things with my friends in vehicle development projects that we have worked on for more than ten years. The spectrum of our work is very broad and has the intent to affect many people in very positive, significant ways. You are a positive part of that. I hope that you continue for the extended, foreseeable future. You and the people working with you are an asset for those of us striving to make a difference in the world. Thank You.

  27. Well said Paul! And thank you for this wonderful website! The story’s you have shared have helped keep my attitude positive and my goals forward thinking, even after circumstances led to sever losses; thank you!

  28. If one of the reasons why you posted this, Paul, is that you are as tired as others are of the endless arguments in motorcycling: Harley lovers vs. bashers, American and European vs. Japanese, cruisers vs. sportbikes vs. tourers, gas vs. electric, air cooled vs. liquid cooled, then +1. These are frequently opinions disguised as rational arguments, and do not add much to the discussions.

  29. Your site is one of the very best on the net. You consistently feature interesting
    machinery ~ ideas and perspectives on the wide and diverse world of motorcycling.
    I for one appreciate the effort you and your cohorts put into this site.

    My only wish is that more folks would be able to see and appreciate the diversity of machinery that is available, whether it be vintage, modern, sport bike, cruiser, dual sport, touring, scooter, dirt bike, motocrosser et all. Everyone of them fufills someone’s idea of what a motorcycle is to THEM and that alone is reason enough.

    Disparaging remarks aimed at particular Brands, styles or types of M/C’s or those that ride them are unjustified and only serve to show how childish and unsophisticated some folks really are.

    Keep up the good work ~ I’ll be back daily to see what’s new and interesting . . . .

  30. I came across the Kneeslider about a year ago and have been following the store every day looking for the newest updates you post from Aniket’s Royal Enfield Musket V twin or Eric Buells racing machines or your thoughts on the Bloom box, I have enjoyed the read. It has kept me thinking about the sport the machines and what I am working on for fun the extreme possibilities in what folks can come up with. I can’t thank you enough for what you do to bring Bikes of all kinds to life for me. Bob Miller

  31. My first motorcycle ride was over 40 years ago and I’ve been thinking about bikes and talking about them for longer.
    I appreciate the opportunity to read your posts and the comments.

    I think you are doing a great job with this site and I understand the time and effort it takes to keep it up.

    Maybe there is a way to take the extended and non sequitur discussions off the page….
    Start a forum on a separate site and have a sign up form to participate.

    Canvas a few friends to act as monitors and let em have at it.

    Don’t let yourself get burnt out or beat up over things. You are already beating the odds on the level of on topic and relevant comments here.. You just need to be prepared to spank a few children once in a while.

  32. I have been riding motorcycles for about 20 years and your website is one of only two motorcycle sites that I check on a daily basis. Of the two I check, your website is the one that gets my creative juices flowing. I love the culmination of ideas. Also, builders get a chance to try ideas on motorcyclists that are true enthusiasts. Most people reading this site can really appreciate ideas and concepts. Even though they may not like the idea or style of bike, they still appreciate the concepts.

    Keep up the great work!

    Kurt

  33. Paul:
    We met at Tony Foale’s Chassis and Suspension Design Seminar in July, 2006. I was already a fan of your site then and still read it every day because it is one of the most unique blogs in motorcycling for the reasons everyone has stated above. Thanks for your unique perspective and your world view of “just do it.” Partly because of your constant encouragement I dug out Foale’s work this winter and started in on (in Photoshop, anyway) a long-dormant project to turn a wrecked oilhead-boxer into a cafe racer. Many thanks for the daily read.

    John Williams

  34. Thanks, Paul. Keep it positive and keep people’s imagination sparked! There are some truly amazing thinkers, builders, designers, etc out there actually doing things and it is nice that you give them a forum.

    Admittedly, I get tired of the many petty and “unconstructive” comments of many of the frequent bloggers here, so I usually just read your posts, but I hope this puts some of them back on the positive track.

    I am not saying everything should be given a thumbs up from everybody. I am just commenting that everybody should just cut people some slack!

    Ahem! You don’t have to comment on everything, folks!

  35. Paul,
    Are you having a mid life crisis? Do you need a hug and a cookie? Well, rub some dirt on it and keep writing. We love this site.

  37. I love checking your site daily.The perspective that you bring out makes me smile and wish I had the time to build the things that I dream about. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated by many of us.

  41. I go along with coho – even in the UK I read the Kneeslider every day – and don’t check my emails for days on end – and when I’m not reading Kneeslider I’m out on my bike riding it, cleaning it, looking at other ones. Don’t forget 2 wheels is better than 4 in any of its forms be they customs, racers, modified or even someone’s cadcam dream bike – its all bikes innit? So keep on going Kneeslider – cos I like all your stuff..
    Ride safe everyone

  42. I can only echo the positive sentiments already expressed. I too visit this site every day and until now hadn’t thought to analyse how it has affected or influenced me. So, once again you’ve hit the nail on the head and got my brain going in an unexpected direction. Thank you. I’m off to face another day, I wonder what’s going to happen?

  43. Mate I love what you do. There are plenty of whiners and naysayers around. That is why I don’t watch any news broadcasts or read the papers. I might miss a few things but better than being brought down by BS. I don’t need to hear or read how bad things are – I can see it for myself. I’d much rather read about solutions or great ideas or just stuff that’s cool and interesting. There should be more positive stuff to read.

    I keep reading here “the only bike site I read”. Well I just realised that’s true for me also. I keep bookmarking bike discussion pages but they all end up bitching about crap that doesn’t matter and about which they are mostly poorly informed. And nit-pickers drive me crazy!

    I might not have the skills and machinery to build the dream bike I want and the local governments here wouldn’t let me ride it anyway! But I am proud of the bike I do ride and have spent many hours doing things that the local bike gurus said couldn’t be done. Mainly because they can’t make money out of me doing it! I don’t care what other riders think of my bike – I’m the one riding it. And I love the fact that I have created the look all by myself. I love to read of people far more talented than myself doing cool things with bikes. I DON’T want to read about a new way of applying skulls to a Harley. I DO want to read about guys doing stuff I could never imagine.

    Keep up the good work!

  44. I’m an American bike nut living and working in China, and one of the things I work on is rebuilding my Honda Magna in my own little shop space. Another thing I do is freelance writing for some English-language newspapers. I just wrote one about the lack of a DIY spirit in China.

    Most young people coming up are from single-child families. They are becoming increasingly rich but inusfferably spoiled, lazy, and incompetent. Even the Chinese media are beginning to admit this. One thing that is not common at all is for a person to choose, willingly, to do any kind of manual handwork or craft as a hobby or as artistic self-expression. People don’t “take up” woodworking or metal working or other such crafts; they pay someone to fix what’s broken, or they go to the store and buy what they want. They can’t understand the crazy foreigner trying to do it for himself, and there are no stores or stockists that support my obession. I have to figure it out for myself, but that’s fine with me. They don’t know the joy and satisfaction they’re missing, or else they’ve forgotten.

    Keep up the good fight! Eventually only the doers will inherit the Earth (but what shape is it going to be in by then?)

  45. Hi

    It’s one of my preferred bike websites, I liked the varied items which make for interesting reading. Living in far away New Zealand it’s an ideal site for keeping up with what’s happening in the biking world.

    Keep up the good work, like others here it’s really appreciated.

  46. You are the light Paul. You give us hope. Brilliantly written and introduces most of us to things we would never know without your diligence, research and thoughts. Stuff the knockers who cannot grasp the concept of innovation and hard work. Never doubt that you have a devoted following that religiously log on every day. If I wasn’t a guy, as Mule said, ‘I’d have your babies’…

    Beware the lollipop of mediocrity, lick it once and you’ll suck forever.. Brian Wilson..

  47. I may be what some would call only a ‘casual biker.’
    But I check this site every day, for precisely the reasons you layout above. Anyone interested in technology in general, and good, positive outlooks should feel right at home here. It helps to keep me going in several projects that I’m already working on. And has inspired a couple more to pick up when those finish. 🙂

  48. Paul, as others have said the KS is one of the first sites I visit over morning coffee (probably why I’ve been unemployed for so long). Every article is insightful and interesting, to say that I am passionate about bikes is an understatement, and finding a community that shares that same passion is refreshing. Not just a bunch of HD “bikers”, squids, Wingriders or other cliques but riders of all ilk that love (or hate) the view together. Keep writing, I will keep reading.

  49. Thank you everyone for all of these words of support.

    The reason for writing this post was to make clear to some who have never been here, as well as to some who come here often but seem to miss the point, The Kneeslider isn’t some news site with a few odd posts about builders or designs so everyone can take potshots and criticize, we’re here to share ideas and projects to get everyone motivated. If that is clearly stated, we may be able to reduce some of the noise from those who can’t figure it out, or don’t want to, and focus on the positive.

    I have every intention of continuing for years to come, bringing you stories like these and some we can’t even yet imagine, although for those who say “don’t ever change,” well, without change you can’t grow so The Kneeslider will constantly evolve with new ideas and new features.

    There’s much more coming and I’ll have further thoughts on some of the changes I’ve been planning. Stay tuned, and Thanks again!

  51. Dear kneeslider,

    I just wanted to write: Your site and Your job that You are making here to show all possibilities of design and rebuilding stock machines inspired me (and I think not only me) to make something new, something better and something that will last a long time and will inspire others… After reading Your site and articles for few moths I started to redesign my old machine and hope I can show it also to You.
    Many greetings from Poland.

    with best regards
    Paul (Edi)

  52. Knowledge is power , you provide it. I take it and run with it . Kneeslider opens up many doors for us ‘bikers” . We are in a minority don’t forget it. Every time you throw your leg over a saddle judgements are made by non-belivers. Kneeslider is our underground railroad. Keep up the awesome work. someday thru your grate efforts we may even be united. RIDE FAST ,TAKE CHANCES F.E.

  53. What I love about the Kneeslder : I like that it has a positive spin. Don’t change that please!!!! I come to Kneeslider for the articles on technology. Keep them coming.

    What I skip: Visiting only two motorcycle sites, I must say I am getting jaded and burnt out on custom bike featurettes. Between only two sites I have had my fill of V-Twin Choppers and Featherbed Framed Cafe Racers. Bikes built to a formula, and rather old and narrow formulas at that. Been seeing them on the streets, magazines and TV..and my garage… for decades. Really don’t need to see anymore.

    What I hope for: Something nobody has mentioned yet: How bikes are used in other parts of the world besides the US, Europe and occasionally Japan. Please consider adopting a wider international perspective.

    Keep up the good work. Seldom

  54. Yeah, I’m one of those guys that checks the site daily. In the past, I’ve lamented that no manufacturer is making *exactly* what I want. This place is a great encouragement to quit pining and start building. I’m nowhere near as talented as a bunch of the folks who have been featured here (turbo ducati monster, v-twin enfields, etc.), but even I can enjoy the challenge of making modifications to my motorcycles, experience the frustration of failures, and savor the satisfaction of completing a project that is *all mine*.

  55. Dear Kneeslider,

    I do not own a motorcycle [puts on flame suit] not yet at least. I plan to buy one as soon as I get the necessary money together. Still, I come here almost everyday, in the hope for some new posts. Your wiritngs are great quality and I still wonder where you do get the material you write about, if it wasn’t for TKS, I wouldn’t know where to look. This site is truly a gateway for uncommon builds/technologies/people who have quality, balls and passion behind them. Your “DO” philosophy really inspires me in other fields where i build stuff that I try to fill with quality and balls and that is surely made with lots of passion.

    Thank you.

  56. Kneeslider,

    Not everyone is a doer. But everyone should appreciate them. You sir are a doer and a widely recognized one in the industry. Keep up the good work.

  57. I frequent this site because I find I’m interested in the stories. I also like the idea that we actually have a motorcycle community that can talk about issues that affect us all. What’s clear to those who come here often is that the MC community is as diverse as the general population. We just have more fun. 😉

  58. It’s interesting to me, the way people protect what they see as their role in life…or at least here on the ‘toobz.
    I love the fact that’s it’s clearly stated that this creation is here for the purpose of inspiration and contributing to the forward momentum of not only motorcycling but really the world we live in at least our little slice. Nail on the head as well regarding the inundation of negative images and commentary. Swim in it long enough and you can’t help but become part of the flow of crap. My friend Walt (real name withheld) spends a good deal of time in my shop and unfortunately, the rest of his time absorbing all the gloom and doom that’s spewed out anywhere near him, which he gleefully regurgitates for all who can withstand the onslaught. No fun and really hampering to the ‘energy’ in the shop. To that end I have unfortunately asked him not to come in so often. In the week he’s been less present the morale around here has improved measurably and things are getting done much easier and smoother.
    Surround yourself with the positive and it WILL have an effect for the better. If “Things” are really going to improve it has to start somewhere….why not here with us?

  59. meant to add a bit more here:
    “It’s interesting to me, the way people protect what they see as their role in life…or at least here on the ‘toobz.”

    Even the complainers…….

  61. I frequent the kneeslider because I’m trying to figure out how to convert a four stroke 400cc single into a supercharged two stroke direct injected thing.

    The perfect motor.

  62. Your website is the first one I goto almost everyday.
    Xcellent content, please keep it up!!!
    Your the head of a community that needs you.
    I only wish the bike manufacturers would tune in to your site so that they would build what a loy of us want.
    But then again what would I do with my Sundays in my garage (“man cave” – says my wife).
    Thank you very much.

  63. Hello Paul
    You sir are a doer of doers. you make the makers make and I thank you for your insperation and motivation. I have been banging away on my vw project bike for years. and although It is a stop and go project I read here about retro and inovation and I get back to plugging away. I love all bikes and am glad you do too. thanks for your great work.
    El Jeffe.

  65. IMO motrcyclists, true motorcyclists can appreciate each type/style of bike for what ti brings to the table. There are bikes that I would buy and from every major manufacturer as well as many of the smaller/custom shops.

    What I wouldn’t mind seeing more of is some write ups/footage of motorcycle adventures. Rides in Baha, along the French Alps, in the outback…you get the idea.

    Anyway, this is a great site by motorcyclists for motorcyclists.

    Haters will hate… don’t stop what you’re doing.

  66. I have been hooked on this website since I stumbled on it 2 years ago. I showed a friend of mine the knee slider and he is hooked . His son just turned 15 and he has got inspired to have him and his son build his first bike. He saw one of the street trackers on here and they are building one for his son. Thanks to the kneeslider we have another fellow motorcyclist head over heels loving this thing we call a hobby. Thank you kneeslider for every picture and article. Oh by the way about hanging out with positive people the thing I always tell people is “If you hang out with crack heads you will be a crack head”.

  67. I read the site almost daily. Love it. Please keep up the good work, it helps keep me sane on the days when it’s snowing too hard to ride or the temperature dips below 15 degrees.

  68. Mr Crowe–

    You and your website are great; in fact this is probably the only bike site worth visiting each and every day. As for the Negative Nancy’s: the haters will get always theirs in due time… And remember: if no one responds to the attempts to goad then they will eventually go away to pick another fight elsewhere.

    Keep up the great work and terrific attitude!

  69. Hey we love your site here at Hog Radio and quote from it often on our show. When are you coming on for an interview? Love to have you on to chat about the thing we love most: motorcycles and people making a positive impact in the world of ridng and beyond. contact me via my email.

    Keep up the great work.

    The producer of
    The Hog Radio Show

  70. Thanks! You are definitely writing for me!

    Please continue to keep the CAD concepts coming as well, even if the \steel is real\ crowd can’t see the value.

    I’d rather see and imaginative virtual bike than an ordinary real one any day.

  71. I think this website is great. Earlier tonight I went to change the springs and oil in my forks of course the drain screws won’t come out of the forks, but thinking “come people build bikes from scratch or scrap surly you can drill this screw and easy out it without touching the female threads” helped me to just get on and do it. OK so changing fork springs isn’t the most world changing mod ever, but seeing what people can achieve in normal garages like mine sometimes makes the difference between throwing my tools down and giving up and just thinking “what would a good builder do and is there any reason I can’t do that?” Keep up the good work even if 99% of readers never become builders seeing good work makes us at least better modifiers and maintainers.

  72. Paul,

    I visit your website every day among a couple other motorcycle blogs and major websites. the reason I visit KneeSlider first is because it offers substance to the material not seen elsewhere. You bring a clean, impartial view on the matter and highlight what’s most interesting that I wouldn’t see on my own. The recent add in stories on motorcycle builds is exciting and inspiring. I would have never thought of using photoshop to get ideas, but now it seems essential! Keep up the good work and thank you for opening my mind.

  73. Well done! One of the few sites I regularly visit, I may never build a bike of the caliber you feature here but you allow me to keep that dream alive. Thank you!

  75. Impossible for me to enjoy your site more than I do now.
    (Okay, maybe an extra piece every so often on retro Italians, but dead on otherwise)
    Because of your apparent research and writing, you have my vote as a doer and daily a positive influence on me.
    Well done and thank you for your work so far.

  76. I think you are doing it perfectly. You continue to provide glimpses of bikes that are unique, radical and inspiring. Big bikes or small bikes – they are always cool bikes.

    I appreciate your work. Thanks!

  77. I guess I am echoing what a lot of people who have commented before me have said. Kneeslider is a truly excellent site, which I visit often for news, views and inspiration. Now, as a Sports/Touring rider, I’d probably have to say that there are a few too many V-Twin stories, but the site is American so I can live with that country’s obsession with that particular design.

    I’ve been riding for 35 years now and I’m just in the early stages of planning a 16000km ride around Australia later this year (once my 3 fractured ribs heal up, that is). But I love this site. I especially dig the articles about special builders, like the guy in South Africa who did the V12 CBX; fabulous stuff.

    On my own site I’m trying to very much follow Kneeslider’s philosophy of entertaining and looking for stuff that is “outside the box.”

    Keep it up, you’re doing a super job.

  78. WOW all I can say is this “If there was no site Liek The Kneeslider, I myself would be bored to tears looking at all of the negative crap out there!” Your site has been and will be a big, BIG. insperation to alot of would be and doubtful builders out there, they can get ideas, fabrication tech info, and even visual ques, from other builders here, where else can that be brought together in such a compact and detailed site?? Please keep up the FANTASTIC work and If I can help in anyway contact me and I will try my best to help out.
    Thanks for one if not the best motorcycle information I have ever read. Unbiased and straight up.
    Brad

  79. Dear Kneeslider, a great site, don’t let the nay sayers spoil your fun, the best way to keep up the passion. I like the mix of topics and pop in regularly on my breaks. Thanks.
    Homer.

  80. I have to say, the sense of optimism and “chin-up” thinking is what keeps me coming back. I’m so sick of some other sites out there that are always “fashionably cynical” and downbeat about everything.

    This is why I proudly display The Kneeslider in our list of Allies. Thanks again and great work!

    James @ Silodrome