Exquisite Little V12 Engine

Home built V12 engine machined from stainless steel, bronze and aluminum

Home built V12 engine machined from stainless steel, bronze and aluminum

Machine tools make much of what we see and use in the world around us, enabling a skilled machinist to create almost anything out of basic blocks of metal. With today's relatively low prices and high precision, you can find small home shops turning out incredible work from lathes and milling machines hidden away in basements and garages. This tiny V12 engine is a perfect example. Made from stainless steel, aluminum and bronze and over 1200 hours of work, a craftsman in Spain designed the engine and then created, each of the 261 pieces himself. The engine runs on compressed air because it will be run in exhibits and educational demonstrations where real fuels might be problematic.

Home built V12 engine partially assembled

Home built V12 engine partially assembled

During the build he kept a video record of the work in progress giving us a detailed look behind the scenes, making the final minutes of the video showing the engine running seem even more remarkable.

There are now many small engine builders creating almost every shape and configuration of engine imaginable, but we seldom see so many of the steps along the way showing exactly how the engine was built. If you're at all interested in engines, machining or mechanics, you'll definitely enjoy this video. You'll also enjoy the great choice of music that fits the spirit of the work. Makes you want to go shopping for a little lathe or milling machine, doesn't it?

via Make

Video below:


Source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/11/29/exquisite-little-v12-engine/

Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev Bobby Moore Blair Morgan

Honda Crosstourer Versus Dual Sportster

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 11/22/2011

in Motorcycle Business

Honda Crosstourer V4 dual sport

Honda Crosstourer V4 dual sport

One of the motorcycles Honda confirmed for production at the recent EICMA show was the Honda Crosstourer, a V4 dual sport introduced as a concept last year. Powered by a 1200cc V4 and weighing in at a bit over 600 pounds, you might say it shares some characteristics with another bike we've written about several times on The Kneeslider, the various "Dual Sportsters," which were Harley Sportsters converted for off road or dual sport duty.

Honda Crosstourer V4 dual sport

Honda Crosstourer V4 dual sport

Whenever I write about the Harleys, saying I think they're pretty cool, there's always a subset of comments poking fun at the Sportsters as ungainly and far too heavy for any sort of dual sport use. The common criticism seems to be they'll bury themselves in the dirt and they'll break your leg or something if you fall over. I wonder if those same critics will take the same shots at the Crosstourer, or since it's a Honda, maybe those 600 pounds are a lot lighter than 600 pounds of Harley. Or maybe, those dual Sportsters were really a neat idea after all.

Related: Harley Sportster off road conversions
Related: Harley off road conversions


Source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/11/22/honda-crosstourer-versus-dual-sportster/

Steve Stackable Jeff Stanton Rex Staten James Stewart Jr

Andrew Short Interview - Back on Hondas now, Andrew Short is preparing for his assault on the 2012 Motocross and Supercross seasons.

After many, many years with the Honda factory team, Andrew Short made a move to KTM in 2011 and raced the 350 SX/F. But after a year with mostly disappointing finishes and a big injury, breaking both elbows and one wrist in a testing crash, Short has returned to Honda, albeit for the newly formed team run by Larry Brooks and Jeremy McGrath. Still, he?ll be racing a factory Honda CRF450R, just like the one he had been racing with success the last few years prior to 2011. We caught up with Shorty at the Honda test track as he prepared for the 2012 season.

Source: http://www.motocross.com/features/andrew-short-interview/

John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey

Husqvarna Concept Strada

HUSQVARNA has only just entered the road bike market with its Nuda 900 but already it's looking to the next model in its range with the clearly road-oriented Concept Strada.

Unveiled at the Paris show today, the Strada is based around a 650cc water-cooled single, as used in the BMW G650GS but tuned for more performance (although no actual figures are mentioned). Presumably aimed at KTM's similar Duke 690, which now makes 70bhp from its 654cc single, the Husqvarna might have 'Concept' in its name, but it's actually a production bike and will go on sale during 2012. The firm's press release says it is ?already in an advanced stage of planning and production is imminent? and confirms the bike will be available next year.

A claimed weight of 'less than 170kg' is into Duke territory and provided the firm can coax something near 70bhp from the engine ? around 20bhp more than BMW gets from it ? then the bike looks like a viable KTM rival.

Here's BMW/Husqvarna's release:

Hot on the heels of the Nuda 900 R that goes on sale worldwide this November, Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to present already its next motorcycle ? the Concept Strada ? which will be unveiled at the Salon de la Moto show in Paris on 29 November.

Just like the Nuda, the Concept Strada (Italian for ?street?) will be targeted at youthful on-road motorcyclists who will appreciate its sharp styling, fun handling and great road manners. With a low weight, a punchy 650cc single-cylinder engine and quality components throughout, the Concept Strada is designed to provide a thrilling ride ? whatever the distance.

The starting point for the Concept Strada is the ultra-reliable 650cc engine originally developed by BMW for its ubiquitous F-Series range and in its latest incarnation now used to power the new G 650 GS . This engine has been ?breathed on? by specialist Husqvarna engineers and the subsequent power upgrade has resulted in an extremely lively machine that (at less than 170 kg dry) will put a smile back on the face of even the weariest commuter.

This passionate mix of Husqvarna style and BMW engineering expertise is already in an advanced stage of planning and production is imminent. The Strada will be introduced into the market in 2012.

Like the Nuda before it, and the Concept Moab that was unveiled in Husqvarna Motorcycles? home territory at the recent EICMA show in Milan, the Concept Strada is further evidence of the company?s commitment to expanding its model portfolio and providing fans of the legendary Italian brand with a new series of road motorcycles.

BMW-powered, but Husqvarna-driven, the Concept Strada will be the perfect machine for taking on the urban jungle. Its combination of easy handling, punchy engine and user-friendly ergonomics will make it appeal to both young and ?young at heart? male and female riders looking for an extra special motorcycle for everyday use. A wide range of accessories to cater for a variety of requirements will also be available when the Concept Strada goes on sale in 2012.

Source: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/husqvarna-concept-strada/19576.html

Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi

Racer X Podcast: Greg Primm

Moto maven and collector Greg Primm stopped by the studios last week to talk about his life in motocross from Bullet Billy Liles to his brief racing career, Moto Brew, his incredible moto museum and the decision to sell it off.

Click HERE to listen to the show or you can get it on iTunes and Stitcher.com if you have a smart phone.

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Photo: Stephan LeGrand

Check out The Question-Mark Race

in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The Question-Mark RaceClick to Look Inside

With its $1 million bonus for a main-event sweep, the inaugural Monster Energy Cup was the richest race in our sport?s history. It also raised a whole lot of interesting questions. Page 130.

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Source: http://www.racerxonline.com/2011/11/29/racer-x-podcast-greg-primm

Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund

2012 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Schedule

Just weeks after celebrating the conclusion of an epic 40th season of professional motocross racing, MX Sports Pro Racing and partners, Alli Sports, are pleased to announce the 2012 schedule for the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

The series will begin on Saturday, May 19, near Sacramento, Calif., at the Hangtown Classic-the longest-running event on the schedule-and will conclude on September 8 in Southern California, at the championship's newest stop (to be announced at a later date). Throughout the summer, the 12-round series will visit such highly-regarded motocross circuits as High Point, in Pennsylvania, RedBud, in Michigan, Washougal, in Washington, and New York's legendary Unadilla.

"We are very fortunate to have so many great, iconic motocross tracks as part of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship-tracks that challenge the racers and have strong, loyal fan bases that come out to see these races," said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. "This series is the pinnacle of professional motocross, and the growth we've seen in the last three years for both the live audiences and television viewers watching from all over the world has been outstanding."

Not only does the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship include the best tracks in the sport, it also features the fastest riders on the planet, as well as an expanded television package with NBC Sports Group. Add in a global television package that allows fans from all over the world to tune in, plus live event streaming on www.allisports.com, and the result is an unprecedented audience for motocross racing.

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto will defend his #1 plate against no less than three former 450 Class Champions in 2012. Besides the man he wrestled the 2011 title from, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, as well as a hugely-popular Australian star in TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed, Villopoto must also contend with James Stewart, who is returning to outdoor motocross for the first time since his perfect 2008 season as a member of the Joe Gibbs Racing/Toyota/Yamaha team. There will also be challenges from such formidable programs as Team Honda Muscle Milk, the Yoshimura Suzuki factory team, MotoConcepts/Alessi Racing, the new L&Mc Racing Honda team spearheaded by legend Jeremy McGrath, and more.

In the 250 Class, newly-crowned champion, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Dean Wilson will not only have to defend his title against the best young riders in America, he will also be pursued by the two most recent MX2 World Champions. Frenchman Marvin Musquin and German sensation Ken Roczen have each earned Grand Prix titles on 250cc motorcycles, and will now join forces at Red Bull KTM to challenge Wilson for the most-coveted outdoor title in the sport, a Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Add in the formidable GEICO Honda team, DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha, Rockstar Energy Suzuki, JDR KTM, in addition to Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda, and the 2012 season is ripe for exceptional competition.

Additionally, the Women's Motocross Championship will be included at eight rounds. Led by defending champion, Team Honda Muscle Milk's Ashley Fiolek, who claimed her third title in four years as a pro, the world's fastest women riders are set to bring even more excitement to the series. Fiolek can once again expect serious competition from her primary rival, and fellow multi-time champion, Jessica Patterson of the DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha team.

Following the traditional opener at Hangtown, series favorites - Freestone, Thunder Valley, High Point, Budds Creek, RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, Southwick, Unadilla and Steel City - all return to compose the bulk of the 2012 schedule. While some venues' traditional dates on the calendar have shifted, they remain as part of the integral foundation of American Motocross.

The season finale will feature a new venue in the motocross hotbed of Southern California. Details and additional information will follow.

Tickets for all 12 rounds of the 2012 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will be on sale on Moto Monday, December 5th. Fans eager to get a head start on plans for next summer can simply log onto the official website of American Motocross at AlliSports.com/motocross. Special holiday promotions for advance purchasers will be available.

2012 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Schedule



May 19 Hangtown Motocross Classic* Sacramento, Calif.
May 26 Freestone Raceway* Wortham, Texas
June 2 Thunder Valley Motocross* Lakewood, Colo.
June 9 High Point Raceway Mt. Morris, Pa.
June 16 Budds Creek Motocross Mechanicsville, Md.
July 7 RedBud* Buchanan, Mich.
July 14 Spring Creek Motocross* Millville, Minn.
July 21 Washougal MX Park Washougal, Wash.
August 11 Moto-X 338* Southwick, Mass.
August 18 Unadilla New Berlin, N.Y.
September 1 Steel City Raceway* Delmont, Pa.
September 8 TBA* Southern Calif.



*WMX Events

Source: http://www.mxlarge.com/news/5789-2012-lucas-oil-ama-pro-motocross-championship-schedule

Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer

Brayton, Tickle, Alessi, Chislom and more to race Monster Energy Geneva Supercross

GENEVA,SWITZERLAND (Nov. 28, 2011) ? The all-star gate is set for the historic Monster Energy International Supercross Geneva ? which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010 ? as a number of the world?s top supercross racers return to the Europe?s largest indoor supercross track, the Palexpo at Geneva Airport, for two nights of premier supercross racing action, Dec. 2-3, 2011.

Defending Monster Energy Geneva SX Super Final champ, aka the ?King of Geneva? ? Justin Brayton, will for the first time be racing his factory Honda in an international supercross contest. And looking to wrestle that crown away from Brayton will be Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki?s Broc Tickle ? the first European supercross race for the defending Monster Energy AMA Supercross SX West Lites champ. Add to the mix the always fast Mike Alessi (Suzuki), who just won the Stuttgart (Germany) SX, recently crowned ?King of Bercy? (Paris SX) Kyle Chisholm (Kawasaki, on Jeff Ward?s new team), MX National round winner Matt Goerke (Kawasaki) and Tommy Searle (Monster Energy/Kawasaki) on his KX250F ? and the Monster Energy Geneva SX is turning into quite the bad ass little race!

And new for 2011 will be a split between the 250 and 450 classes ? with the top guys from each class meeting in the ?Super Final? to decide the King of Geneva!

The women?s gate at the Monster Energy Geneva SX will feature the most complete list of top women racers in the world, including: American stars Ashley Fiolek, Tara Geiger, Vicky Golden, along with European greats Livia Lancelot, Justinne Carroux, Kiaria Fontanesi, Larissa Papenmeier and Florence Pillet!

Finally, as if the racing weren?t enough, top MX freestylers including Monster Energy?s own Adam Jones, will compete on the Palexpo floor to put those in attendance into a Monster Energy-fueled frenzy!

Founded in 1988 and represented by North American Associate producer Eric Peronnard, the Monster Energy-backed Geneva Supercross has over the years been a ?must? stop for the top racers on the American AMA Supercross tour. Names like McGrath, Stanton, Lechien, Cooper and Brown are among the great American names that have faced-off against Europe/the World?s greats like Bayle, Vuillemin, Langston, Albertyn and Pichon.

For more information on the 2011 Monster Energy International Supercross Geneva event, head to: http://www.dpo.ch/supercross/index.php



About Monster Energy

Monster Energy supports the scene. Be it supercross, NASCAR, off-road, road racing, skate, surf, mountain, BMX, on the road with Warped Tour, the DUB Show, Ozzfest ? or just kickin? it local with the bros ? wherever the action?s going off you?re sure to find the M-claw logo. Monster Import, Import Light and DUB join all the types ? Original Monster Energy, Lo-Carb Monster, Monster Assault, Monster?s fruit juice hybrids dubbed Monster Khaos, Monster M-80 and Monster MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster and X-Presso Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with Monster Energy?s blend, 3 oz. Monster Hitman Energy. Everyone at the Monster Energy International Supercross Geneva event will be diggin? ?em ? so will you. On the ?Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

About Geneva Supercross

Founded in 1985, Europe?s biggest (track and crowd-wise) indoor supercross event is a yearly destination for globally-minded motocross and action sports fans. Based out of the palatial Palexpo at the Geneva Airport, the Monster Energy International Supercross Geneva regularly sells out and is considered one of the two premier European supercross events ? along with the Bercy (France) Supercross ? for riders on both sides of the Atlantic. With an impressive pyrotechnic and laser show, freestyle motocross, music and dancing models, the Geneva Supercross has stood the test of time as one of the world?s all-time great two wheel motorsport events! For more information within the U.S. on the Geneva Supercross, please contact Eric Peronnard at ericperonnard@aol.com

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Source: http://motocross.transworld.net/1000118359/news/brayton-tickle-alessi-chislom-and-more-to-race-monster-energy-geneva-supercross/

Ryan Hughes Georges Jobe Gunnar Johansson Peter Johansson