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Motorcycle Forum for Riders Who are Insulin Dependent The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) in the UK AMA site with resource information Tim will noodle out ideas with you for modifications Northeastern Silent Riders (deaf riders club for NJ and nearby states) Chariot Wheelchair Motortrike Company: 3 wheeled, street legal vehicle for active people who are physically challenged Martin Conquest: high performance motorcycle that can be driven from a wheelchair ChrisTrikes: a company out of Miami with two models for wheelchair users A resource article on trikes and disabled riders from Kevin in Australia for Bikernet.com |
2008 Wednesday, January 9 Dear VTwin Mama, EFM Auto Clutch: EFM makes auto clutches for street bikes and dirt bikes. Their website advertises a complete assembly for Harley-Davidson bikes for $895. (A bit less expensive than the Walters Mfg. solution, no?) Rekluse Auto Clutch: Rekluse makes auto clutches for dirt bikes, but you could probably install their product in a similar supermoto (motard) or dual-purpose bike for street use. There is also this company making an add-on auto shifter: This company also makes a similar product, plus others that may be of interest: Disabled Motorcycle Riders, Inc. Hope this info helps some more people enjoy motorcycling. Cheers! – CJ Dear
CJ, Thursday, February 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Christ, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Katie, If the reach distance is ok, but the controls are a bit higher than your new hand position, you typically can undo the handlebar clamp and rotate it down a bit. If the distance and height are just fine, then check your wrist angle. Put your hands on the control ... your wrist should not be at an angle of any kind ... each control can be loosened and rotated for a better overall fit. If the distance is in fact farther than comfortable, a pullback riser insert can bring the whole assembly back towards you ... check with a dealer to noodle this out further. After these adjustments, or determining all is well, then there are several products to consider. One is a Throttle Rocker, which attaches to the end of the throttle grip, which allows your palm to take the weight of the throttle action ... I love mine! There is also a Throttle Boss, but that has a smaller area to rest your palm in. You might also check into a throttle lock for longer distance cruising ... I'm not a fan of locking the throttle cable into position, but for some, it makes a huge difference. For the clutch hand, I'd check to see how much effort you have to make to pull that in. If it's a stiff action or wide grip, there are ergonomic solutions that will reduce the pull effort by as much as 50%. Again, the availability is by make/model, so ask the Parts Department of your local dealer to determine what's what. I wish you well as you contemplate possible changes ... I'll be contemplating my navel, but that's neither here nor there in the overall scheme of things! – Mama Monday, March 10 For Katie who is battling Carpel Tunnel and looking for help: As far as Carpel Tunnel
Syndrome, there is help. Three
types, to be exact, after trying to reconfigure your motorcycle or trying
a different type of motorcycle. Do not wait for therapy, as riding with this sort of situation is uncomfortable and dangerous. – MK, an Arlington, Washington woman distance and camping rider in her 50s (note from Mama: Katie didn't mention if she was already seeking medical opinions, so I appreciate you noting it's important to do so.) Hi Petra, I have a new problem and searched your website but did not see this exactly. For the entire month of February I had no car and moto-commuted through cold and wet weather. It was a great feeling of self-reliance to do without the car. Toward the end of the month I began to feel an uncomfortable skin irritation on the back of my neck... under my hair, down where the helmet does not cover. I still have the problem two weeks after getting my car back and riding the motorcycle less. Maybe it's not the helmet but the jacket collar, or something in the air. The only thing that soothes it is rubbing alcohol. I've tried anti-fungal, cortisone cream, plain lotion-- all of which made it burn worse. Hydrogen peroxide-- no reaction. It doesn't act like helmet itch, and there's no problem anywhere that's covered by the helmet. Has anyone else had a similar problem and found a solution? Thanks and best wishes, – Sarah Dear Sarah, So, I'm thinking the reason it happened is the constant wear and a possible allergy to something in the jacket, which was heightened by the cold and wet weather. My guess is that a visit to a dermatologist will be needed to get to the bottom of all of this ... and a proper recovery. – Mama Monday, March 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear David, The correct term to search on is stabilizer wheels and yes, they are out there. Unfortunately, I'm only finding systems for Honda Gold Wings and the big Harleys, but don't let that stop you! I'd call Safety Features Inc. (Stacy, MN) at their toll free number 1-888-452-2552 and talk it out. You can also contact Tim at Adaptive Engineering (Long Beach, CA) at 562-869-0984 and see what's possible as they specialize in custom modifications. I'm hoping between these two resources, you find the solution. I'm wishing you many more happy road miles! – Mama Tuesday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, I want to ride, and I am crazy for him too, but what to do?? This last trip it took me several hours to recover, and we had to break off from the group and go home. I am not sure what the cause is. I was upset, my boyfriend supportive, but I want to be able to ride. I am wondering what to do. Any advice would be great! – Thea in St. Joseph Dear Thea, Since dizziness is your first inkling that things aren't going well, if you look at the dizziness overview, they call out a number of things to do ... and while not geared towards riding on a motorcycle, make sense. For instance, long distance rides in groups may vary on how often they stop. You may need to get off the bike every hour (60-70 miles) to hydrate and eat a small, healthy snack. Since most longer rides can run from gas tank to gas tank (120+ miles), give this some thought (as I'm not sure how the longer runs you were on actually occurred in terms of breaks). If you're thinking, yes, I do get thirsty already in 1/2 hour, then you can check into a wearable water pack like those offered by CamelBak. It also is pointed out that a stability-helping home environment, in this case we're thinking of the bike as home, is needed. Since I don't know what model your sweetheart has, why not review the bike's passenger set-up with him. If your feet are resting on pegs, installing passenger floorboards will give your feet a firmer resting position and help overall in body stability and comfort. At the same time, at a bare minimum, you need a passenger backrest that supports you from behind ... and again, depending on the bike, arm rests may be incorporated so your upper body is more firmly centered over the bike at all times. So, incorporate changes that you feel will make a difference and then take a test ride to try things out before another group trip. If it's not getting any better, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor ... they may offer more clues on how a stationary riding position may be heightening high blood pressure symptoms. – Mama Wednesday, July 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Are there any motorcycle riding schools that could teach someone like me how to ride an automatic trike? My father said that there no classes up here in Coshocton for disabled people and that a two wheel motorcycle is too heavy for me to handle. Or what other kinds of models are out there that match my special needs? See, I love Harley-Davidson, but they don't have any automatic trikes and my legs are very short. I am 41, 5'0" and 100 pounds. I do see that Ridley has an automatic trike. – Tina Dear Tina, What it says is that you must pay for a motorcycle permit packet of information, show proof of identity and pass a written exam and vision test before you can practice riding. There is no fee for this. It also notes that you do not need a regular drivers license ... you can get just a motorcycle license. The reason I mention this is because a motorcycle riding school is given in a very short few days and you must be able to keep up with the learning environment. If it takes you longer to process information and prepare yourself for a written test, it might be smarter to study on your own first before spending money on a course. So, if you go to your local DMV and pick up the information packet and a copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual and a Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, you will be able to study at your own pace, and when you are ready, to take the test at no cost. Once you have shown that you can pass this test, which is needed to be on the road legally, your family will see how serious you are about learning to ride. Your next step is decide on the type of motorcycle that will match your needs. Since I'm not exactly sure of the extent of your limitations, I too wonder if an automatic transmission wouldn't simplify your entry to riding. I'm thinking it would be a good next step to rent a small moped and have a family member bring that to an empty parking lot so that you can try it out. These are much lighter in weight, but it would help you understand if you can properly balance a two-wheel bike. If it doesn't go as well as you would like, then you know you should concentrate on getting a trike; if it feels good, then you can consider buying a moped or larger scooter. Please note that in Ohio, the rules for mopeds or scooters are still the same ... you need to pass a written and vision test and then a riding test. As you can see, what we are doing is putting together a series of small steps for you to take, so that you can build your confidence and your family's confidence as well. This is a good thing! I was hoping to find a MSF Scooter School in your area, but I don't see one, but on the linked page you will find a toll-free 800 number to call and ask more questions. Again, to me this would be a good next step if you find that you can balance a two-wheel motorcycle. Otherwise, let's talk a bit more about automatic trikes. You are right ... Harley-Davidson doesn't make one but Ridley did introduce their Auto-Glide Trike this year. This has a very low seat height for shorter riders. The closest Ridley dealer, so you can take a closer look, is about 60 miles away in Medina, OH. I would call first to see if they have a trike to look at. Otherwise, you can look at what else is available in automatic transmission motorcycles and add a conversion trike kit. For instance, take a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter, add a Voyager kit, and you have an automatic transmission trike! Take a look at the Voyager kits available and match that to the list of auto tranny bikes on the market. I see that the old Honda Hondamatics can be converted, along with the Honda Silverwing. One other idea, that is only recently emerging, is a different three-wheel set-up. This has two wheels in front and one in back. One example would be the Piaggio MP3. After the purchase of a trike, you could then check for a Trike School in your area or check for a private instructor. I hope I have given you a number of ideas on how you can proceed with your desire to ride a motorcycle. Small steps are always good ... you want to proceed with your learning at a pace that makes sense for you ... and each step will be one closer to your goal. I wish you the best of everything! – Mama Tuesday, September 23 Hi VTwin Mama, First, I ride a Yamaha Roadliner, 113 cu inches (1900ccs). I got it in March after waiting a year and a half for the red color to come to my dealer. First, it's an all aluminum frame, so it's about 100 lbs lighter than my previous bike, a Yamaha Roadstar. That was a beast to manhandle. The Roadliner is soooooo much easier to handle for me. My problem is the hydraulic clutch. With RA hands, there isn't much strength left, and I need whatever ease I can get. I forwarded the info on the Easy boy clutch to my husband to see if it'll work for me. Anyway, I've been riding for 4 yrs. I started out on a Yamaha VStar 650 and outgrew that in 2 months. I graduated to a Kawasaki Drifter 1500ccs. That was very top heavy. Then I got a Yamaha Roadstar 1700cc. It fit me perfectly (5'8", 230lbs). After riding my husband's Roadliner, I was convinced it was the way to go. It's longer, and even with risers it's a stretch for me but not uncomfortable. It rides like a Cadillac and we ride long trips when my hands allow me to. I have a Corbin Stinger seat so it helps me sit lower. Anyway, you have a wonderful website. I'm forwarding to the other girls that ride in my STAR chapter. It's now on my favorites list too! Good work! (my nickname is crash. let's just say it's out of the way now!!) – Desiree G., aka Crash Dear Desiree, Saturday, November 29 Hi VTwin Mama, As a passenger, it is a different experience than riding by yourself. I had to learn to trust my driver!! But what it actually was, my BP med [blood pressure medication] was way too low and I was bottoming out on the bike. All good now. We accomplished a ride across country and a ride for cancer just a few weeks ago. Now winter is upon us and the bike is put away, and I look forward to more in the spring. My condolence on Pandora ... I would like a patch for her and a VTM patch. (I am official now you know!!). Best to all, happy holidays and I will check in more now. Love ya. Keep up the great work. – Corida Dear Corida, It's been some time since I did a much longer cross country trip (my longest ever was only 3,500 miles total) ... but I know the joys of this type of accomplishment ... and as it's said, they can't take that away from you ... it's your accomplishment forever! Yes, it's slumber time for many riders now ... the ol' PMS has set in ... Parked Motorcycle Syndrome, that is! I've been in the deep south ... for the last 1 1/2 years ... so we get extended riding this time of year ... but the "switch" is that summer months are really difficult (for me, as a former WI northern gal)! My thanks on your condolences for Pandora's family and friends. For those who are scratching their heads ... Pandora was a vibrantly active member of the VTwin Mama Message Board ... who died in a motorcycle-related accident on October 17th. I believe I created the board over two years ago (managing to crash it twice along the way) and this is the board's first experience with the loss of a much loved member. I have emailed you about the best way to get both a "Pandora/Linda" patch as well as a VTM logo patch. And so we carry on ... sharing and caring together ... one rider at a time, one challenge at a time, one heartfelt remembrance at a time. Always repeating that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and that you don't have to be alone ... VTM is an online community that stands by to assist in any way that we can. – Mama Thursday, July 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, In my limited knowledge, I'm wondering about certain things. For instance, can you sit comfortably in a chair or in the car for stretches of time? I note this because on a motorcycle you don't have the luxury of being able to shift your body position. Floorboards instead of foot pegs do make a big difference in supporting yourself. Getting off the bike at shorter intervals to stretch and rest may help. My next point of concern is road conditions. What if a raised bump or pothole is encountered? Will the jarring to your lower back aggravate the L5/S1 region? Only a doctor can answer the question about the "sturdiness" of your surgical outcome. This is all I can come up with at the moment, but if you reflect on your earlier riding time, other things about it all may come to mind. – Mama Saturday, October 3 Dear Petra, Dear Dona, The only original thread I could find, followed by a lot of responses, started with a letter from Bev posted on May 27, 2005. Take a look at those thoughts and see if something there doesn't help! By the by, the way I found this is by going down to the bottom of the VTM home page and using the Google search tool (clicking on the vtwinmama.com radio button). Yup, that's why I put it there! – Mama
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