7 minute read

A Rough Guide to Adaptations

transmission as does the Honda DN01, the Honda CTX700 and the Honda VFR1200DCT.

1. Right hand twin levers 2. Automatic Clutch 3. Thumbrake & Clutch

Right or Left Arm:

With all adaptions to suit riders with a hand or arm disability we strongly recommend the fitting of a high quality steering damper. When necessary a Velcro glove to handlebar grip can be used to help keep the affected hand on the handlebar & in some cases for amputees, prosthetics can be specially adapted to enable some handlebar use. However we must stress the importance of never being too firmly connected to a solo motorcycle. If you do have a spill while riding you need to be able to separate from the machine very easily rather than be dragged along by it into what could prove to be a more

Kliktronic K-Lever2 Universal Twin-Lever (for operating two cable systems) www.klever2.com

Kliktronic K-Lever2 Universal Twin-Lever (for operating two hydraulic lines) www.klever2.com

Both the twin levers and thumb brake are available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes.

Wheelchair Users & Balance problems: (Bilateral amputation, paraplegia, MS, reduced mobility/strength in legs, balance problems, etc):

With these types of disability one obvious issue is that of stability, which usually means the addition of a “third road wheel” whether this is in the form of a bike and sidecar combo or a trike. In the case of bike and sidecar combos sometimes it is possible to utilise standard outfits when the bike has been converted to “full hand controls”. But there are also some manufacturers who manufacture specialised or adapted sidecar outfits that are specifically designed to suit independent use by wheelchair users such as Motopodd Ltd www.motopodd.com and Unit Sidecars Ltd www.unitsidecars.co.uk In the case of trikes it is always preferable to have a trike fully manufactured specifically to suit the individual rider. Where this is not possible, some second hand machines can sometimes be modified to suit the needs of a disabled rider (i.e. full hand controls, stirrups, foot-plates, seating styles, back support, automatic transmission, wheelchair carriers, etc). www.trikeshop.co.uk and/or www.trikedesign.co.uk and/or www.boomtrikes.co.uk and/or www.rewacotrikes.co.uk

There are “drop down” stabiliser kits www.adaptivemotorcycles.com and www.koeltgen.de/kontakt.h tml for solo motorcycles on the market but as yet we have not been able to fully test their viability for disabled riders.

1. Bike and sidecar 2. Trike 3. Stabilisers (for solo bikes) The vast majority of motorcycles do not feature a reversing facility. However, for many people with disabilities, a reversing facility is essential when a motorcycle has been converted to a trike. There are several methods of achieving this; perhaps the oldest method was to incorporate an electric reversing motor, but this has generally proven to be ineffecient and ofter a serious strain on the battery. More recently, purpose built reversing differentials and in-line reversing gearboxes have emerged onto th emarket from the motor racing scene. Companies like Quaife Engineering Ltd www.quaife.co.uk and Elite Racing Transmissions Ltd www.eliteracing transmissions.com produce in-line reversing boxes for shaft-driven vehicles and reversing differentials for chain, belt or shaft driven vehicles.

NB. This guide is not intended as an exhaustive catalogue of the adaptions available for bikes and trikes. It is meant as a brief guide featuring the most popular solutions to the most common problems faced by many riders with disabilities when considering adapting machines.

There are always other options available and we at the NABD are constantly working with some highly skilled engineers to develop new alternatives and improvements to existing kits.

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100% Biker is THE UK grass roots custom bike lifestyle magazine - the one aimed squarely at and for real bikers, not bottomless pocket wannabes who've watched far too much Discovery Channel.

They are also more than slightly aware of the good work done by the NABD over the years getting bikers back on the road after particularly traumatic episodes in their lives. So, with that in mind, 100% Biker is offering NABD members a very special subscription deal. Take out a subscription to 100% Biker magazine at any NABD event, or by visiting www.jazzpublishing.co.uk/nabd and they will donate £5 straight back to the NABD. That means that, not only will you be guaranteed of getting the best biker magazine in the country through your door every month, but you'll also be helping your favourite charity at no extra cost to yourself - it's a win-win situation! Thanks - Dave Gamble

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIKERS WITHA DISABILITY Reg. Charity No. 1040907 (SC039897 in Scotland) Are you a disabled person who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle? Then join the NABD and take advantage of our unique LEARNER LOANER SCHEME

This could enable you to complete a CBT course and both modules of the practical test with the loan of a suitably adapted 125cc motorcycle for up to 3 months. (Subject to conditions).

A small number of adapted bikes are available specifically for the use of disabled riders (subject to a £150.00 service charge).

We will take care of delivery and collection, so you can concentrate on passing your test.

NABD “Learner Loaners” are loaned to NABD members specifically for the purpose of training & tests and for no other purpose. Users must provide a copy of a fully comprehensive insurance policy and provisional license prior to delivery. For further details, please contact: Gordon Hooper (Learner Loaners) NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE. Tel: 0844 415 4849 Email: office@thenabd.org.uk Web Address: nabd.org.uk Tel: 07761 642107 or Email: loaners@thenabd.org.uk

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