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Motorcycle-Amputee is an informal website based organization
created by Victor Walther. The website is intended to provide
information, encouragement, and inspiration for amputee, injured, and
physically challenged motorcyclists as well as
provide an international venue for amputee motorcyclists to share
and promote their accomplishments and motorcycle modifications.
The website contains information on motorcycle modifications for
amputee, injured, and disabled motorcyclists as well as information on
modified artificial limbs and prosthetic suppliers and
manufacturers.
Motorcycle-Amputee encourages everyone to participate regardless
of ability, disability, age, gender, race, or nationality. There are
no membership fees or special requirements to join or participate,
just a willingness to encourage, inspire, and share information with
others.
If you have modified a motorcycle or know of motorcycle
modifications that could benefit amputee or disabled motorcyclists,
or if you or anyone you know could benefit from, or would like
to participate on this website, email your enquiries or pictures
and information to: mtb-amputee@mtb-amputee.com
Dave Barr
Double Leg
amputee
Wayne
Prince One arm rider (left arm)
Sean Mizlo Left leg
amputee (Trike rider)
Jimi left leg amputee
Balu left arm Amputee from Hungary
Dan Porras Jockey shifter & sidecar
modification
Marsha Bedford bilateral above knee
amputee
Albert Garcia right arm amputee custom
trike rider
If you would like information on modifications for arm amputees
you can contact Larry Small, a below elbow amputee that is a
certified motorcycle safety instructor: email la_small@yahoo.com
Although most major motorcycle manufacturers have failed to recognize
the need for automatic or semi-automatic transmissions,
with the exception of scooters, Ridley
Motorcycles has come up with several models of cruisers,
choppers, and trikes that offer fully automatic
transmissions which makes them the most amputee friendly and easily
adaptable motorcycle / trike on the market.
Ridley
Motorcycles automatic transmission motorcycles, power kickstands.
Walters Manufacturing
automatic transmissions for 99 - 05 Harley Dynaglides
Boss Hoss
Custom V-8 motorcycles with automatic transmissions
M&J Motor Company
Left hand throttles, electronic shifters, dual master brake
cylinders & more
Freebird
Custom Motorcycles Custom motorcycles featuring hand controls
for disabilities.
Dan's
Motorcycle info on automatic drives & clutches.
Bike Shifter
electronic push button shifters.
FlatShifter Fully
clutchless shifting.
Kliktronic push
button shifters.
Pingel
electronic push button shifters.
EFM autoclutch
manufacturer of automatic clutches for motorcycles & ATVs
Direct
Parts distributor for revloc clutch.
Brake Splitter one into two, cable
brake splitter
Safety Features Inc
retractable side wheels for Honda Goldwings & Harley Davidson
Landing Gear
retractable side wheels for Honda Goldwing GL1500's only
Quadrig bolt on
stabilizer wheels
US Trikes 10% discounts
for US Military Personnel & Disabled Riders
Boss Hoss
Custom V-8 trikes with automatic transmissions
Can-Am Spyder trike with
two front wheels
Ridley Automatic
transmission trikes
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The following picture and information was
contributed by Jeff Cohen.
This brake splitter is used for racing motorcycles with doubled sided drum brakes, and is one cable in and two out. The cable ends used are 5/16 inch diameter.
Click on picture to enlarge.
As the input is 100% and the outputs are 50% each,
there may be suitability issues for use in a system operating front and rear brakes simultaneously. Perhaps someone
may be able to work out some way of utilizing this with a spring mounting incorporated into the rear cable to lower the pull to prevent locking under emergency braking conditions.
(There are such devices used on comfort/touring style peddle bikes)
If you or any others may be able to find a use for these, I can source several such units at a price of around
$45.00 (AUD) including postage to US or UK by airmail. If someone wants to have a look and play around with one I'm happy to pay the postage to send it over, then if not suitable they can send it back.
My email is amgine@i.net.au Hoping this may be
helpful, Jeff.
Ps. When emailing, please write "cable
splitter" in the subject line.
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The following pictures were contributed by Bruce Chatwell who
is an above left elbow amputee for over 36years. Bruce has logged
thousands of miles on both his Harley Davidson motorcycle and his
600 Mountain Cat snowmobile. The only modification made to his
motorcycle is a small metal stop welded to the clutch lever to
prevent his hook from sliding around and to maximize leverage.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
The pictures also show how Bruce operates the
clutch by resting his arm on the bar and pulling the clutch
backwards. For more information you can email Bruce at: bchatwell@collinscom.net
or to see Bruces' right hand snowmobile brake modification visit the
Snowmobile Amputee page.
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The following pictures were contributed by Dave
Cagle (aka Hook). Dave was injured in a Timber Falling Accident in Washington State Back in 1993.He was struck atop the left shoulder by the top of another tree that stood next to the one
he was falling. This in turn caused his whole left arm to stop functioning or go dead from that point on. In 1998
he was able to have it amputated, as it would never again work due to the extensive nerve damage of this Brachial plexus injury.
He was also told that a Prosthetic would never work in his case. Needless to say,
he was able to go back and fall timber (Old Growth) with a
prosthesis using a Sthil 066 chain saw with a 36"" bar.
A long time has passed now ( 11 years) and he rides a FXSTS Harley Davidson every
day, with no modifications done to the bike. When Dave went in to buy
his Harley, the dealer asked what kind of modifications he would like with
it, his reply was "if I can't ride it the way it comes off the showroom floor, then I don't want it".
There is nothing done to the bike except a hose clamp that he put on the left grip to keep
his hook from sliding off. It took him about 2 yrs. to really start getting the hang of it, but now
has no problem cruising at about 100 mph down the freeways. Dave gives all the credit to the Lord for the strength that he has given
him to overcome not just this, but many obstacles in his life. He is
now President of the SONS OF GOD MOTORCYCLE CLUB ARIZONA and tries every day to give back to life what
he has taken. If this little story helps one person, then his job is done.
He has sent a recent picture of himself and the Sergeant of Arms of
the SONS OF GOD M/C ARIZONA. "the dude on the bike is
Dave" he will be there to help by phone # 602-722-8854 or
email: denage@cox.net
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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The following submission was made by Balu
from Hungary.
Dear MTB-Amputee! Your site gave me a lot inspiration when it
was needed for me! You can check the results,
You can visit here for
Photos
or here for a YouTube
Video
Thank You again!
Rider Baloo from Hungary
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Although the following pictures are of a mountain
bike setup, both the arm and the steering wheel adaptor can be used
for motorcycles as well as ATV's and snowmobiles.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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The following pictures were contributed by Jan
Barlage who is an above right knee amputee. They feature
modifications made to his prosthetic foot & boot as well as a
thumb lever for the rear brake.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
The system is mounted on a CBR 900rr (SC44) which
he drove 40.000 miles without any problems. Jan uses a thumb break by AP-Racing with the specified caliper. This modifications looks very simple, but the AP-Racing thumb break and the adjustments must be done by a professional.
On the right side of the bike, Jan fixed a racing
peg so the foot sits a little bit higher. You can see the cleat on
the bottom of Jans' boot which helps keep his prosthetic foot on the
peg.
For more detailed information on the thumb brake visit: http://www.apracing.com/motorcycle/cylinder/data.asp?code=CP4225
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The following pictures were contributed by Larry
Ritchey, who lost his left leg above the knee on May 22 of 2005.
The bike is almost complete minus a few adjustments. Larry has
linked the shifter to the right side and is in the process of adding
a sidecar. Larry will keep us informed as things progress.
Coincidently, the paint was done by Scott at Riff Raff in Livermore,
and the forks were built by Andy May at Arlen Ness.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Here are some pictures of how Larry moved the shifter from the
left side to the right side. He also made his rear brake a heel
brake. He had a friend ride his bike and he said it felt a little
strange but would be easy to get use to.
For more information you can email Larry at: tlrsar@pacbell.net
Stay tuned for future up dates.
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The following pictures and info were contributed by
Dan Porras.
I live in the Great North West and have ridding for many, many
years but in 2005 I was hit and almost lost my left foot, I had to
buy a sidecar but found shifting with my foot was killing me after a
few miles. So I found a jockey shift kit, art V-twin parts made a
long handle out of aluminum round stock and got a shorter clutch
cable and put my clutch on the shifter this has made it so I can
ride for days with out the pain so here are photos of my set up I do
hope it will help others get back on the road. I just want to help
anyone ride
PEACE
DAN
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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The following pictures and information was contributed by "Jimi"
My name is Jimi and I was involved in a industrial accident in
March '06. I have a left leg A/K amputation and was back to riding
my motorcycle about 2 weeks after being fitted with a c-leg. The
crew that I work with passed the hat at work and bought me a Pingel
www.pingelonline.com
electric shifter for my '02 Honda VTX1800. I haven't had hardly any
problems riding with my prosthetic leg. Just takes a little getting
used to using my hand to put the kick stand up and down while
sitting on the bike. The electric shifter works very well. Before my
accident I was just getting into Track Days (Sport bikes on a closed
course) with my new sport bike. I ordered a Pingel shifter for that
bike and intend on getting back into Track Days with out using my
prosthetic leg, hopefully before Thanksgiving (don't want to chance
a crash with the expense of my leg). Anyone with questions should
shoot me an e-mail:
jabhawk996@aol.com
Click on picture to enlarge.
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The following picture was contributed by Co
Appleman from the Netherlands. Despite losing his left leg below the
knee in a motorcycle accident four years ago (Feb 2001), Co was back on
his bike within a year of the accident.
Click on picture to enlarge.
If you would like more information on Co, you can
visit his website at: 1b1.nl or you
can email him at: co@1b1.nl . In
addition, Co is part of MMvG, which is an organization based in the
Netherlands that specifically caters to amputee and disabled
motorcyclists. The website for the organization is: mmvg.nl
. Please note that although the MMvG website is in the Dutch language,
the MMvG will respond to inquiries in English or Co would be more
than happy to translate.
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The following information was submitted by Don Riggs.
Years ago, I was friends with a biker (San Diego Axemen, I
think) who'd lost his leg just below the knee. On the first bike
I modified for him, I used a twist-grip clutch shifter handle (from
a Vespa, I think) so when he squeezed the clutch handle he
could twist (back for up-shift, forward for downshift). I made
a mechanical interlock so you couldn't twist the grip/shift
gears unless the clutch was squeezed. On the second bike I modified
for him, we made a jockey-shift lever (at the back of the seat,
directly off the tranny) and put the clutch lever on the jockey
shifter with the same type of interlock described above. We also put
a cradle (chromed horseshoe) above and behind the highway peg, open
end up and forward, so with his boot on the peg the ankle part of
the boot was in the horseshoe. Worked really well for him. I only
knew him as Ivan, don't think that was his born name.
For more information contact Don at (817) 797 5378,
donald.riggs@hushmail.com
Quote "We work that those who go in harm's way for our sake may face
a greater certainty of victory over the challenges and
challengers they face".
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The following information and pictures were submitted by the
wife of Brian Dexter.
I have a wonderful story for you. My husband Brian Dexter is an
amputee above the knee. Brian lost his leg back 2000 in a sawmill
accident. Below is the story that was written about him. I would
like to inform you Brian just purchased a 1200L sportster and he
installed a pingel shift kit on the bike to help him shift. It works
great and was easy to install. We do have to install some type of
stopper on the end of the foot peg because his foot vibrates off the
peg which of course can be dangerous while riding. I have attached
pictures of what we have done so far. I really enjoyed reading
everyone's stories and ideas on your site, I think it's a great
place to get ideas from for an amputee rider. Thank you and if you
have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I would love to get
Brian on your website. Brian was the first person in New England to
receive the c-leg and is on their website as well. And this website
would be a great addition to Brian's story. Thanks again Lisa (wife)
Life as he knew it abruptly changed for Brian Dexter a New Hampshire
sawmill worker on the morning of June 27, 2000. While adjusting the
guides on a four-foot circular saw at his workplace, Brian was
accidentally pushed by another piece of machinery into the saw and
his left leg was severed above the knee. Brian also suffered a cut
on his right arm as well. Thankfully Brian's arm is ok with no
lingering problems. Just 26-years old at the time and determined to
be in control of his future, Brian refused to let the traumatic
injury that nearly took his life keep him down. He managed to leave
the hospital a mere four days after he was admitted and was walking
on his first prostheses two months later. Within those 4 days Brian
was back on his motocross bike cruising up and down the road. A few
months later Brian competed in a motocross race where he placed in
the top five and was the only one doing tricks off the jumps at the
track in NH. In 2008 Brian bought his first Harley, a 1200L
Sportster to be exact and installed a Pingel Shift kit on his bike.
The shifter works wonders and hasn't failed yet. Lately Brian has
been trying to figure out a way to keep his foot from vibrating off
the foot peg. But through all of this Brian has always kept his
hopes high and does not hold himself back due to his injury. He
enjoys riding his new Harley and wouldn't change his life for
anything.
Click on picture to enlarge.
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The following photos are of Sean Mizlo.
He was felled by an uninsured hit-and-run driver and questioned his ability to survive as an amputee, but Sean is back in the saddle of his beloved motorcycle.
Click on picture to enlarge.
Mizlo, 36, was riding a brand-new Harley-Davidson on July 15, 2005, when he was struck and seriously injured by an automobile driven by a Davenport woman who had no insurance. Doctors had to amputate his left leg above the knee, and he was left with large medical expenses. Mizlo’s story caught the attention of Kevin Promenschenkel, owner of Poopy’s, a Harley-Davidson parts and accessories center in Savanna, Ill., about 50 miles north of the Quad-Cities. That poor guy went through a hell of an accident, and there were all those insurance problems. I just knew we could help, Promenschenkel said.
The business received the heavily damaged motorcycle early this year. He did quite a number on it, Promenschenkel said, noting that his staff removed the motor, dissembled and rebuilt it. Poopy’s also added a trike kit, which gives the vehicle three wheels on the back end and is used for riders who have stability issues. Also added was a Pingel’s shift kit, which allows Mizlo to change gears simply by pushing a button on the handlebars.
It took about three days to do the work, but Poopy’s had to wait quite some time for the parts. The motorcycle was turned over to a very satisfied owner a few weeks ago.
“I haven’t seen a customer as happy as I saw Sean that day, Promenschenkel said.
Mizlo considers the rebuilt motorcycle part of his recovery process. We both needed new hardware, he said.
Friends have rallied before to help the personable Mizlo and will do so again on the one-year anniversary of the incident. The Ride with Mizlo Poker Run is July 15, with registration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Leisure Time Billiards, 845 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline.
Unlike last year, Mizlo will participate in his namesake event. Last year, a similar fundraiser to help with his medical expenses was held just a month after the accident occurred. If you would like more information you can email Sean at:
smizlo@riroe.k12il.us
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The following pictures and information was contributed by
Albert Garcia.
Hello, my name is Albert. on 09/16/06, I was involved in an
accident which resulted in the loss of my right arm. when I awoke
from my coma, one of the first things I asked was, "how's the bike?"
I had almost been killed and my desire to ride had not been taken. I
found this sight shortly after my release from the hospital and
wanted to let you know that it, not only helped me design my trike,
but helped me from a psychological aspect in that I learned that it
WAS possible to ride again. your site helped provide me with hope at
a time in my life when I sorely needed it. I would be happy to offer
my story, so that it might help others. Here are some pics of my
trike, as it looks now. handicap mods: left hand throttle brakes
linked to the right foot foot clutch electric shifter.
Once released from the hospital, the real healing began! I was
forced into the world, where i had to learn how to live again. I was
determined to ride and began the long process of doing research as
to what was out there, for me. through your website, I found a host
of companies that were able to help supply me with the necessary
items I would require in order to safely operate my machine.
My good friend, Joe Gutierrez, had a shop in San Antonio (JG
Cycles), and graciously volunteered to take on my project. This
would prove to be a learning experience for both of us as he had
never built a trike, much less a trike built for a person with my
level of impairment. Including the research and accumulation of
parts, the build took about a year. Joe had all these cool ideas
that he wanted to try and regardless of how much I nagged him, he
never cut corners. Joe thought of everything. He rewired the bike
using the hand controls from a Kawasaki. These would allow me to use
utilize both turn signals. He refused to give it to me until he was
satisfied that it was a safe machine. I will never be able to thank
him enough and would like the whole world to know that I love him
for what he did for me. He is a prime example of what brotherhood is
all about.
list of required modifications: (not counting the custom and
replacement parts for the bike itself)
1) Frankenstein 30" Rear Axle and Swingarm
2) Mickey Thompson 15x12 ET Drag Wheels
3) Mickey Thompson Street Radials
4) Labriola Foot Clutch and Jockey Shift
5) Left Hand Throttle (custom)
6) Pingel Electric Shifter
7) Front and Rear Brakes Linked to the right foot
8) Kawasaki handlebar controls
9) +4 over Fork Tubes
10) 7 degree Raked Trees
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The following submission was made by
Marsha Bedford, who recently sold her 1985 Moto Guzzi with Velorex
sidecar.
I am a bilateral above knee amputee and an avid motorcyclist. I
recently sold my sidecar rig. It is a 1985 Moto Guzzi
California II (10000 cc) with a Velorex 700 Sl car. It has been
adapted with an air shifter for up shifting and a full size brake
pedal. It has leading link forks (imported for England) which makes
steering a dream. It has 68,600 miles on it. There are no known
mechanical problems. I have owned it for 22 years and am still
riding it. I sold it to go to a sidecar rig that has reverse.
Marsha
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Vincent Cucchiara along with his girlfriend Robin (aka Hot Wheels and Twinkle Toes) started a site for disabled motorcyclists called The Disabled Riders of America,
www.dra.thewyz.com.
They are trying to get the word out about their organization and get new members.
They have a front page story coming out in the September Able magazine featuring
their wheelchair carrier which Vincent made to carry Hot Wheels wheelchair with
them when they go to motorcycle events.
They based the club after a model of our British counterparts who helped
them get organized. They plan to have fund raisers to offer grants to other disabled riders who
can't afford to adapt their rides due to financial hardships.
For more information on the organization, upcoming events, or the
wheelchair carrier visit www.dra.thewyz.com.
NEWS & EVENTS:
Amputee Motorcycle Track & Information Day
(20th September 2004 - Donington Park)
Following an overwhelming response by our members to a small article in our magazine, STEP Forward, the Limbless Association are delighted to announce that their inaugural Amputee Motorcycle Track and Information Day will take place on 20th September 2004 at Donington Park.
The invitation is open to everyone, not just amputees.
The circuit’s Paddock Suite conference hall will house an 'information day’. This will include exhibit stands from a selection of relevant trade companies; discussion forums - providing guidance and advice from experienced amputees and organizations, plus special guests.
Honda Racing’s team riders of Michael Rutter and Karl Harris will be in attendance, with fellow amputee Simon Buckmaster, and the team’s race bikes.
Meanwhile on the track, in addition to normal track day activities, Honda have very kindly agreed to supply Honda Pan European bikes for ‘Amputee Pillion Laps’. This will allow some of those amputees, who may otherwise be unable to ride, the opportunity to enjoy this unique exhilarating experience. The bikes will be piloted by international road racers, to ensure expert guidance around the Grand Prix circuit.
We have launched a website, dedicated to motorsports for the disabled
www.disabledmotorsport.co.uk, which will be updated regularly and contains details about this event, including trade enquiry information.
If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the event further, please contact: Scott Richardson on 020 8788 1777 Ext 21, or
scott@limbless-association.org (or
scott_racer99@ntlworld.com).
Please note that Motorcycle-Amputee is part of the AmpsCanRide
family of website based organizations which include:
The AmpsCanRide websites are based on the fact that
amputees can ride mountain bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and All
Terrain Vehicles. The relationship or common denominator is the fact
that most modified prosthetic limbs and devices can be easily
adapted and used for many different purposes.
For more information on prosthetic modifications and service
providers visit:
Please stay tuned for future updates and
additions.
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