Modifications

Hi,

I will need to modify the bike slightly in order to enable me to ride it as I only have one arm (the rest of me is fine). Need to check but I think the SW600 was a bike whereby BOTH brakes are operated from one brake handle - perfect, whilst the front only is operated from the other.

What I was considering doing was swapping the left/right brake handles, and moving the horn and indicator switch to the RHS.

Has anyone done any mods like this, and how hard is it to do?

Does anyone know what the legal minimum items are that I would need to be able to operate? Turn signals and horn seem to be the only things that I would actually need on the road?

This would be my first bike, and I would be learning on it, too. I have already been driving a car for many years so wouldn't be totally new to the roads. Many have said the bike might be too heavy, but I'm not small (6 ft 4 in.) and weigh 200 lbs. Also, given any bike I buy would require modification, the cost would be prohibitive if I had to buy multiple bikes and then adapt them.

Thanks in advance.

For the modifications you are specifying I suggest you contact a main dealer and find out from the specialists if it can be done.

The braking system on most modern scooters are of a 'linked brake' system and the Wing with it's ABS will be another obstacle.

You probably know of the UK organization NADB - National Association of Disabled Bikers.

They will have all the 'legal' information and will almost certainly help with modifications if no-one here can.

Yes, the left lever works both back and front brakes although the back is applied before the front when the lever is pulled.

Hello again,

I've just read this post, and your first post didn't mention you having only one arm, in that case I wouldn't bother with the 650 Burgman it's a big heavy lardass of a scooter that needs a lot of effort to haul it onto the main stand. But you're a big lad so I'll still say go and try a few out and see what you're comfortable with.

Stick your UK location down too, there may be someone on here near you.

ScootDude wrote:

Hi,

This would be my first bike, and I would be learning on it, too. I have already been driving a car for many years so wouldn't be totally new to the roads. Many have said the bike might be too heavy, but I'm not small (6 ft 4 in.) and weigh 200 lbs. Also, given any bike I buy would require modification, the cost would be prohibitive if I had to buy multiple bikes and then adapt them.

Thanks in advance.

If indeed this is your first bike then would I be correct in assuming you have not yet passed your motorcycle test. If that IS the case then forget the Burgman 400 and Silver Wing as they will be out of your scope for a provisional license.

Forget the weight of the bike. It only becomes a problem if you drop it and you have to right it!

I already spoke to a motorbike school regarding learning on a large bike - they say I can do the "Direct Access" course and do all the training stuff on the bike, however I would have to wait until I passed the full bike test before I could ride it on my own. The have a secure lock-up for riders learning on large bikes, where bikes can be left for the week.

Thanks for the heads-up regarding the NADB.

I'm in Lincolnshire.

In your case I would consider getting a getting a trike conversion there are a few out there and I would look into installing a foot break .Hope this give you some thing to think about.

tinman: Thought about the trike idea for 5 seconds then thought isn't that missing the point? Might as well keep the car if I'm going to do that.

The foot brake idea is already on the list though I can't see why it couldn't be in the standard place (if just re-arranged slightly). Also, the more standard I can keep the bike, the better. Understand I have been one-handed all my life, and is not the same as those who lost an arm later in life either. When people meet me they are just stunned at how capable I am. I appreciate you can't see/know that reading my posts. Safety/legality is #1, but I find the situation a little bit the blind leading the partially sighted when it comes to what I need - those with no idea are telling me what I need where.

Sorry if I am coming across as all-knowing in that last statement, but what I'm doing is trying to gather as much information as possible. Ideas are most welcome and greatly appreciated. What I'm looking for at this point is options.

I'm not being arrogant - apologies if it seems that way.

Scootdude,

Just read the one arm bit. I would look at a trike. If you have a car driving licence then you can ride a trike on that. (For a pedants on here you actually 'drive' a motorcycle rather than 'ride' it - UK members on here - Anyone got a 'Riding Licence' as opposed to a 'Driving Licence'

Cheers,

tarmacburner2: What would preclude me from riding two wheels?

ScootDude wrote:

Need to check but I think the SW600 was a bike whereby BOTH brakes are operated from one brake handle - perfect, whilst the front only is operated from the other.

I believe the front brake will only operate 1/3 (middle) of the cylinders ... therefore only 1/3 of the front braking power. The left brake operates the other 2/3 (top and bottom) of the cylinders.

Please check with both the Honda Dealer and the other organization mentioned above.

Another option may be the Honda Integra. Can someone confirm for me that it has only right hand brake and foot brake??

honda_silver wrote:

ScootDude wrote:

Need to check but I think the SW600 was a bike whereby BOTH brakes are operated from one brake handle - perfect, whilst the front only is operated from the other.

I believe the front brake will only operate 1/3 (middle) of the cylinders ... therefore only 1/3 of the front braking power. The left brake operates the other 2/3 (top and bottom) of the cylinders.

Please check with both the Honda Dealer and the other organization mentioned above.

Another option may be the Honda Integra. Can someone confirm for me that it has only right hand brake and foot brake??

A bit 'back to front' I'm afraid.
REAR Brake operates the middle cylinder of the front brake, as well as the rear brake. Front brake (on RHS) operates just the front.

Cheers,

Waspie wrote:

Forget the weight of the bike. It only becomes a problem if you drop it and you have to right it!

If you're riding a 650 Burgman you don't forget about it's weight, it's bigger, bulkier, and weighs 30 kilos or 66 pounds more than a Silver Wing. It requires more effort to hustle it round bends, ride in city traffic, and it's such a lump you can't rock it on it's main stand to put more fuel in the tank. You also have to really brace yourself ready for a passenger climbing aboard.

Another disadvantage of the 650 Burgman for ScootDude is the amount of switches and buttons on the left handlebar. There's Power, Auto/ Drive, Up/ Down buttons for 'gears', Main/Dip, Flash, Horn, Overdrive, and Mirrors.

ScootDude wrote:

tarmacburner2: What would preclude me from riding two wheels?

Hello Scootdude,

The main reason I would say is the weight of these machines when moving / pushing them around.
Have you read my PM to you?

Cheers,

tarmacburner2 wrote:

ScootDude wrote:

tarmacburner2: What would preclude me from riding two wheels?

Hello Scootdude,

The main reason I would say is the weight of these machines when moving / pushing them around.
Have you read my PM to you?

Cheers,

Hi,

Just got your PM now! Regarding pushing the bike - hell will freeze over before I'm defeated pushing a bike around. So long as I don't bend anything by trying to handle the bike via parts not designed to take the loads, I can't see it being any more of a problem for me than anyone else.

Quote :

Another disadvantage of the 650 Burgman for ScootDude is the amount of switches and buttons on the left handlebar. There's Power, Auto/ Drive, Up/ Down buttons for 'gears', Main/Dip, Flash, Horn, Overdrive, and Mirrors.

Thing is most of these aren't required whilst riding. Leave it in drive - no probs. Mirrors - no probs. I'd have to move the horn and maybe flash and dip/main but the rest can stay where it is.

Hello Scootdude,

Pushing the scoots around is probably more of an issue for me but something that has to be considered. You obviously have had plenty of practice learning what you need to do to accomplish tasks an able bodied person wouldn't have to think about. (I know I have).
Check NABD, good place to start finding out what needs doing.

Cheers,

Scootdude,

The one thing that we can probably both agree on, is that you are not the first Handicapable rider, so why reinvent the wheel?

I'm sure the NADB has done all this before for its membership, so why not look to them for not only advice, but shops which specialize in modifying bikes for handicapable people?

Even if you want to do the work yourself, they may have sources for specialized parts and so forth.

It almost sounds like you have the attitude (and I'm reading into this)
that "If I use NADB resources, I'm admitting I'm handicapped". People like yourself who are so proud to be able to function normally, as for the most part you apparently can, sometimes let their ego get in the way of making their lives a bit easier.

I apologize if I am reading you wrong. I can be a bit blunt sometimes, but I think you know I have the best of intentions.

Good luck.

Dan

Here the link to their Annual Bash:

http://www.nabd.org.uk/rally/ybn21.htm

A very good friend of mine is well-known in NADB and will be there - ask for Derek Durham and tell him you know me - but get there early or he'll be flat on his back in the bar-tent!

PS He looks a bit like Catweasle; don't shake his hand hard as he suffers from serious arthritis so has temporarily given up riding.

Catweazle - blimey, that takes me back more than a little bit!!!!!

'Invisible! Invisible!'

Winger61 wrote:

Catweazle - blimey, that takes me back more than a little bit!!!!!

Back to the 1970's sitting there in your tank top and lionels, watching him on the 'demon box'. For any puzzled American friends 'lionels' = Lionel Blairs, flares or bell bottoms. Rhyming slang named after the veteran camp British TV quiz show personality Lionel Blair.

dspevack: I have just sent a message to the NADB! I'm not ignoring/avoiding them at all. I have requested what I need access to when riding at a minimum to be legal. Seems people either don't know or won't comment.

To me the legal minimum would be:

* indicators
* horn
* brakes (both somehow)
* accelerator
* headlights - not a problem as they must be on all the time anyway

* I can't see how it would be a legal requirement to be able to access hi/low beam, only that it is functioning correctly if fitted?????? Same for the flash function. I have not read anywhere that it is a requirement to ever use them; the horn is for warning other motorists to your presence.

ScootDude, I will be open and honest. I was sceptical after your first couple of posts but the more I read the more I think you will do what you have to do.

I wish you luck in getting what you wish and look forward to hearing how you get on.

Must admit I forgot all about Direct Access for auto's, never crossed my peanut sized brain.

Seems to me from you last post that most of the issues you face are switching! Surely that can be moved around to suit your needs. Again, good luck on your quest. I bet there are still many questions regarding choice and such - ask away, I'm sure we will give you whatever we can to help your decision process.

Hello Scootdude,

One of the problems that a Silverwing has that a Burgman doesn't is that the rear (left) brake has to be applied when starting (Burgman can be either brake). Can be altered of course but another thing to be aware of - telling you this 'cos' I imagine the majority of bike mechanics doing adaptions for bikes may not be so aware.
In the end, everything can be overcome. (Unfortunately it usually involves wads of cash!)
Cheers,

Actually I do have a constructive idea.
There is a 3 switch unit you can get from kuryakyn.com
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/276/Accessory-Switches


The silverwing uses the same brake reservoir as the GL and that's what it mounts to.
You can hook the switches up to whatever you like.

Knowing kuryakyn, the switches are a standard size, and you could probably replace any or all of them with momentary-on types if that's what you need.

Dan

dspevack wrote:

Actually I do have a constructive idea.
There is a 3 switch unit you can get from kuryakyn.com
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/276/Accessory-Switches


The silverwing uses the same brake reservoir as the GL and that's what it mounts to.
You can hook the switches up to whatever you like.

Knowing kuryakyn, the switches are a standard size, and you could probably replace any or all of them with momentary-on types if that's what you need.

Dan

FANTASTIC!!!!!

That is what I need - a small unit that enables me to leave the rest of the bike pretty much intact.

Waspie: Pretty much, yes!