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Message started by lukeduck on 10/20/11 at 19:35:29

Title: Real Bike
Post by lukeduck on 10/20/11 at 19:35:29

Went to visit my favorite motorcycle mechanic today(Motorcycle Tech-Upland, Ca.). Spied a 2011 S40 that he was doing some mods on. Bike looks kinda strange, solo seat setting up 3-4 inches higher than normal. two really long springs under the back of it. One of the guys tells me it's only a mock-up at this point. I think OK, but this bike still looks weird. Finally see what it is. Clutch lever has been relocated to right handlebar. It sets above the front break lever. I'm puzzled???? Go inside and ask Fabricio what he is building and he tells me the owner has very limited use of left arm. Operates both clutch and front brake with right hand. Says the guy puts on his gloves and uses a loop of tape to hold left hand to grip. I'll try and get ahold of the owner, maby some picts. This might be a good forum for him.

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by babyhog on 10/21/11 at 06:55:40

I guess one learns to adapt to their capabilities. But man, that would feel weird, clutching with the right hand!

And I bet you are right, he could learn alot here and likely teach alot too!

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by drums1 on 10/21/11 at 07:00:44

Don't know that I would want my left hand taped to the handlebar.....

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by lukeduck on 10/21/11 at 07:21:14

I was hoping this fellow uses maby a single loop of maby 1/2 in masking tape. Duct tape could be really bad news. Must use the back brake alot. Don't see how he could use clutch and front brake at the same time. Just think about riding like that.

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by Sunchasers on 10/21/11 at 08:16:40

If it were me in that situation, I think I would prefer a mod to some kind of "foot" actuated clutch. Maybe a heel operated clutch pedal on the right side. As for his left arm, why not attach a bit of velcro to the glove and grip? Just throwing out some ideas..... :)

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by verslagen1 on 10/21/11 at 08:26:24

He may be able to use the trick that gymnists use, a strap slung between the wrist and fingers. as long as there's tension on the strap, the hand will grip the bar.

I think I would move the master cylinder and have it operated by the right foot, tie the two together.

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by RidgeRunner13 on 10/21/11 at 08:42:03

7D6E7978676A6C6E653A0B0 wrote:

That would be easier to do if we had a hydraulic rear brake. Then balance could be achieved by using an adjustable proportioning valve, readily available from racecar parts suppliers.
Don't think I would want to tackle trying to make it work with our mechanical rear brake.
And if you have ever ridden a bike with a foot clutch, you'd know that is not easy to deal with. Just think about holding down a clutch & using the brake pedal at the same time. Need training wheels. ::)

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/22/11 at 08:10:17

That strap has a dowel rod running across it in the palm. Actually the rod sits on the "other side" of what the gymnast is holding, usually the high bar. I ran around with the gym team in college. Nicest bunch of jocks I ever met, but for all their abilities, generally, they are the4r sorriest wrestlers you ever met,.,I was amazed & a little dismayed, I thot sure I was gonna get some good rasslin in & on that padded floor, too,, but, it turns out they were just miserable at wrestling,, One guy was okay, but out of 20 or so? Crud,,

Title: Re: Real Bike
Post by built2last66 on 10/22/11 at 09:09:04

7C6A6D756B29180 wrote:

Don't know that I would want my left hand taped to the handlebar.....

You're right.. he should use a velcro attachment instead...