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TEL 01484 400666
EMAIL
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ADVERTISING SALES
advertising@thenabd.org.uk
TEL 0844 415 4849
The Bridgewater Centre
Manchester M41 7TE
Telephone: 0844 415 4849
Email: office@thenabd.org.uk
Web: www.nabd.org.uk
Articles on varied relevant subjects for inclusion in Open House are always welcome from all members.
Email or post your articles to the contact details above. Please enclose original photographs or digital images of good quality/size (750kb minimum) on a CD - please do not embed in word documents as we cannot use them. Also images printed on inkjet printers or using plain paper are of no use whatsoever so please don’t send them.
Submissions may be edited before publishing. Please remember that articles received after copy dates CANNOT be included.
Copy Date for the next issue of Open House (Issue 101) is 28th June 2022.
AN INTRODUCTION TO...
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIKERS WITH A DISABILITY
The was set up in April 1991 by a group of people in Manchester who believe that disabled people should have full access to the independence and freedom of motorcycling.
During the past twenty - odd years, this unique Association has immensely.
The membership of the NABD has increased to over 7,500 individuals from all over Britain, Eire and Europe with well over 150 clubs, groups and businesses affiliating to show their support of our aims.
The NABD has many diverse aspects including:
Financial Grants
To assist with the cost of special adaption work to bikes and trikes to suit the individual requirements of disabled riders. These grants range from £500.00 to £2,000.00 dependant on the type of machine and the specific needs of the disabled rider.
NABD grants are also now available toward the costs of refresher training and assessments.
Assessments and Training
The NABD has a number of “learner legal” 125cc machines, which are adapted to suit various disabilities.
These machines are lent to disabled riders free of charge for the purposes of professional training/ tests and rider assessments.
The NABD also offer financial help with the cost of refresher training for riders who have become disabled due to traumatic accidents or who have endured a protracted period of time off the road.
Insurance
The NABD has negotiated discount rates for members from some of the more reputable companies. Where an individual has difficulty obtaining a reasonable quotation we will attempt to negotiate a satisfactory conclusion.
Bikesure Insurance (part of the Adrian Flux Group) in cooperation with the NABD operate a unique discounted insurance scheme for our members.
It is our belief that; “When it comes to motorcycling, a disability should not be a handicap”.
Representatives
The NABD has a wide network of appointed representatives throughout Britain who co-ordinate the efforts of local members and organise regular meetings and fund-raising events.
Awareness
The NABD is constantly trying to educate the organisers of motorcycle events to the fundamental needs of disabled riders. Many organisers now ask our advice on facilities for people with disabilities as a matter of course.
NABD information and publicity stands attend a large number of motorcycling and disability events each year throughout the British Isles.
The NABD’s quarterly magazine, Open House, which gives a broad view of the work of the association, is available to every NABD member and affiliate and to other supporters and interested parties.
Adaptions
The adaptions made to motorcycles and trikes are as varied as current technology will allow.
Adaptions range from simple re-siting of existing controls, to the fitting of specially designed kits or even the building of specialised vehicles where necessary to suit the particular needs of a disabled rider.
Due to the detailed engineering work involved, the NABD utilises a network of professional engineers throughout Britain and Eire.
Events
The NABD holds many events around Britain throughout the year. These NABD events range from major annual motorcycle rallies to smaller fund-raising activities.
Although these events are intended primarily to raise funds, they have gained a reputation for being good value, quality entertainment.
Several of the more regular events are now classed as some of the best on the motorcycle scene.
Finance
The administration of the NABD is financed entirely from the proceeds of membership fees and our own direct fund-raising efforts.
All donations made to the NABD are used solely to fund the adaption grants and other services offered to disabled riders by the Association.
The NABD is a voluntary association. We only have two paid employees, a full-time office administrator and a full-time admin assistant. The gross turnover of the NABD for 2018-1019 was over £245.000.00.
Other Funding
The NABD are constantly seeking funding from sources like the National Lottery and the European Union.
We are also seeking sponsorship from commercial interests and the motorcycle industry in particular.
Membership
NABD membership is available to anyone with a love of motorcycling irrespective of disability. Each member receives a members pack, the Open House magazine and discount prices on some items of NABD merchandise.
Also, and perhaps more importantly, members get the chance to help lots of people enhance their lives in a practical and constructive way.
Affiliations from motorcycle clubs and businesses are also very welcome. See www.nabd.org.uk for further details, or contact the NABD office (contact details on page 3).
Campaigning
The NABD has several objectives concerning the rights and safety of disabled riders, we are regularly consulted on issues relating to disabled motorcycling by the DVLA, DfT, VOSA, DSA, and the Highways Agency.
We also work closely with MAG and BMF on many issues affecting the rights of bikers.
The Future
Over the years the NABD has helped thousands of people with disabilities to enjoy the independence and the freedom of motorcycling.
With the continued support of the biking community the NABD will remain the world’s foremost support group for disabled bikers!
NABD Website: www.nabd.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNABD
Email: office@thenabd.org.uk
The views and opinions expressed in Open House are not necessarily those of the editor or the NABD and no responsibility can be accepted for any action taken as a result of reading any of the information herein.
Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of NABD.
THE editor’S edict...
As age and infirmity creep up on me, (well, it seems to have fallen on me from a vast height, but I’ve just denied the inevitable) I have found the prospect of camping to be a painful thought.
I’ve always put off doing anything other than riding my bike to an event, setting up a tent, and enjoying myself.
But the struggle of putting my erection up in a field and then taking it down again on a Sunday is real. It’s not the actual camping, or the riding, that I struggle with. It’s that damn tent. My legs and back are just not up to all the bending over and the crawling around hammering in tent pegs. Long gone are the days of sleeping next to the bike with just a tarpaulin for cover. (Thinking about it, that’s probably one of the reasons I’m so knackered now).
I know many rally goers are in the same situation as
myself, and I’ve been looking around for possible alternatives.
The problem is, I love riding my bike.
With the adaptions that have been made to my baby, (courtesy of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability of course) I am still able to ride, but for how long no-one can say. So, I am reticent to stop riding to events as that is part of the whole weekend for me.
There are some options, such as renting a tent that’s put up for me at a rally (such as Carry Nowt Camping) whose services I have used and solves
the problem excellently. But unfortunately, they only attend a few events, usually the bigger ones.
I could fashion some sort of trailer tent type thing that I could tow behind the bike (a coffin perhaps?) But when you are 6’ 2” tall and probably the same dimension around the waist, it’s really not going to work.
Ideally what I need is someone to drive a motorhome to the event and set it up, so I can just ride the bike and enjoy myself. Then they can take it all down and drive it home whilst I ride my bike. But unless I suddenly become very rich (or married – and that’s far too desperate!) that just isn’t going to happen.
Another option is to try to find accommodation near to the event, so I get to sleep in a proper bed (probably with breakfast). However, when you attend a lot of events over the year, this can seriously bump up the cost of a weekend away. The obvious thing is to get a van or motorhome. You drive to the event, park up, and everything is more or less set up. But that means no riding the bike.
So, I’ve decided I shall have to make a compromise. I’ve bought a van (don’t judge me!)
Anyone who has gone this route will attest to the problems of being allowed into a rally with one. I’ve never really understood this policy (except in the instance of lack of space – but even then, a standard van takes up a similar space to a bike
and tent). This doesn’t really affect me, as I am disabled and just play the ‘blue badge’ card. But for those who do not qualify for this and just struggle through age and lack of health it must be really difficult. In my eyes ‘a biker’ doesn’t suddenly stop being a biker because they can’t camp. But that is an argument for another day.
My plan is to ride the bike to an event when it’s possible to hire a tent out that is set up for me, and to use the van when that isn’t possible.
There have been a few things I didn’t consider though. The main one being that as soon as you buy a van you instantly turn into some sort of monster. You start thinking of all the things you NEED to put into it. Purely for comfort or luxury. Things such as a fridge (for beer) a proper bed, seating, tables, extra lighting, a leisure battery and then solar panels to charge it all up. The list just goes on and on.
Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t go down the usual route. So, rather than buy a standard van, I’ve bought a Dodge Day Van, with a 5.2 litre V8 engine. And I bought it just before the petrol prices sky rocketed!
Therefore, my well laid plans have changed already. I can’t afford to drive the van to any events, so I shall be camping in my well-equipped van outside my house, whilst looking at my bike.
Anyone want to set a tent up for me?
FREE BOOZE!
How does FREE entry to YBN 29 and FREE booze sound?
Would you like to be a part of one of the best rallies on the calendar, for FREE? Yes, FOR FREE!
We are always in need of Marshals to help us put on our events. We have a hardcore of dedicated people that come back time and again, but we need more so that we don’t work them too hard.
(Have I mentioned that it’s FREE entry?)
There are jobs to suit any disability, and we try and make the hours suit your needs as well.
There will also be a ‘Marshals Only party’ on Sunday night to thank those who have stayed behind to help with the clean-up with FREE booze. Yes, you read that right, FREE BOOZE!
Regular marshals who commit in advance will receive free passes for the event and marshals who buy tickets will be entitled to a full refund on Sunday once they have completed their shifts.
If you would like more information, or to volunteer, just drop Tina an email at: rallysec@thenabd.org.uk. Or contact the office (0844 415 4849). You can also download a form on the website (www.nabd.org.uk/ybnmarshals/) or you can pop into the control tent when you get to the event and see if there’s anything left.
So, there’s no excuse!
Never underestimate the importance of 1st-Aid training
I have been qualified for 1st-Aid for 18-years now and I have taken the mandatory refresher courses every three years (with First Aid Central Training Services in Stockport - http://www.first-aidservices.co.uk/) to stay abreast of the constantly changing techniques and recommendations. (Things have changed a lot over those years).
I have also taken part in three ‘1st-on-the-Scene’ motorcycle accident 1st-Aid courses, which I thoroughly recommend to all bikers.
As the Chairman of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) the opportunities to use my 1st-Aid knowledge have been many and varied.
NABD events, by their very nature, tend to involve higher concentrations of people with disabilities and many of them have problems with mobility or chronic illness. This can often mean there is a greater likelihood of people suffering trips or falls as well as a much higher number of illness-related cases requiring 1st-Aid.
I consider myself privileged to have been able to help hundreds of people with injuries and/ or illnesses, ranging from serious burns to bee stings, serious wounds to twisted ankles and heart attacks to hypoglycaemia over the past 18-years.
In addition to this, for 14 of those years, I was the designated 1st-aider on the Back Street Heroes magazine ‘Run to the Sun’ trip to the Faro Rally in Portugal, on which we took an average of 100+ bikers on a two-week 4,000+km holiday through Spain and Portugal (and France on several occasions).
The range of 1st-Aid requirements on those trips involved everything from severe dehydration to hornet stings, exhaust burns to the screamingshits (lots of that), twisted joints (OK stop it…) to dental abscesses and injuries relating to motorcycle accidents (though these were blessedly few and far between).
Every time I was able to help somebody on those trips, whether it was just a matter of helping
somebody to not have their holiday ruined because of a relatively-minor illness or injury or contributing to somebody eventually making a full recovery from more serious injuries, I felt honoured to have been in a position to make a positive difference and I thanked the basic training for giving me the knowledge and the confidence to provide the necessary assistance when it was needed.
Over the past 18-years I have been able to render vital assistance to injured bikers at the scenes of five road traffic accidents, two in Spain, two in Wales and one in England. In each case I was thankful that I had taken some specific training in ‘1st-on-the-Scene’ motorcycle accident 1st-Aid, which had included training in how to read and manage an accident scene as well as providing very specialised training in motorcycle-accident issues such as when and how to remove a motorcycle helmet from a casualty while minimising the chance of exacerbating injuries.
In one case I was able to control and stop major bleeding and securely dress a very nasty leg injury incurred by a lady on a remote mountain
road in southern Spain while organising two of my travelling companions to control traffic on two very sharp bends either side of the accident scene. In that case I had no alternative but remove her helmet because she was in grave danger of vomiting as shock set in and this could have compromised her airway. Thankfully the training I had received gave me the knowledge and confidence to do this with the minimum of stress on her neck.
Mercifully the ambulance arrived within 20-minutes and after a short stay in a local hospital she was flown back to the UK where she went on to make a full recovery.
Despite having to travel for another three hours to the next campsite while the hot Spanish sun baked my blood-soaked t-shirt and jeans into a rather grisly set of body armour, and despite the dreadful feeling you get after the ambulance leaves and your adrenalin levels disappear like a politician’s promise; it felt unbelievably good to know that I had been able to render the right assistance until the professionals had arrived to look after her.
In another accident my friend’s daughter had been thrown from his trike when he swerved violently to avoid an unmitigated idiot who had suddenly turned a car directly across his path.
She suffered multiple injuries including several severe skull fractures and a very nasty spiral fracture to her lower leg. Again, the training kicked-in and despite having no first-aid equipment with me (a stupid oversight that will not be repeated) I managed to scrounge a couple of towels from another motorist to control the bleeding and keep her safe and stable for the 45-long-minutes it took for the ambulance to arrive.
At another accident scene there was little I needed to do medically because the rider had been wearing all of the correct gear so the damage to her leg was stable, however the training kicked-in again and I was able to support her in a comfortable position and monitor her condition while reassuring her that the ambulance was on its way. At one point I had to fend-off a well-meaning drunk who tried to insist we should remove her backpack. Again the
training came in handy because, instead of simply telling him to fuck-off, and possibly aggravate the situation, I asked him to go and check on the car driver, who I already knew to be shaken but uninjured.
1st-Aid at Work training is rarely cheap but it is always worth doing. But here’s the really crazy thing, many Fire Brigades throughout Britain offer ‘Biker Down’ accident 1st-Aid courses for free, but they often struggle to find enough bikers to fill their (4-hour) courses! It truly beggars belief!
You don’t need any other 1st-Aid qualifications to take part in a Biker Down course. Take a look for the courses near you on: https://www.facebook.com/ bikerdownuk/ or contact your local Fire Service. I recommend everybody to take some qualified 1st-Aid training, you may find yourself honoured with the ability to save a life one day and the correct training will give you the knowledge and the confidence to do it!
Rick Hulse
Sponsor a Barrel of Real Ale or Cider at The 29th You’ve Been
Nabbed Rally
Publicise your event, honour a memory, or just for a laugh, have your message fea tured on a barrel throughout the event! Individuals, clubs, groups, and/or companies c an sponsor barrels of real ale or traditiona lly brewed ciders for just £75 .00 Sponsors can have their name and logo on barrels at the event. They can also rename the ale or cider to promote their own club, group, company or event , or simply for the fun of it!
All you have to do is telephone 0161 749 7050 or do it online via https://www.nabd.org.uk/youve-been-nabbed-29/ It’s an excellent way of supporting a great registered charity like The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) …and it’s tax-deductible for the sponsor! The YBN29 Rally will be held at The Royal Cheshire Showground, from 6th- 8th May 2022
ADAM CRAWSHAW HAS GAS GAS
After an accident in 2010, Adams’ left leg was amputated below the knee. He decided that he needed to get back on two wheels and was pointed in the direction of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability.
He applied through the grants system for a Kliktronic gear changer for his Gas Gas EC250, which was approved and sent out to him.
He decided to fit the Kliktronic himself and by machining the Kliktronics’ actuator to the same shape as the bikes’ front sprocket guard, he was able to get the 90° angle required to attach it to the gear change lever. He then wired it up to the bikes loom and adjusted it as necessary.
He says it’s running like a dream and has enabled him to enjoy his bike once more.
Adam wishes to thank the National Association for Bikers with a Disability, and all who have donated money to help.
He’s an ‘extremely’ happy chappie now.
I think you’ll agree, Adam has done an excellent job of it.
This grant of £350.00 was sponsored by Downton Lodge, Fordingbridge, Hants, and Richard Pomeroy of Rugby, in memory of his late father Christopher Pomeroy.
For more information on the Kliktronic gear changer, visit: https://www.kliktronic.co.uk or call 01359 242100
A Rebel Without a Risk Assessment
Some time ago ‘EDF’ (my energy provider) contacted me with a request that I allow them to fit ‘Smart-Meters’ for my gas and electricity. Despite my utter contempt for the American bastardisation of our beautiful language substituting the word ‘smart’ for the word ‘intelligent’ (probably too long a word for the average American intellect to negotiate), I agreed to their request.
After confirming that both meters would be accessible for the engineer and verifying the fact that we have solar panels on our roof, they made an appointment for an ‘Electrical Engineer’ to come and fit the new meters.
The day before the appointment I spent an hour clearing as much stuff out of the utility room, where the gas and electric meters are situated, including lugging a tumble-drier out of there, which did no favours for my 60-year-old chronically arthritic spine; to ensure easy access for the ‘engineer’.
The following day a young guy arrived and, after taking a single glance at the small cupboard where the electric meter is situated, he asked me if I had solar panels fitted. I replied, “Yes they are the big shiny black things that are clearly visible on the roof as you approach the house.”
He then asked where the generator for the panels was situated; I told him it was in the loft (for the benefit of southern readers, that’s the same as an attic, only dustier).
“Is your loft fully boarded-out and fitted with a fixed drop-down ladder?” he asked.
“No” I replied, “That’s why I referred to it as ‘the loft’ rather than the ‘dormer bedroom’, because it’s just a loft.” “I do have an aluminium step-ladder that I use to get into the loft though” I said, trying to be helpful.
“I can only go up there if it is boarded out and there is a fixed ladder” he said.
“You’re an electrician aren’t you?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes!” he replied firmly.
“But you cannot climb a 6ft step-ladder?”
“No, I’m not allowed too!” he replied.
Totally nonplussed, I said, “What if I go up my step-ladder, stick my head into the loft and turn-off the isolator switch on the generator, which is within easy reach of the loft hatch? Would that be OK?”
“I suppose so” replied the alleged ‘electrical engineer’ somewhat doubtfully. “I’ll just contact my office again and check a few things”.
After more than 40-minutes standing at the top of our path talking on his telephone, he returned to the house and said, “Sorry mate, I can’t fit the meters because it’s too dangerous!”
“Dangerous how?” I asked as my patience jumped on the first express train heading west “Dangerous due to your proximity to somebody else using a step-ladder perhaps?”
He left and I got on the phone to EDF to ask them why their installation contractors are using hamsters instead of real electricians. EDF raised it as an official complaint, spoke to the contractors, apologised to me profusely and promised to rectify the situation.
The following day I received more apologies about the shithouse hamster (aka electrical engineer) and another appointment was made, with assurances that they would not send the same alleged electrician next time.
Today another engineer arrived. Once again my back was screaming at me for lugging the bastard tumble-drier into the kitchen and, once again, the utility room was nice and clear so he could get on with the job without encumbrance.
“I see you have solar panels. Do you know where the generator for them is?” he asked before even putting his tool bag down. My heart began to sink as I explained it was in the loft.
“Is the loft fully boarded-out and fitted with a fixed ladder?” he asked, as I got a distinct feeling of Deja-vu.
I explained that the loft was not boarded-out but the isolator was in easy reach of the loft hatch and that I had a step-ladder he could use. He explained how he could not use my step-ladder, or even one of his own step-ladders, due to ‘health and safety’ rules.
“But you’re supposed to be an electrician?” I said sceptically. I went on to explain, “I served my apprenticeship as an electrical engineer in the 1970’s and worked as an industrial and commercial approved electrician for a further 20-odd years before becoming disabled. Ladders, stepladders and even walking on 10-inch girders at 230ft were a regular part of my job!”
“Not anymore” he said blandly, “it’s not like the good-old-days anymore!”
Being in his late 20’s at best, I wondered exactly how much he could have known about those ‘good-old-days’ but I let that pass. He went on to explain that “using a step-ladder was not included in the ‘risk assessment’ for the job”.
Apparently a ‘risk assessment’ is now required before a tradesman can use a fucking step-ladder!
“OK” I said, “I’ll nip upstairs with my step-ladder and knock off the isolator switch, then you can check the feed down here to be sure I have turned it off.” but could not resist adding, “I assess my risk to be, at worst, fucking negligible!”
“Sorry, that’s not allowed either because it is not part of the agreed job procedure document…” he said, as if that should have been obvious to me! With that he said goodbye and left.
As you can imagine, I was straight back on the phone to EDF to explain, politely but firmly, exactly what they can do with their ‘smart meters’. After detailing my complaint they said they would deduct £25.00 from my next bill as compensation and note on my file that my address was not suitable for smart meter installation.
I couldn’t help but wonder if our cotton-woolwrapped, risk-assessment-led, shithousefostering, society is actually a fit place for bikers to live in anymore, or will motorcycling soon be banned when we fail to agree a risk assessment for the putting-on of motorcycle boots…
Happy New Year!
Rick Hulse
CAN AM PRIZE DRAW
You can win this gorgeous Can-Am trike for just £1
We are launching a new prize draw at You’ve Been NABBED 29 (6th – 8th May 2022)
The draw will run for 12 months and tickets will be available from the NABD office and the NABD National Stall
This beautiful 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS (Which was generously donated by Ian Rothwell of Surrey), will be on the NABD stand at YBN 29, so be sure to pop by and have a look before buying some tickets. You never know, someone has to win it, it could be you!
ROUGH GUIDE TO ADAP
Left Leg:
A ROUGH GUIDE TO ADAP
This is the latest up-date of our “Rough Guide to Adaptions”. Due to the limitations of the available space in the the Open House magazine we can not go into minute detail of each and every option, but hopefully this article will give a fairly good overview of the most commonly available options for the adaption of most motorcycles and trikes to suit the needs of riders with disabilities. Where possible we have included the web-site addresses or other contact details of manufacturers.
(Amputation, reduced / restricted strength / mobility in the knee or the ankle joints):
The easiest method would be to use an electrongic gear change system such as the Kliktronic push button gear-changer www.kliktronic.co.uk. This unit works by pushing two buttons on the handlebars that operate an electronic actuator connected to the gear pedal. The Kliktronic gear-changer is supplied as a complete, easy to fit kit, which can be used on all styles of motorcycle.
More comprehensive details are available on www.nabd.org.uk or from the NABD office: office@thenabd.co.uk
Right Leg:
Another method is to use a cross over linkage to the right side of the motorcycle, mounting the gear pedal either beside or in-front of the rear brake pedal.
(Amputation, reduced/restricted strength/mobility in the knee or the ankle joints):
1. Electronic push button gear-changer (to fit 1” and 7/8” bars) (“on-bar” or “under-bar” push-buttons)
Left Leg:
Right or Left Leg:
(Amputation, reduced / restricted strength / mobility in the knee or the ankle joints):
The easiest method would be to use an electrongic gear change system such as the Kliktronic push button gear-changer www.kliktronic.co.uk. This unit works by pushing two buttons on the handlebars that operate an electronic actuator connected to the gear pedal. The Kliktronic gear-changer is supplied as a complete, easy to fit kit, which can be used on all styles of motorcycle.
For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simple addition of a hand operated lever/linkage or moving the stand to the opposite side of the machine.
The kliktronic switches, the twin levers and the thumbrake are all available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes.
Right Arm:
(Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):
Another method is to use a cross over linkage to the right side of the motorcycle, mounting the gear pedal either beside or in-front of the rear brake pedal.
1. Electronic push button gear-changer (to fit 1” and 7/8” bars) (“on-bar” or “under-bar” push-buttons)
Right or Left Leg:
For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simple addition of a hand operated lever/linkage or moving the stand to the opposite side of the machine.
The kliktronic switches, the twin levers and the thumbrake are all available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes.
Right Arm:
(Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):
2. “Crossover” to the right side of the motorcycle
Kliktronic Operating Switches
This is usually a simple matter of transferring the rear brake pedal to a handlebar-mounted lever. This can take the form of a thumb operated lever or “twin” levers. Another method of adapting the rear brake system is to utilise a mechanical linkage or hydraulic extension to transfer the brake pedal to the left-hand side of the machine. This can be sited either beside the gear pedal or directly behind it for heel operation.
www.kliktronic.co.uk
1. Twin levers
2. Thumb brake
3. Crossover to the left side of the motorcycle.
For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simple addition of a hand operated actuating lever or moving the stand to the right side of the machine.
2. “Crossover” to the right side of the motorcycle
This is usually a simple matter of transferring the throttle and front brake lever to the left handlebar. The front brake caliper can then be operated by a “twin lever” in tandem with the clutch lever (see www.klever2.com and/or www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever kits) or by fitting a thumb operated lever below the left handlebar. Some switchgear may require adapting to suit left hand operation.
(www.bitzforbikes.co.uk)
If the disability of the rider just involves difficulty with operating a twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff wrist, tendonitis etc) the only requirement may be the use of a thumb-operated throttle (as used on quads). Where it is a matter of reduced mobility or amputation of fingers or wrist problems it may be that a thumb operated brake lever will solve the problem.
A further, though less common option would be to operate the front brake with a left foot pedal mounted behind the gear pedal for heel operation.
1. Left-hand throttle
2. Right-hand thumb throttle
3. Left-hand thumb brake
4. Left-hand twin levers
5. Left-heel brake
Left Arm:
(Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):
In most cases this is a simple matter of adapting the clutch operating lever and some minor modification to the switchgear on the left handlebar. There are several ways to adapt the clutch lever depending on the severity of the individual’s disability. In the
This is usually a simple matter of transferring the throttle and front brake lever to the left handlebar. The front brake caliper can then be operated by a “twin lever” in tandem with the clutch lever (see www.klever2.com and/or www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever kits) or by fitting a thumb operated lever below the left handlebar. Some switchgear may require adapting to suit left hand operation.
(www.bitzforbikes.co.uk)
If the disability of the rider just involves difficulty with operating a twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff wrist, tendonitis etc) the only requirement may be the use of a thumb-operated throttle (as used on quads). Where it is a matter of reduced mobility or amputation of fingers or wrist problems it may be that a thumb operated brake lever will solve the problem.
A further, though less common option would be to operate the front brake with a left foot pedal mounted behind the gear pedal for heel operation.
1. Left-hand throttle
2. Right-hand thumb throttle
3. Left-hand thumb brake
4. Left-hand twin levers
5. Left-heel brake
Left Arm:
(Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):
In most cases this is a simple matter of adapting the clutch operating lever and some minor modification to the switchgear on the left handlebar. There are several ways to adapt the clutch lever depending on the severity of the individual’s disability. In the
PTATIONS BY RICK HULSE
case of total loss of/or loss of use of the left hand, the clutch lever must be re-sited elsewhere.
Most commonly this is a simple matter of transferring the lever to the right handle bar using “twin levers” for front brake and clutch (see www.klever2.com and/or www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever kits) or by fitting a thumb operated lever below the right handlebar to operate the front brake and using the original front brake lever for the clutch.
In the case of reduced mobility or strength in the left hand, further options would be; An hydraulic to cable conversion kit for smaller bikes makes the use of cable operated clutches much lighter. For a limited range of motorcycles, an automatic clutch such as the Rekluse Z-Clutch www.rekluse.co.uk may be available. Recently some of the major motorcycle manufacturers have produced large capacity motorcycles that are available with automatic
PTATIONS BY
transmission, thereby doing away with the clutch altogether. The Yamaha FJR1300AS has an automatic 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 dangerous situation.
Both the twin levers and thumb brake are available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes.
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
case of total loss of/or loss of use of the left hand, the clutch lever must be re-sited elsewhere.
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).
Most commonly this is a simple matter of transferring the lever to the right handle bar using “twin levers” for front brake and clutch (see www.klever2.com and/or www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever kits) or by fitting a thumb operated lever below the right handlebar to operate the front brake and using the original front brake lever for the clutch.
In the case of reduced mobility or strength in the left hand, further options would be; An hydraulic to cable conversion kit for smaller bikes makes the use of cable operated clutches much lighter. For a limited range of motorcycles, an automatic clutch such as the Rekluse Z-Clutch www.rekluse.co.uk may be available. Recently some of the major motorcycle manufacturers have produced large capacity motorcycles that are available with automatic
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)
Reverse Gear for bikers:
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.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIKERS WITH A 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.
“Learner
AFFILIATED CLUBS
Premium Affliliation
• FEDERATION OF SIDECAR CLUBS
• G B MCC
• GREENMAN MCC
• HALFWAY HEROES MCC
• HARLEY DAVIDSON CLUB SOMERSET
• HARLEY DAVIDSON RIDERS OF GB
• MOTO GUZZI CLUB GB
• ROCKER BOX MCC
• ROYAL ENFIELD OWNERS CLUB
• SALUTATION MCC
• TIGER MCC
• TRIUMPH OWNERS MCC
• VRA UK
STANDARD Affliliation
• 69 MCC DOVER
• BARREL BIKERS MCC
• BEARTOWN BIKERS
• BEERHOUNDS MCC
• BIKERS INC MCC
• BIT TER & TWISTED MCC
• BLUE KNIGHTS ENGLAND XIV
• BMW CLUB UKSIDECAR REGISTER
• BOSTON MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION
• BRISTOL & AVON ROADRUNNERS MCC
• BURNLEY & DISTRICT MCC
• CERNUNNOS MCC
• CMA (NORTH CHESHIRE BRANCH)
• CMA (WEST YORKSHIRE BRANCH)
• CRIPPLE CLUB BATH
• CROWN CRAZY CRUISERS MCC
• DEVA LEGION HOG
• EYE OF RA MCC
• GOLDEN PHOENIX MCC
• GOLDWING OWNERS CLUB OF GB
• HARWICH MCC
• HEDINGHAM SIDECAR OWNERS CLUB
• HIGHL AND CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB
• HILLBILLIES MCC
• INTERNATIONAL
L AVERDA OWNERS CLUB
• JAWA CZ OWNERS CLUB OF GB & ERIE
• K AOS KREW MCC
• KNIGHTS OF ANTIOCH MM
• MERIDEN TOMCC
• MINEHOFF MCC
• MODDEY DHOO MCC
• MORINI RIDERS CLUB
• MOTORBIKE ALLIANCE
• MT HEADS MCC
• N.I. BIKERS & TRIKERS CLUB
• NORTH DEVON BRITISH MOTORCYCLE OWNERS CLUB
• NOTAS
• OAKLEY MCC
• ODDBALLS MCC
• PINKERTONS MCC
• POLICE MOTORCYCLE CLUB N.IRELAND
• QUAY VIPERS MCC
• ROBBERS DOGS
• RUSTY SPROCKET MCC
• SADDLE TRAMPS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
• SHITE SHAGS GEORDIELAND
• SIX FEET UNDER MCC
• SOLENT MCC
• TEES RIDERS MCC
• THE A59 ERS
• THE INNER CIRCLE
• TRIUMPH OWNERS BERKSHIRE
• UNWANTED MCC
• VESPA CLUB OF BRITAIN
• VINTAGE MOTOR SCOOTER CLUB
• VIRAGO STAR OWNERS CLUB
• VRCC-UK
• WEST SUSSEX TRIUMPH OWNERS CLUB
• WITCH HAVEN MCC
• WOLDS BIKERS
• WOZWOLF RC
• YORK ADVANCED MC
NABD PATRONS
Sir Billy Connolly OBE
Comedian and bite/trike rider
David Holding
Para-Olympic gold medalist
Suzi Perry
Superbike and Supermoto presenter for the BBC (pictured here iwth fast bloke Eddie Irvine)
Neil Hodgson
World Superbike Champion
Sammy Miller MBE
Motorcycling legend
Lord Rotherwick
Member of the House of Lords and biker (pictured here with his son Gus)
Mark O’Shea
Herpetologist, author, TV presenter and biker
Gary Havelock
Champion Speedway rider
Mik Scarlet
TV presenter and DJ
Stevie Simpson (One Bloke, One Mandolin), biker, troubadour, singer/ songwriter
NABD National Committee
Chairman Rick Hulse
Vice Chairman Ian Taylor
Treasurer John Byrne
National Secretary Tina Slesser
Rep’s Liaison
PR/Information
Ross Lockett / Vic Hawkes
John Lysons
Webmaster Simon Freedman
Affiliated Clubs Liaison Vic Hawkes
Learner/Loaners
Gordon Hooper
National Stall Manager Phil Morris
National Stall Assistant Alma Caviaciuti
Research
Derek Durham
Fundraising Coordinator Ross Lockett
ENGLAND
Ashton Under Lyne - Tameside
Kel Power 07715 350 706 kelpower.rep@thenabd.org.uk
