Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Feb 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3
Disabled Rider asks which bike?

I have a permanent stiff right leg (failed knee joint) and I am considering some long distant touring both on and off road. As I can't bend my leg I would need my footrests placed forward,cruiser style.The rear foot brake I can have modified to a handlebar lever or button. Cruiser are out I think they are practical,comfy but too close to the ground for any off roading.So folks give us some help check out your bikes and see if it would be possible to ride comfortably with a stiff straight right leg and suggestions as to any adaptations.
Cheers!...Taffytoo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Feb 2003
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
When I ride my BMW R80GS I often have the legs on the crashbar. My legs are then totally straight. It should be easy to make some arrangement on the crashbar to avoid the leg to skid.
This will also work on R100 and maybe on R1100 and R1150.


Happy travel!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Feb 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chimacum, Washington U.S.A.
Posts: 2
Greetings.
If you are not opposed to a side hack rig there is a company in the Seattle Area of Washington State that builds a really serious GS set up using a 1150GS and side car that is serious for "off the asphalt".
Its a great set up for extended touring and dirt roads, etc. I know a gent that has to keep a walker with him and this set up works real fine for him. He can really relax his bad leg. He is an avid fly fisherman so the off road capability really helps out as he needs to ride as close as possible to the fishing grounds.
__________________
Life is good!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
When I was in Marocco last May I joined three Germans. One of them was a +50 year old man with a stiff left leg.
He was riding a BMW F650. The only thing they modified was a footrest placed up front. He managed really good on paved roads. They rode all the way down to Erfoud without a problem. When he needed to shift he basicly sat back on his saddle wich allowed him to use the gear-shifter with his stiff leg. The fact that this was a really short guy also helped for this concept (he had souls about 4cm high placed under his Alpinestar tech 8 boots, otherwise he wouln't reach the ground!!!).

On the tarmac I didn't notice a thing of his problem. Only when we started to go on piste and getting the first patches of 'kif-kif' (really soft sand) he got in trouble. Eventlually he took a bad fall and broke his left ankcle.
He couldn't shift gears fast enough I think.
In the end all ended OK, but it took us about 36 to do a comfortable and decent evac from Merzouga to Erfoud.

So conclusions?
It is most certainly possible.
I think in the long end you need to modify more and for ex. should also replace the gearshifter or brake. So that you can use it from you correct riding position and react quickly enough if needed.
Can you do piste-like riding? Hmmm, as the case above tells it might get tricky. But I like a lot the idea of the sidecar that is mentioned above. My Honda dealer rode Paris Dakar twice in a self made sidecar! And they managed to finish twice! That proves a good sidecar can really do some decent off roading!

Hope you find the concept that fits you!!! Good luck.

Pieter

------------------
http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: canada
Posts: 23
i offer 2 suggestions 1--install highway pegs. they are available for the KLR650 and i believe will fit other duel purpose bikes with some modification. 2---install en
gine guards or crash bars, with or without highway pegs, and you should have your problem solved. harley davidson sells a kit called foreward control, which moves your brake pedal ( and also gear shift peg) foreward. this could perhaps be modified to fit your bike. its worth considering. do not move your foot pegs as you need these to stand on in rough going--just make sure you are in the correct gear ahead of time.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Feb 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3
Thanks a lot guys for your replies.The sidecar idea was interesting but to me that was like giving in to my disability.I must just as well get an ex-army Landie..4X4..sorted (to non-UK readers a Jeep)..thank you,but no thanks. Since I posted this inquiry I visited my local bike shop and after trying on a few models realised that an off-road XT600E was not suitable.If I sit on the seat my leg sticks several inches out beyond the down tubes and any way jumping from sitting to standing mode would be very difficult and dangerous (Sorry guys but I would like to come back in one piece).So to be sensible any offroading is not on.So back to the cruisers,sat on a couple,yes cool,comfortable and practical but having spent 6 months touring India on an old Bullet many years ago(before my accident)I'm still not happy with their ground clearence on anything but smooth tarred roads.So maybe my answer lies somewhere in between a good old reliable BMW Boxer or a XJ900 and stick to Europe and Russia.
A note for your files Grant and anyother disabled riders reading this:-The National Association for Bikers with Disability. www.nabd.org.uk.A great site worth a look see and your support. Once again many thanks........Safe Riding.
Taffytoo.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 108
... and their batch brightens every biker jacket (NABD). Go and get one to support them, their doing a great job!
__________________
Ride Your Dreams
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Mar 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
A note of encouragement here: there is NO reason why you couldn't also tour South America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Central America, Japan, Turkey, ummm, I'm sure there's more that would be fine on any street bike, even with a stiff leg. Most of Africa could also be done with no trouble, especially Kenya south, and North Africa - Morocco to Egypt. Don't limit yourself - get a bike of reasonable size that you can comfortably handle, and go.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Mar 2003
Billy Bunter's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London, England
Posts: 183
Hi

This issue of you must have an off road bike to go anywhere interesting is all a bit of hype really, one that i fell for as well!!

While in Goa in january i met a guy from Belgium riding a Honda 1100cc V twin, is it called a Shadow?, custom/cruiser bike from Belgim to Alaska through Asia etc.

He managed by just taking it easy when the roads/tracks got bad and accepting some limitations of it sometimes and enjoying the comfort others!

__________________
Will

Some day so soon....
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Mar 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Spain & UK
Posts: 37
Have you considered a quad? They are great off-road, stable, can carry loads of stuff, and best of all, you still get the wind in your face feeling that you don't get in a car.
By the way, has anybody done long distances on one of these machines?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Mar 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3
I must admit that I hadn't visited this web site for several weeks beliving that my long standing dream of riding RTW was diminished due to my disability. But Fate? Luck? No just boredom caused me to re-visit and good old Grant has picked me up by the boot straps, turned me around and pointed me in the right direction. So its out with the World Atlas again and start planning.A big thank you to you Grant and when I pass your way I'll buy you a drink or two. We all know we can do things but sometimes it just takes a kick to get us going.

Cheers...Taffytoo.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Mar 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Always happy to supply a kick

For a little more inspiration, see Dave Barr's story - rtw with no legs...

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/davebarr/

Also there's a Japanese photographer with one leg that went rtw on a Honda CT90 a few years ago.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:50.