Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi,

my husband is considering buying a bike but has a physiological condition which means that he has no motor power in his left leg from the knee downwards, so a regular gear changer is very difficult to the point of impossible as he can't voluntarily lift his toes.

I know we can easily get a bike with a heel toe shifter, but does anyone out there know if you can use a bike with a heel toe shifter to qualify on an education course??? Our local dealership is looking into this for us, but they're unsure of the MSF ruling on this, so I thought I'd ask here now in case anyone can help me quicker than they can!

Thanks for any help you can give,

S

Typically you don't ride your own bike on the MSF, and for good reason - so you can drop a crappy one!

Does he know how to ride at all? If not, does he know someone who rides well that can help with the basic skills? He may want to forgoe the MSF and take the driving (riding) test at the DOT instead. The MSF might also let him ride his own bike due to the circumstances.

Not all physical limitations keep you off a bike. Some Harley guys I met from Florida had a friend with one arm who rode. Not sure how he had his controls setup, but apparently he rode like a pro.

--Dave

I'd query the local MSF to see if they would allow him to ride his own bike considering the circumstances. They may not allow it due to insuarance reasons though so be prepared for that.

If that approach doesn't work, he can still learn on his own as well as help from a seasoned rider though it may be harder than just taking the MSF course. Then he can just go to DMV and get licensed on his own with his own bike.

I think I'm with Sharp on this, if you cannot go through MSF, then go to the DMV where he's required to have his own bike anyway. Now, some states DMV motorcycle test is a real piece of cake - some are challenging.

As for a heel-toe shifter, that is a good option. Another to consider is a Klictronic or Pingel pushbutton shifter.

If you need any more help or ideas getting the bike done, let me know, I can point you in a good direction. I ride with one arm.

There are individuals who will do one on one rider training. There aren't many of them out there, but they are out there. Perhaps someone at your local MSF training center can direct you (some folks who get counselled out of the BRC obviously would benefit from one on one help).

P

If his right foot has no problems, you might look for an older Triumph with reversed pedals - shifter on the right side. Not sure how old that would mean, or how available they'd be in the states.

--Dave

Thankyou everyone - you have all been really really helpful and given us lots to think about.

He is going along tomorrow to the dealership to see if he can manage a regular shifter if they make some adjustments, but they did call me yesterday after I posted here and said that they will do whatever it takes to get him riding safely and comfortably.

Again, thanks everyone - now I know where to come to ask dumb questions and get answers that don't make me feel like an idiot! It's great to 'meet' knowledgeable people who can impart their wisdom without making you feel stupid

S
x

Shorts wrote:I think I'm with Sharp on this, if you cannot go through MSF, then go to the DMV where he's required to have his own bike anyway. Now, some states DMV motorcycle test is a real piece of cake - some are challenging.

As for a heel-toe shifter, that is a good option. Another to consider is a Klictronic or Pingel pushbutton shifter.

If you need any more help or ideas getting the bike done, let me know, I can point you in a good direction. I ride with one arm.

+1 for shorts.....I was thinking the same thing!!!

Agreed. the MSF is the gold standard as far as churning out safe(r) riders in mass quanities. But don't let them stand in the way of his getting into riding if they put up a wall because of his disability.

Quality instruction is still recommended, though. In the event the MSF is unable to accomodate him, he shouldn't take that as his cue to just get licensed and hit the road.

good luck

Another option to consider are Ridley motorcycles. They have automatic transmissions.

www.ridleymotorcycle.com