Half blind old bugger who should know better

[Uncle Brian]

Hi,

I have recently considered getting another bike, it's been a long time since I have owned one but I was a safe rider .... bloody booring most of the time.

Now that I'm older I realise my reactions aren't as good but I hope common sense and on road experience will keep me from ending up in the path of a car.

So here's the catch ... I lost the use of one eye 18 months ago. I can drive a car ok actually I do really well no issues at all. Still the lack of recent experience and the eye thing are making me wonder if a bike is such a good idea.

Anyone here ride with only one eye?

Any good advice or suggestions?

Cheers,

brian

[Akzle]

i would imagine that would severely impair your depth perception. it would also involve more moving your head to check the road around you, mirrors etc.

but if LTNZ have cleared you to drive, there's no legal reason i can see why you can't ride.

as a rider (boring or not) you're generally aware that in any crash involving a motorcycle you're not going to come out best-off, as a one-eyed guy i'd imagine that would be doubly so.
pick your times. it may not suit to ride to work daily, but if you enjoy a blat in the country side on weekend then go for it.

there was a hilarious guy on trademe a while back with one arm, selling a motorbike. he offered to shop the buyers arm off so the bike would suit.
good shit.

get your confidence back in lowly-populated (traffic) areas... practice practice practice...

[slofox]

If you read a few of the threads on here you will realise that there are many one-eyed bastards at large on the roads on their motorbikes...:whistle:

[Asher]

If you read a few of the threads on here you will realise that there are many one-eyed bastards at large on the roads on their motorbikes...:whistle:

Especially down south.....

Can you pass a license vision test? Not having peripheral vision (even on one side) on a bike sounds deadly to me.

[Uncle Brian]

Especially down south.....

Can you pass a license vision test? Not having peripheral vision (even on one side) on a bike sounds deadly to me.

I did the license vision test a few weeks after I lost the eye and all good, I know i have to turn my head like a crazy thing to make sure i see everything but so far no real issues.

Some good advice i keep hearing is to start slow and pick your days, that's true for all of us on a bike more for me i guess ... those rides home on wet cold rainy nights might be a big NO ..... take the car.

I started riding on a MX bike then went to a kawa Mach 111 which was a little slow so i traded it on a GSX1100 in the early 80s next beast was a Laverda 1200! Think the next bike might have to be a lot more sensible !!!!

I did have to give up my class 2 and passenger license when i did the resit but they seemed to think riding a motorcycle was ok .... even my Dr thinks it's ok. For what it's worth I still ride my mountain bike and if i'm careful it's all good.

Maybe I could do a course on some training schools bikes to see how i cope? Anyone know of one anywhere in the country?

Brian

[Asher]

Training would be a good idea, having an instructor would help you to discover what you need to be aware of more than a typical rider.

Look at reevu helmets to help your situational awareness.

[Uncle Brian]

Training would also be done off the public roads to Asher so i would have a chance to get the feel of the bike before i have to deal with the traffic.

Sounds like a plan

[FJRider]

If you read a few of the threads on here you will realise that there are many one-eyed bastards at large on the roads on their motorbikes...:whistle:

It's the one's with 20/20 hindsight that bug me more ...

[tigertim20]

I did the license vision test a few weeks after I lost the eye and all good, I know i have to turn my head like a crazy thing to make sure i see everything but so far no real issues.

Some good advice i keep hearing is to start slow and pick your days, that's true for all of us on a bike more for me i guess ... those rides home on wet cold rainy nights might be a big NO ..... take the car.

I started riding on a MX bike then went to a kawa Mach 111 which was a little slow so i traded it on a GSX1100 in the early 80s next beast was a Laverda 1200! Think the next bike might have to be a lot more sensible !!!!

I did have to give up my class 2 and passenger license when i did the resit but they seemed to think riding a motorcycle was ok .... even my Dr thinks it's ok. For what it's worth I still ride my mountain bike and if i'm careful it's all good.

Maybe I could do a course on some training schools bikes to see how i cope? Anyone know of one anywhere in the country?

Brian

sounds like you have the legal go ahead.
as long as you are sensible and do some training first, I cant see there being that much of a problem, take your time, take it easy and enjoy yourself!

[caseye]

Get amongst it mate, having one eye will only make you ride with more care and attention and that isn't a bad thing. You've already learn't to turn and look when not sure so keep doing that and yes pick your days.Riding is meant to be fun and enjoyable, do it for you and enjoy it.
Only advice I have is the same as for anyone else.
"Ride your own ride"

[p.dath]

If onearmedbandit can ride with one arm, I'm sure you can ride with one eye.

It seems like age has installed upon you the sensibilities of life - of recognising your own limits and staying within them. And as with everyone, as long as you stay within your limits you'll be fine.

[hayd3n]

welcome to the mad house dont let one eye hold you back.

[MIXONE]

Do you support Canterbury?:innocent:

I rode for a long time with just one contact lens and had no troubles.

[Uncle Brian]

I do support Canterbury as it happens :-)

Thanks for the comments guys I'm off to look at the 'bikes for sale' stuff.

:bleh:

[Old Steve]

Apart from the bike, you might want to consider what style of helmet you'll use. Would an open face helmet give you more peripheral vision than a closed face model? Particularly looking to the side of your bad eye, would there be less structure there to make it easier for you to so see to that side without having to turn your head too much?

My son is legally blind in his right eye, but has his class 1 license. I've taught him to turn his head to look over his shoulder because the motorbiker he doesn't knock off their bike might be his Dad. But he has to turn his head further when checking right.

[CookMySock]

Depends how you look at it..:msn-wink:

[Uncle Brian]

With helmets the main aim is to keep shit and small animals out of the good eye 'cause if it get stuff in it then things are going to get interesting very quickly.
I'll start trying on a few soon and see what happens.

When driving the car i find i need to be far more observant than i did with 2 eyes, got to keep an eye out for loonies.

It's my right eye that's busted so cars coming up on the outside of me are a worry, sure i have my mirrors adjusted but I still have to turn the head a lot.

[GrayWolf]

Possibly the other parameter to consider is 'seating position'? Leant forwards a la crotch rocket is going to be less conducive to easy 'scanning' than a more upright seating position. (shoulder/neck position).. SO possibly a cruiser style or 'standard' (GS1400/XJR1300) type bike would make sense.

[varminter]

Regarding mirrors, I had a ride on a bmw 650 single, although it almost instantly turned my arse to raw meat, did have a nice pair of mirrors. They had fish eye inserts that gave a great rear view. Surprised they're not more common.

[Uncle Brian]

Mirrors are a good idea mate thanks for that.

As for riding position I have just realised that the sport rider position is not the best and I'll be looking at something that allows me a wider view.... cheers mate

Something loud might help too !

No black riding gear as I need to give the bastards a good clear target. :banana:

[SPman]

Don't buy a current 1000 sportsbike.........your reactions won't be up to it..........

[Uncle Brian]

That's for bloody sure, I'm looking at something slow and reliable.

I'll leave the fast stuff to all you young buggers and I'll cruise along like the old fart I am and I'll be smiling and waving as you roar past.

[Kornholio]

If you read a few of the threads on here you will realise that there are many one-eyed bastards at large on the roads on their motorbikes...:whistle:

Hell, half the time I riding I have both eyes shut :/

[Uncle Brian]

At least no motorcyclist folks are talking on our cell phones, drinking coffee , having lunch or putting on makeup while we are riding along. Also not distracted by radios, screaming kids or nagging SWMBOs

[slofox]

Hell, half the time I riding I have both eyes shut :/

Hmmm...I know what you mean.


At least no motorcyclist folks are talking on our cell phones,

Don't be too sure - I got the bluetooth headset connected to the cellphone...:mobile: