Missing fingers - Left hand (benboom)

[benboom]

Hey guys.. Names Ben, just stumbled across the forum, im actually from Perth, Western Australia.. But you Kiwi's are akways welcoming and friendly so I thought I'd as you.. An I hope ya dont mind.

Im looking at buying a bike.. not sure what yet exactly. I dont wanna buy one if I cant use it properly.

Anyway im missing my four fingers on my left hand just before the knuckle's.. so as you can imagin it is hard for me to use the clutch.. i had a ride the other day briefly on a 4 wheeler and little 125 both brand new Yamaha's and had no dramas except I have to really reach for the leaver when changin gears and it slows down the gear change alot. Now with practise im sue I could do alot better but I also because of having to move my hand off the handle as much as I do I lose a bit of stabability..

Is there anything I can do for this problem or has anyway come across it before?
I was thinking maybe a clutch like lever like the 4 wheelers have for the throttle if it is possible??

Any info or knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -Ben

[The Baron]

Hi
1/ You can get automatic bikes.

2/ I have heard of a clutch and brake lever fitted to the right hand grip. The clutch lever full length and the brake shorter - about half length.

[Deano]

Hi Ben,

I would send a message to One Armed Bandit - as his name suggests he only has his right arm with which to control the bike. He has raced his bike and also pulls minging wheelies. I think he may have a clutch lever on his right bar.

[one fast tl1ooo]

Welcome to kb

[dogsnbikes]

Welcome Ben

As already mentioned both levers on one bar

[onearmedbandit]

Hi Ben, (and thanks Deano)

Yes as Deano mentions I only have the use of my right arm, lost the function of my left arm in a bike accident in 1997. As pointed out I have both the clutch and brake lever on my right clip-on, the clutch lever is mounted 'backwards' (see pic) and operated by my thumb. Another option would be to have the clutch lever mounted 'forwards' (ie normal position) but above the brake lever. How well can you grip the bar with your left hand? If you have a good grip and can use your thumb I would recommend investing in a quality thumb-clutch unit (high end ones can retail around the $6-700 area) as having one hand doing all the controls is not ideal, especially in your situation.

[T.W.R]

Have a talk to RRH he has only two fingers on his left hand and rides a Guzzi California without issue and competes in classic trials riding with very admirable success

[avgas]

Yeh what others have said. I have also seen a cool double cable system, where you can close the throttle, keep twisting and that engages the clutch.

[SPman]

Aprilia Mana 850!

[Chrislost]

Hey guys.. Names Ben, just stumbled across the forum, im actually from Perth, Western Australia.. But you Kiwi's are akways welcoming and friendly so I thought I'd as you.. An I hope ya dont mind.

Im looking at buying a bike.. not sure what yet exactly. I dont wanna buy one if I cant use it properly.

Anyway im missing my four fingers on my left hand just before the knuckle's.. so as you can imagin it is hard for me to use the clutch.. i had a ride the other day briefly on a 4 wheeler and little 125 both brand new Yamaha's and had no dramas except I have to really reach for the leaver when changin gears and it slows down the gear change alot. Now with practise im sue I could do alot better but I also because of having to move my hand off the handle as much as I do I lose a bit of stabability..

Is there anything I can do for this problem or has anyway come across it before?
I was thinking maybe a clutch like lever like the 4 wheelers have for the throttle if it is possible??

Any info or knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -Ben

I have only ever used the clutch for shifting down!
there is no need to use it going up, jsut a flick of the right wrist and click in she geos...

[onearmedbandit]

I have only ever used the clutch for shifting down!
there is no need to use it going up, jsut a flick of the right wrist and click in she geos...

I hardly use mine for even shifting down. But you still need to get it into and out of gear at standstill.

[crazyhorse]

Hi Ben

Always nice to have someone stumble over KB - esp from my favourite land. Good on ya wanting to ride and hope you find a solution

[pete376403]

have a look at the Rekluse clutch http://www.rekluse.com/ Very light (one finger) action, and they fit the better brands (esp KLR650!)

MarkS on this forum has one. PM him for more info

(Sorry, just read your post again, you don't even get the choice of one fingered action.)

[NordieBoy]

have a look at the Rekluse clutch http://www.rekluse.com/ Very light (one finger) action, and they fit the better brands (esp KLR650!)

MarkS on this forum has one. PM him for more info

(Sorry, just read your post again, you don't even get the choice of one fingered action.)

You don't need to use the clutch lever at all with the Rekluse.

[tate35]

Hi Ben, and welcome to KB...it's neat you stumbled across it. It's cool and inspirational to hear you keen to ride. No doubt the guys on here can help you sort out a solution and you will be riding all over the show before you know it. Good luck