Open House Issue 103

ISSUE 103

EDITED BY

Vic Hawkes

PUBLISHERS

Red Hen Promotions Ltd PO Box 75 Brighouse West Yorkshire

HD6 3WF

TEL 01484 400666

EMAIL

info@redhenpromotions.com

ADVERTISING SALES advertising@thenabd.org.uk

TEL 0844 415 4849

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 104) is 30th June 2023.

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 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...

I long for dry summer days and riding my bike through our gorgeous country without having to wrap up in enough waterproof clothes to make me look like Michelin Man (younger readers – Google him).

That’s another thing. Waterproof clothing. In my 40 plus years of riding I have yet to find any clothing that is actually useable and waterproof. At most they are water resistant. OK, I’m not up to paying big

money for them, which is probably why as my price range isn’t that good, but why call things waterproof when they most certainly aren’t?

I did once invest in a very expensive pair of ‘waterproof’ gloves, but they were just as bad as the £30 pair I was using before, except I ended up with black dyed hands.

When I was young (yes, here I go, an old bloke talking about the good ‘ol days!)

As I sit here, typing this, I’m looking out the window on yet another wet, cold day and I can’t help feeling fed up at the British weather.

I remember riding about with a full wax jacket and trousers, with a carrier bag on each foot under my steel toe-capped boots. Now obviously the safety aspect was not up to modern day specs (no armour, lining, road rash prevention or anything to be exact) however, I was dry!

My helmet never suffered from fogging and I didn’t have to keep wiping my visor (it didn’t have one!)

So, we seem to have come on leaps and bounds with the safety protection, and yet gone backwards with weather protection.

Why can’t a manufacturer actually come up with a reasonably priced jacket and trousers that are good on safety AND weather protection?

If, like me, you suffer from bad circulation, you will also know the sheer pain and discomfort of cold hands and feet. This is another area in great need of improvement.

Keeping my feet warm isn’t so difficult, as I can just keep layering them up and get bigger boots as they don’t have to move (all the controls are on the handlebars).

However I need to use my hands and fingers, so layering them up isn’t really an option (although I’ve tried ‘undergloves’ before). I had heated grips and wind deflectors on my bike at first, and this seemed to be the best I’ve found.

The problem with that is, once you put twin levers and a Kliktronic gearchange on the bars, you don’t have any space for the heated grips and deflectors!

I’ve tried the battery operated gloves but they didn’t seem to make any difference at all, and at worst the elements only warm

the backs of your hands, not the fingers, where it’s needed.

All this leads me back to my previous moan about the British weather. In my youf’ (here he goes again) I used to ride all year round. Snow, rain, wind, ice, none of it bothered me at all. I’ve spent many a night in a tent with ice on the inside and waking up to a covering of snow.

But no more.

I have, alas, in my dotage, become a fairweather-rider.

The main problem with that seems to be that you spend a vast part of the year, at least in Britain, looking out the window and feeling sad and fed up at the weather.

Ho Hum!

Here comes Summer.

Open House Editor

KEITH HILL’S VICTORY TRIKE CONVERSION

Keith has a condition called Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) which is a degenerative condition caused by the spinal cord compressing. He had several operations on his spine to try and relieve the symptoms he was getting and he was also in need of a hip operation.

As a member of the National Association for Bikers

with a Disability he decided to ask us for help to get back on the road.

He already had a Victory bike and needed to get it converted into a trike, with a few other modifications.

Keith takes up the story;

“My bike got collected by DTB Panther Trikes Ltd near Cleckheaton Yorkshire, which is one of your suggested trike convertors, who got on with my conversion. They made a few extra things for me to make it somewhat easier for me to ride again.

Anyway, as time went on COVID 19 kicked us all in the teeth, which slowed things down as they couldn’t get some of the parts.

I was in no hurry and before i knew it i went into hospital for my new hip. So i was out of action anyway, and just before Christmas.

After a while I got a call saying that my trike was ready to be delivered. What a great Christmas present to me.

Yippee! I was over the moon.

However I couldn’t ride it straight away because I

was still recovering from getting my new hip. Well when I was almost recovered it was time to see if i could get my leg over the trike.

Yes i did it! Off we went, head held high and I was showing off my new set of wheels. Boy oh boy she was turning heads.

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to the NABD for the grant you gave me to

get my bike converted into a trike, and secondly to thank all the staff at DTB Panther Trikes Ltd for doing the work.

Thank you all!

Keith

Hill...one happy triker.”

This grant was sponsored by Al Lorimer who donated the money from the sale of his bike.

For more information on DTB Panther Trikes Ltd, visit: www.dtbpanthertrikes.co.uk or call 01924 235655.

The Last Ever

You’ve Been Nabbed Rally

Tickets are now on sale for the 30th You’ve Been Nabbed Rally.

May 5th – 7th 2023 at The Royal Cheshire Showground, Flittogate Lane, Tabley, Knutsford, WA6 0HJ.

Get your tickets now and join us in celebration of 30-years of this glorious event (and 32-years of the NABD).

The 30th You’ve Been Nabbed Rally is going to be a spectacular event!

This will be the ‘Last Ever’ You’ve Been Nabbed Rally* (because none of us are getting any younger) so it’s definitely ‘Not to be Missed’!

This 30th Anniversary event will feature:

• An iconic Bike & Trike Show

(Sponsored by Back Street Heroes Magazine).

• Two stages featuring live music.

• A huge ‘Smacked Arse’ Comedy Show (with very special guests).

• A Real-Ale festival bar with 40+ Real Ales & traditional Ciders.

• Two traditional bars with booze at low prices.

• Two discos.

• Exotic Dancers.

• 40+ trade stalls.

• Clean, well-maintained toilets.

• Excellent facilities for people with disabilities.

• Hot Showers.

• A wide range of food stalls.

• Professional 24-hour 1st Aid/medical cover.

• Professional security cover.

Royal Coronation Coverage…

A big screen in the Family Marquee on Saturday afternoon for those who wish to watch the Royal Coronation live.

(Unfortunately, this will coincide with the huge ‘Smacked Arse Comedy Show’ in the Adult’s Only Marquee, due very bad planning by the government and the monarchy).

For those who like to dress-up, the Fancy Dress theme on Saturday is ‘Kings & Queens’ etc. (or anything even vaguely related to monarchy).

You don’t have to be an NABD member or a disabled biker to attend and we don’t care how you get there, just so long as you get there!

Advance tickets are £35.00 (before April 30th 2023). The price on-the-gate will be £45.00. (Camping & bike/trike parking are included in the price).

Cars and campervans are welcome (free parking for blue badge holders).

Advance tickets and details of vehicle passes etc. can be found at https://nabd.co.uk/shop3/6-rally-tickets

NB. This is a ‘Strictly No Dogs’ event (except registered & insured disability assistance dogs with accreditation).

Tickets are available via https://nabd.co.uk/ shop3/6-rally-tickets or by phone on 0161 749 7050 (transaction fees apply).

Tickets can also be purchased via the post. Cheques should be made out to ‘NABD’ and sent to: NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Manchester, M41 7TE. (Please enclose an A5 stamped & addressed envelope for return)

For further ongoing information see: https://www. facebook.com/events/496866025599749/

* Though this will be the Last Ever You’ve Been Nabbed Rally, the NABD will continue going from strength to strength and we will be organising some brand-new events in 2024 (if not sooner).

NB. For further information about why this will be the last You’ve Been Nabbed Rally, see the ‘Chairman’s Chunk’ in this issue of the Open House Magazine.

Rick Hulse - NABD Chairman

Have you had a NABD grant?

We need your help!

You may have noticed a distinct lack of articles in the magazine about the people who have received a NABD grant and modified their transport.

Well, this isn’t a choice from me, or anyone else. It’s because people seem to be reticent about sending us pictures and a few words on their newly adapted steed.

So, if you have received a grant from the NABD over the past 3 years or so please send me a few words and a couple of photos about it. I am in the situation now where I am having to spread out the very few reports we have received, so that we can have at least one in each magazine. But our members would like to hear where their donations are going.

All you need to do is send me a couple of photos, one of you with the bike/trike or whatever, and one of the adaption.

Obviously, the more pictures the better.

3rd PRIZE

They need to be a minimum of 500Kb for publication (so send me the originals, rather than off Facebook or other social media – they compress the pictures to a much lower size).

If you are not up to writing much, just give me a few words explaining why you applied for the grant, what the grant was for and what it has meant to you since getting it. Any information you like. I can then write something for you.

If you’re not sure, or have any questions, just email me and we can talk about it.

Email me at; openhouse@thenabd.org.uk or you can send it all on a disc or something to the office; NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE. (Please no printed pictures or printed documents... I can’t use them!)

Cheers, Vic

FREE BOOZE!

How does FREE entry to YBN 30 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!

ENHANCE YOUR CHANCES

If you had to guess the month of the year that traditionally saw more accidents involving motorcyclists being killed or seriously injured (KSI’s) in the UK, which month would you choose?

Would it be February, when the worst of the winter weather makes travelling on the roads so damned unpleasant?

Perhaps you would choose July when sun is shining and more ‘fair-weather riders’ are out and about, displaying their lack of experience for all the world to see?

Or how about August when the school-run parents are forced to increase their weekly mileage ten-fold on roads they are unfamiliar with, in a desperate bid to entertain their children during the school summer holidays?

Or would it be October when the roads are strewn with wet leaves and lots of people have to get used to travelling to and from work in the twilight hours, or in the dark, once again?

I suppose it should not be too surprising that analysis of the official statistics from 2010-2015 show that the summer months, from June to September, actually see the highest numbers of

motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on UK roads; with August being the highest of all.

The simple fact that there are a lot more motorcycles out on the roads in the summer combined with the fact that people are far more inclined to ride purely for pleasure in the summer months, thus increasing their mileage greatly in comparison with other times of the year, is bound to have some effect on the numbers of motorcyclists involved in road traffic accidents.

I don’t think it would surprise anybody that the same statistical analysis shows the highest amount of serious motorcycle accidents happening at peak times (rush-hours) from Monday to Friday, but it may surprise many to know that the peak time for motorcyclists being killed or seriously injured at weekends is between 11:00am and 1:00pm.

So, where on the main roads do most serious accidents involving motorcyclists happen? Is it at T-junctions or on roundabouts? Could it be at crossroads or on a bend?

In actual fact it would seem that the vast majority happen where there is no junction involved. Roundabouts do tend to see far more serious

accidents than other types of junction but by far the greatest amount of serious accidents involving motorcyclist happen when the motorcycle is simply travelling straight ahead and the vast majority of them happen in broad daylight!

Some of these statistical analysis may come as a surprise to many but surely we all know which age group of motorcyclists are involved the most accidents on main trunk roads and motorways? It has to be the 16-19 year-olds right? Or maybe the 20-25 year-olds, as there are far fewer teenagers getting into biking nowadays, thanks to the ludicrous ‘staged-licensing’ system imposed upon us by the EU?

Again the statistics are something of a revelation. It is actually the 40-54 year-olds that are involved in more accidents than any other age ranges.

Now, hands up all those who just read that and thought to themselves, “Ah yes, it’s those bornagain bikers who haven’t ridden since the 1980’s and now that their kids have all left the coup they have bought themselves a big bike to reclaim a lost youth…”

While I’m sure that ‘Born Again Bikers’ do form part of that statistic, it impossible to say what proportion of it they account for because data relating to how many consecutive years of motorcycle use each rider has had is not collected at present.

However, if my own experience of visiting scores of seriously injured bikers each year, both in my role as Chairman of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) and in my role as an expert witness for the High Court, is anything to go by; inexperienced ‘born again bikers’ only account for a small proportion of the bikers in the 40-54 yearold range who are killed or seriously injured on the roads of the UK.

These statistics, and many others that have been provided via the Highways England Motorcycle Safety Group, of which I am a member, are being used to discern which aspects of motorcycling present the most serious threats to motorcyclists.

In many instances we have identified problems with infrastructure, road furniture, other road users and many other issues beyond the immediate control

of the motorcyclist, but one thing simply cannot be denied and that is, the higher the level of skill a rider has, the better chance he or she will have of avoiding becoming one of these statistics!

The vast majority of bikers, after passing a motorcycle test, simply rely on their own experience to hone their riding skills and obviously experience does count for something, but it has never been easier than it is now to take some formal advanced motorcycle training and to hone your riding skills even more under the guidance of experienced observers/instructors!

For many years a Police-led motorcycle safety initiative called BikeSafe has been providing outstanding advanced motorcycle skills courses around the UK. For further information see: https://bikesafe.co.uk/

The Institute of Advanced Motorists have also been providing advanced motorcycle skills courses for thousands of bikers over many years: For further information see: https://www. iamroadsmart.com/courses/advanced-ridercourse

In more recent times the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) setup a system of advanced rider training based on best practice and improved riding skills. For further information see: https:// www.gov.uk/enhanced-rider-scheme

ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) also provide excellent advanced rider training courses. For further information see: https://www.rospa.com/safety-training/on-road/ advanced/motorcycle-course/

I recommend every biker to take a look at these courses and find the one that best suits you so that you can better avoid becoming one of the KSI statistics of the future.

To quote a phrase I have never forgotten from the mother of a young man who had been killed in a motorcycle accident, “Freedom is not about dying in a ditch at the side of the road!”

Increasing your skill can really enhance your freedom!

Rick Hulse

Sponsor a Barrel of Real Ale or Cider at The 30th You’ve Been Nabbed Rally

Publicise your event, honour a memory, or just for a laugh, have your message featured on a barrel throughout the event! Individuals, clubs, groups, and/or companies can sponsor barrels of real ale or traditionally 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 funof it!

All you have to do is telephone 0161 749 7050 or do it online via https://www.nabd.org.uk/ybn-30/

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 YBN30 Rally will be held at The Royal Cheshire Showground, from 5th-7th May 2023

NORTHERN IRELAND SANTA RUN!

Our rep in Northern Ireland, Alison Winter, sent in a few pics from the annual Santa Run with Diamond Trikes that raises much needed funds for the NABD. Unfortunately it was a bit late for the New Year edition of Open House, but I never like to waste some good pics.

Diamond Trikes enjoyed taking Santa around Northern Ireland again this year to visit children, the elderly and those with a disability. We had great fun with all the elves giving out presents and putting a smile on everyone’s faces.

We would like to thank everyone for their donations for the National Association for Bikers with a Disability so it can continue it’s excellent work. These include; Loughgall Improvement and Development Association; Richmount Sunday School; Derrycarne Community Development Association; Waringstown Church of Ireland and RBL Somme Nursing Home.

Diamond Trikes are looking forward to meeting up with Santa and his elves again later this year.

ROUGH GUIDE TO ADAP

A ROUGH GUIDE TO ADAP

our Due available every article overview of opthe disabilities. the contact or to rear mechanical may with operated stand to

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. More comprehensive details are available on www.nabd.org.uk or from the NABD office: office@thenabd.co.uk

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.

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.

Right Leg: (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)

2. “Crossover” to the right side of the motorcycle

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.

Kliktronic Operating Switches 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.

Kliktronic Operating Switches www.kliktronic.co.uk

Left Leg: (Amputation, reduced / restricted strength / mobility in the knee or the ankle joints):

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.

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):

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. 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)

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.

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):

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.

2.

3.

Kliktronic Operating Switches www.kliktronic.co.uk Kliktronic Operating Switches

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

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

Left-hand throttle

Right-hand thumb throttle

Left-hand thumb brake

4. Left-hand twin levers

5. Left-heel brake

PTATIONS BY RICK HULSE

PTATIONS BY

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

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.

Wheelchair Users & Balance problems: (Bilateral amputation, paraplegia, MS, reduced mobility/strength in legs, balance problems, etc):

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.

transmission, with Yamaha transmission DN01, Honda

www.trikeshop.co.uk and/or www.trikedesign.co.uk and/or www.boomtrikes.co.uk and/or www.rewacotrikes.co.uk

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:

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

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.

K-lever2 operation detail www.klever2.com

3. Right With a hand recommend quality When handlebar keep handlebar amputees, specially handlebar However importance connected If you you from than what dangerous Both are Wheelchair problems: (Bilateral paraplegia, mobility/strength balance With obvious which “third the or a In the combos utilise has controls”. manufacturers specialised that independent such www.motopodd.com Sidecars www.unitsidecars.co.uk In the preferable manufactured

K-Lever2 twin lever unit www.klever2.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONFOR BIKERSWITHA 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.

NABD “Learner Loaners” are loaned to NABD members specifically for the purpose of training & tests and for no other purpose. Users must provide a copy of a fully comprehensive insurance policy and provisional license prior to delivery.

For further details, please contact: Gordon Hooper (Learner Loaners)

NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE. Tel: 0844 415 4849 Email: office@thenabd.org.uk WebAddress: nabd.org.uk

Tel: 07761 642107 or Email: loaners@thenabd.org.uk

Membership, Merchandise, Adaptation Information, Social Networking, Licensing Issues, Trike Legislation, Insurance Problems, Event Information, Adaptation Kits, VAT Exemptions, Vehicle Tax Exemptions, Learner/Loaner Bikes, Event Tickets, Training & Test Advice. IT’S ALL AVAILABLE ONLINE...

The NABD Website: www.nabd.org.uk

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheNABD

Facebook Page for A�liated Clubs: www.facebook.com/groups/212678039073921

Facebook page for NABD Supporters in Northern Ireland: www.facebook.com/bikers4bikers

Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TherealNABD

The NABD Online Shop: www.thenabd.co.uk

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

•BITTER & 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

•HIGHLAND CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB

•HILLBILLIES MCC

•INTERNATIONAL LAVERDA OWNERS CLUB

•JAWA CZ OWNERS CLUB OF GB & ERIE

•KAOS 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

Lord Rotherwick

Member of the House of Lords and biker (pictured here with his son Gus)

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

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

Treasurer

National Secretary

Rep’s Liaison

PR/Information

Webmaster

A liated Clubs Liaison

Learner/Loaners

National Stall Manager

National Stall Assistant

Research

Fundraising Coordinator

ENGLAND

Ashton Under Lyne - Tameside Kel Power 07715 350 706 kelpower.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Derby

Dave Jackson 07487 888 622

Dorchester

Ashley Tandy 07771 750 383 ashleytandy.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Durham

Michelle Straughan 07739 902805 chelle.straughan@gmail.com

Hinckley – Leicestershire

Ross Lockett 07812 657 680 rosslockett.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Horncastle - Lincolnshire

Steve Ayres 07843 137979 steveayres.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Liverpool

Rosie Brown 07403 411968 hole_lotta_rosie13@yahoo.co.uk

London - E11

Steve Wilton 07917 127414 stevewilton.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Loughborough - Leicestershire

Grayham Johnson 07729 638 886 jhnsngrhm@yahoo.co.uk

Ian Taylor

John Byrne

Tina Slesser

Ross Lockett

John Lysons

Simon Freedman

Mark Mayo

Gordon Hooper

Phil Morris

Alma Caviaciuti

Derek Durham

Ross Lockett

National non-committee administrative positions: Memberships

Rally Secretary

Arbitrator

Archivist

Projects Co-ordinator

Tracey Tynan

Tina Slesser

Pauline Chaplin

Gren Russell

Stuart Gregory

Open House Editor Vic Hawkes

NABD Sta

O ce Manager

Julie Williams

A liated Business Liaison Kevin Rogers

NABD REPRESENTATIVES

NORTHERN IRELAND

Manchester

Brian Wadsworth 07792 089 619 brianwadsworth.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Poole - Dorset

Helene Gallimore 07824 772 167 helenegallimore.rep@thenabd.org.uk

She eld - South Yorkshire

Stuart Gregory 07974 150 957 stuartgregory.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Shipley - West Yorkshire

Dan Girling 07368 161 608

Somerset

Andy Arnott andyarnott.rep@thenabd.org.uk

St Ives - Cornwall

Sean Farrell 07936 153 390 seanfarrell.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Sta ordshire

Sue Bocking 07970 429 949 s uebocking.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Warrington

Eddie Hancock 07872 929 869 eddiehancock.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Warminster - Wiltshire

Phillip Arbon philiparbon.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Wellingborough - Northamptonshire

Dave Haswell 07895 694287

Portadown (Co Armagh)

Alison Winter 07916 142 618 alisonwinter.rep@thenabd.org.uk

WALES

Chirk - Clwyd Tev Thomas 07584 449 483 tevthomas.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Mid Glamorgan

Ian Heyes iianheyes.rep@thenabd.org.uk

SCOTLAND

Cowdonbeath, Fife Tomo Thomson 07540 422919 squaddie1968@gmail.com

Isle of Arran

Duncan Maceira 07986 997342 duncan.maceira@gmail.com

Edinburgh

Alan Russell 01316 237 124 alanrussell.rep@thenabd.org.uk

GOLD AFFILIATED BUSINESSES

AAA MotorcycleTraining Ltd

Amanda & Dean, Compound 4, Saxon Business Park, Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire. CB6 1XX

Tel: 07384 746025 or 07787 125667

Email: aaamct@outlook.com

www.aaamct.co.uk

Bucklemania

Mike Gregory, 210Wessex Court, De-HavillandWay, Stanwell, Staines-On-Thames, Middlesex.TW19 7JL

Tel: 07568 703387 Email: mikebuckham0416@gmail.com

DiamondTrikes

DerekWinter, 38 Grange Road, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 4JD

Tel: 028 388 52635xx

www.diamondtrikes.co.uk

Principal Insurance Ltd

Matt Byrne, Dalton House, Dane Road, Sale, Manchester, M33 7AR

Tel: 0161 972 2597 or 0808 178 0181

Email: xinfo@principalinsurance.co.uk

www.principalinsurance.co.uk

Belonga Mick

Mick Manchester, Les Brouillons, Bethines, 86310, France

Tel: 07970 371063 Email: Belongamick@email.fr

www.Belongamick.com

Dedicated biker accommodation in France

Casarva Ltd

Steve Read, 16 Axis Park, Manasty Road, Orton, Southgate, Peterborough. PE2 6UP

Tel: 01733 234942 Email: info@casarva.co.uk

www.casarva.co.uk

Trike Manufacturers,Trike Kits, Conversions and Adaptations

Mulderrigs (Solicitors)

Paul Mulderrig, 72 Bank Street, Rawtenstall, BB4 8EG

Tel: 0800 052 3693

www.mulderrigs.co.uk

Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel. Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Trike Design LTD

Hank, Unit 2A, Ponty Gwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly, CF83 3HU

Tel: 02920 880885

www.trike-design.co.uk

Trike Builders, Custom & Adaption Engineers

BoomTrikes Ltd

White Bear Marina, Park Road, Adlington, Chorley, PR7 4HZ

Tel: 01257 806045 Mob: 07866549884

www.boom-trikes.co.uk

Trike Builders, Custom and Adaption Engineers

Datum MotorcycleTrikes Ltd

Tony Clack, Unit 2A Merrivale Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1DU

Tel: 01837 53658 or 07590 299850

Email: datummotorcycletrikesltd@gmail.com

www.datummct.com

PHAB

JanineWilliams, Summit House, 50Wandle Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1DF

Tel: 020 8667 9443 Email: info@phab.org.uk

www.phab.org.uk

Trikeshop

Bev Meredith, Unit 10,Waterside Business Park, LambyWay,

Tel: 02920 369420 Email: info@trikeshop.co.uk

www.trikeshop.co.uk

Trike Manufacturers,Trike Kits, Conversions and Adaptations

Bob / Keith,

Kliktronic LTD

BRONZE AFFILIATED BUSINESSES

Belfast DJ’s Don Anderson, 18 HornWalk, Belfast, BT11 9NG

Tel: 02890 289021 or 07790 296461

Email: anderson_don@hotmail.com

www.nidjs.com

The DeJaVu Roadshow

Steven Osborne, 382 Bourne Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3LL

Tel: 01775 711874 Email: dejavuroadshow@hotmail.co.uk

www.dejavuroadshow.co.uk

J. Byrne Ltd

65 Old Road, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 9DH

Tel: 0161 344 1175

www.jbyrnelimited.co.uk

RewacoTrikes UK LTD

Maria Lodge, 3 New Green Cottages, Newmans End, MatchingTye, Harlow, Essex. CM17 0QX Tel: 01279 730695

www.rewacotrikesuk.co.uk

THE BIKER GUIDE

Website for bikers

Email: info@thebikerguide.co.uk

www.thebikerguide.co.uk

Fatbob Crafts

Tony Fulton, 58 RomanWay, Godmanchester, Cambs. PE29 2RW

Tel: 07495 901012 Email: enquiries@fatbobcrafts.co.uk www.fatbobcrafts.co.uk

Karmenz BikeTraining

Karl Menzel, Billing GardenVillage,The Causeway, Northampton. NN3 9EX

Tel: 01604 402444 Email: karl@karmenzbiketraining.com ww w.karmenzbiketraining.com

Union Leisurewear Ltd

Sandra, c/o: Flexispace Business Centre, Old Hall Street, Middleton. M24 1AG Tel: 0161 877 7780

Custom Paints Ltd

Saj Khan, 3 Norfolk Bridge Court,Warren Street, Tel: 01142 752187 Email: saj@custompaints.com

www.custompaints.com

Foxylady Reborn

DianeVane, Sunnyside Cottage, Metherinham Lane, Dunston, Lincolnshire, LN4 2EU

Tel: 07541 502197 Email: foxylady1960@live.com

www.foxyhatsncrafts.co.uk

Parkitt Performance Motorcycle Racing Unit 4, AshvaleWorkshops, Ashvale Road,Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. NG22 0JY Tel: 07530 928314

www.parkittracing.co.uk

WyrdTony Pagan Armour & Jewellery Tony Bunch, 43 Deepdale Crescent, Cowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne,Tyne &Wear. NE5 3HQ Tel: 0191 286 6004 Email: fat.tonys@outlook.com

“Servicewasexcellent”

KBoules- SuttonColdfield

“Brilliant”

VThompson- Bacup

“Veryefficientcasehandling”

SHooper- Bury

“Helpful explanations, good sound advice– woulduseyouagain andrecommendyouanytime”

JKenney-Maidstone

“Easytounderstandexplanations givenalongwithgreatsympathy andcare”

AChattle- Manchester

“Extremelysatisfiedby howyouhelpedus”

SDunn-Rawtenstall

“Thankyousomuchforthe brilliantservice youprovided and all the help and informationyou gavemethroughout”

JUrmston-Maidstone

“Staffareacredittoyour company– case handled superbly– fantastic, thank you”

JWood- Kent

“Camebacktoyouagain–speaksforitself”

PHarlow-Waterfoot

“Nothingbutpraisefor yourefficiency”

MScholes- Burnley

“Everythingwasexplainedso easilyandingood,cleardetail”

ENicholson- Rossendale