Below knee amputation
05-18-2010 | 10:52 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
Below knee amputation
Hey guys, I lost my leg back in October due to a bad accident and after fighting tissue and bone infections I am just finally starting to get back on my two feet(literally). I just got my first prosthetic two days ago and will start physical therapy next week. And now that it is riding weather, I am really itching to get back on the bike. I am curious if anyone out there is or knows someone that is a left below knee amputee that still rides? I am not real sure how I will shift the bike without having my left leg. I will have a prosthetic but the ankle is rigid, so it might be hard to get the foot under the shift lever. They make kits that you can install to shift with your hand, but with being in grad school plus the price of prosthetics and physical therapy, I really can't afford it. Which leaves me to somehow modify the shift lever so I can still shift with the prosthetic. So if anyone has ideas or knows what I can do(remember I am a poor grad student), I would really appreciate the suggestions. Thanks!
Dan
Dan
05-18-2010 | 11:11 PM
#2
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,451
From: San Clemente, CA
I don't have any answers to the question about shifting. But have you heard of Reggie Showers? I don't know if he's still racing, but he raced ProStock Bike (Drag Racing) for some time, and he's a double amputee. He lost both his legs below the knee as the result of an electrocution accident in a train yard when he was a teen. That didn't stop him.
You've obviously got lots of courage, and that is to be admired. I'm sure you can work out the shifting problem.
By the way, old Bultacos and some other European bikes had right hand shifters.
You've obviously got lots of courage, and that is to be admired. I'm sure you can work out the shifting problem.
By the way, old Bultacos and some other European bikes had right hand shifters.
05-18-2010 | 11:30 PM
#3
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,934
From: altoona, pa
I don't know but when i get on my bike tomorrow, i'll try shifting with a rigid ankle. It seems like it can be done, but will require a little extra thigh strength. How thin is your prosthetic? can you turn it side to side? you might have to modify the end of your shifter if you can't alter your prosthetic. I saw guys running as in track events, jumping as in basketball, but they had two prosthetics, one for walking and one for sports. I'm sure it can be done with a little creativity and maybe some help from members or others. I'll get back to ya.
05-19-2010 | 02:18 AM
#5
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,707
From: Essex, UK
Hi,
I know a chap here in the UK who works for the NHS who rides without a right leg . Lost it after a minor crash broke his femur and severed the nerve in his leg - as the leg was useless he elected to have it amputated above the knee and replaced with a prosthetic one. He uses a mini handlebar brake unit for the rear brake.
http://forum.disabledbiker.co.uk/
Left leg disability
Left Leg below the knee (BK) discussion
http://forum.disabledbiker.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4035
I know a chap here in the UK who works for the NHS who rides without a right leg . Lost it after a minor crash broke his femur and severed the nerve in his leg - as the leg was useless he elected to have it amputated above the knee and replaced with a prosthetic one. He uses a mini handlebar brake unit for the rear brake.
http://forum.disabledbiker.co.uk/
Left leg disability
With the advent of the (Kliktronic) solenoid operated gear change system, adapting the gear change has been much simplified. The Kliktronic kit is an easy to fit mechanism, which operates the gear change by way of a pair of small push buttons mounted on the handlebars. This system operates off the bikes existing electrical set-up so you do not have the problems of recharging etc that are involved with pneumatic (air-shifter) systems. Though the Kliktronic is by far the most popular form of gear change adaption, there are other ways of doing it.
Using a mechanical linkage (either internal or external) the gear pedal can be re-sited to the right side of the machine (though this may reverse the operating direction).
Another method is to use a left-hand twist grip and twin cable system to operate a modified gear pedal (this does tend to require a lot of regular adjustment to compensate for cable stretch).
1. Electronic push button gear-changer (1" and 7/8" bars)
2. Crossover linkage to right side of bike
3. Twin cable twist grip on left side of bars
For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simply addition of a hand operated lever or moving it to the right side. There is an electric side stand adaption available from Suffolk Trikes, 01539242100, they also do a twin lever kit and left hand throttle.
If you require any info on adaptions please look at our web site http://www.nabd.org.uk under the adaptions section where you will find plenty of advice on what can be done to adapt a bike or trike.
Using a mechanical linkage (either internal or external) the gear pedal can be re-sited to the right side of the machine (though this may reverse the operating direction).
Another method is to use a left-hand twist grip and twin cable system to operate a modified gear pedal (this does tend to require a lot of regular adjustment to compensate for cable stretch).
1. Electronic push button gear-changer (1" and 7/8" bars)
2. Crossover linkage to right side of bike
3. Twin cable twist grip on left side of bars
For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simply addition of a hand operated lever or moving it to the right side. There is an electric side stand adaption available from Suffolk Trikes, 01539242100, they also do a twin lever kit and left hand throttle.
If you require any info on adaptions please look at our web site http://www.nabd.org.uk under the adaptions section where you will find plenty of advice on what can be done to adapt a bike or trike.
http://forum.disabledbiker.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4035
Last edited by Wicky; 05-19-2010 at 02:41 AM.
05-19-2010 | 02:42 AM
#6
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 677
From: Rancho Cordova, California
If nothing else you could probably install a two way shifter. This would allow you to shift by pushing down on either end of the shifter depending on up or downshifting. It would probably work as you can shift down by pushing down on the front and up by pushing down on the back.
05-19-2010 | 03:16 AM
#7
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 667
From: NY State
First off - you are definately a cool dude!
As for shifting, what about some sort of shift kit simply to make shifting easier? Some HDs have 2-way pedals like Rancho was mentioning. So did the old Honda Trail-90, the sort of trail bike,
Alternatively, there are a couple of old automatics that might be fun to fix up, remember the Honda CB750A? My friend had one - it was neat. My brother's old Norton had a right side shifter, as I think many of the British bikes did
.
Keep us posted, you will get this worked out - thanks! JB
As for shifting, what about some sort of shift kit simply to make shifting easier? Some HDs have 2-way pedals like Rancho was mentioning. So did the old Honda Trail-90, the sort of trail bike,
Alternatively, there are a couple of old automatics that might be fun to fix up, remember the Honda CB750A? My friend had one - it was neat. My brother's old Norton had a right side shifter, as I think many of the British bikes did
.
Keep us posted, you will get this worked out - thanks! JB
Last edited by residentg; 05-19-2010 at 03:24 AM.
05-19-2010 | 06:15 AM
#8
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 388
From: Muskego,WI
PM YTKINWI as he has a artifical leg. he may be able to give you some guidance if needed.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=16891
best of luck to you in a speedy and safe recovery.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=16891
best of luck to you in a speedy and safe recovery.
05-19-2010 | 07:12 AM
#10
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,934
From: altoona, pa
wow beerman, you're getting a bunch of good suggestions. I guess i don't have to do my test.
I am thinking that if you're prosthetic ankle is unable to bend, it may be difficult to use the heel/toe shifter idea which also seems a bit cumbersome to me. But looking at the corner bracket screwed on the boot in the pics gave me an idea. Jamie Daugherty makes sturdy shifters, so he may be able to fab my idea: that is, use his shifter arm with a reversed "C", in lieu of the little ****, welded or preferably made from billet, that would serve as a boot holder. This reversed "C", the opening facing outward away from the engine/trans case so that you could simply move your foot in from the side when your ride. If you want to move the shifter up, merely raise you leg a bit, if you want to push down, simply push down. The reversed "C" would allow you to move your leg sideways to the left to put your foot down at stops. The "C" would be part of the shifter, so it wouldn't interefere with walking and/or traction when you get off the bike.
It likely will require ergonomic alterations or adjustments to the bars, pegs, and shifter position, but it seems the least intrusive, and you will not have to move your foot out and in to get below and above the shifter. You will probably have to move your foot slightly ahead to push the shifter down so that the footpeg desn't stop your down motion, but you'll have plenty of room since you can slide the foot forward and rearward and still stay within the reversed "C" shifter.
Rubbers could be slid onto the open prongs of the "C" (top and bottom) for comfort and to reduce slipping.
If you think this might work, PM Jamie and see how much he'd charge to make one for experimental purposes. i'm sure it would be reasonably priced.
In fact, I would like to try the idea of a reversed "C" as a shifter end instead of the moving my foot over and under. Hey Beerman, maybe we're onto something here.hahaha
I am thinking that if you're prosthetic ankle is unable to bend, it may be difficult to use the heel/toe shifter idea which also seems a bit cumbersome to me. But looking at the corner bracket screwed on the boot in the pics gave me an idea. Jamie Daugherty makes sturdy shifters, so he may be able to fab my idea: that is, use his shifter arm with a reversed "C", in lieu of the little ****, welded or preferably made from billet, that would serve as a boot holder. This reversed "C", the opening facing outward away from the engine/trans case so that you could simply move your foot in from the side when your ride. If you want to move the shifter up, merely raise you leg a bit, if you want to push down, simply push down. The reversed "C" would allow you to move your leg sideways to the left to put your foot down at stops. The "C" would be part of the shifter, so it wouldn't interefere with walking and/or traction when you get off the bike.
It likely will require ergonomic alterations or adjustments to the bars, pegs, and shifter position, but it seems the least intrusive, and you will not have to move your foot out and in to get below and above the shifter. You will probably have to move your foot slightly ahead to push the shifter down so that the footpeg desn't stop your down motion, but you'll have plenty of room since you can slide the foot forward and rearward and still stay within the reversed "C" shifter.
Rubbers could be slid onto the open prongs of the "C" (top and bottom) for comfort and to reduce slipping.
If you think this might work, PM Jamie and see how much he'd charge to make one for experimental purposes. i'm sure it would be reasonably priced.
In fact, I would like to try the idea of a reversed "C" as a shifter end instead of the moving my foot over and under. Hey Beerman, maybe we're onto something here.hahaha
Last edited by nath981; 05-19-2010 at 07:14 AM.
05-19-2010 | 08:06 AM
#11
pragmatic anarchist
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 380
From: Philadelphia, PA
Wow. I actually saw a guy riding one day last summer with a metal tube lower left leg. Had a regular running shoe on and was shifting his sportbike just fine. I really didn't pay attention to his technique or even note the make of bike. I was a bit awestruck, as I am of you. Carry on!
05-19-2010 | 09:02 AM
#12
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 416
From: North Central Indiana
I haven't had any experience with them. But, what about an airshifter? Replace the horn button with the shift button. I'm not sure if you have to run higher rpms or not though....
But I have seen some Gixxers with them installed.
But I have seen some Gixxers with them installed.
05-19-2010 | 09:10 AM
#13
Administrator
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,402
From: Kempner, TX
Having never tried it.. I'm not sure. And as I'm in Atlanta away from my bikes I can not try.... BUT, with some adjustment of the shifter or maybe a custom made one.. I would think you can shift by stepping on, or lifting the shifter with a foot (rigid ankle)
Of course doing this smoothly, without adjusting body position on the bike, knee/leg grip on the tank, ect ect could be difficult.
I'm pretty sure if it was me .. I would be making or buying an electric actuated shifter.. Push button controlled from the bars on the left have side,
Two single action solenoids, or a double action one, some custom brackets and a lever to attach to the shift shaft would do it. A welder and or machinist would be needed to make it look nice, most compact, lightest, etc.. but a good home fab guy could do it as well...
Where are you located?
Of course doing this smoothly, without adjusting body position on the bike, knee/leg grip on the tank, ect ect could be difficult.
I'm pretty sure if it was me .. I would be making or buying an electric actuated shifter.. Push button controlled from the bars on the left have side,
Two single action solenoids, or a double action one, some custom brackets and a lever to attach to the shift shaft would do it. A welder and or machinist would be needed to make it look nice, most compact, lightest, etc.. but a good home fab guy could do it as well...
Where are you located?
05-19-2010 | 09:47 AM
#14
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
I actually ran across a guy Sunday night who rides without a left lower leg.
What he did is build a cross over to the right side for heel up shifting on his BMW GS1200. And actually now sells his solution as a kit. (has sold 7 of them) So you folks are out there. (he can still downshift on left with the prosthetic)
I am sure something similar can be done with the SH.
What he did is build a cross over to the right side for heel up shifting on his BMW GS1200. And actually now sells his solution as a kit. (has sold 7 of them) So you folks are out there. (he can still downshift on left with the prosthetic)
I am sure something similar can be done with the SH.
05-19-2010 | 10:17 AM
#15
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
I really appreciate all the suggestions. I am located in Fort Collins Colorado, if anyone out there lives here and would like to help for cold beverages and food I would appreciate it. I am going to go out to the bike tonight and try and sit on it to see how it feels with my leg. One issue I think I might also have is I am not able to bend my leg more than 90 degrees, not sure if I will be able to even get it on the foot peg. But I will look at it tonight and let you all know what happens. Thanks again!!!!
05-19-2010 | 10:54 AM
#16
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 249
From: Utah
I know a guy who is able to shift with just an adjusted lever. I can pm an email if you like.
Another rider/racer I know has been paralized from the waist down and uses an air shifter. He also has outriggers for when he stops. I can pm you his email if you like.
Amazing people who find ways to just press on, and inspire the rest of us.
Another rider/racer I know has been paralized from the waist down and uses an air shifter. He also has outriggers for when he stops. I can pm you his email if you like.
Amazing people who find ways to just press on, and inspire the rest of us.
05-19-2010 | 03:13 PM
#18
Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 44
From: Essex, uk
Admirable for sure. Good on you. Not quite the same thing, but there's a track day fanatic in the UK that has only one arm, IIRC it's is left so similar issues with the gear change. He is as fast as too. Amazing....
Good luck to you sir
Good luck to you sir
05-19-2010 | 04:35 PM
#20
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
I saw a guy pretty recently that also lost the left leg... He had a setup with two small solenoids... Two small thumbswitches on the clutch side... Up and down... Homebuilt and looked pretty sleek...
05-19-2010 | 05:22 PM
#21
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
VFR1200? It has linked brakes, ABS, you can get it with the automatic/pushbutton tranny. I know money is tight, but there are some great options out there now. Honda also launched some automatic tranny models in other sizes. Anyway it goes, I am sure that there are some people here that will do all they can to help you.
05-19-2010 | 06:33 PM
#22
Member
Squid
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 43
From: Baltimore, MD
My friend rides this... Harley w/ a suicide shifter....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_shifter
but the other suggestions sounded better....
M
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_shifter
but the other suggestions sounded better....
M
05-19-2010 | 09:42 PM
#23
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 18
here's a little insparation for ya man,
this is a local friend of mine, a pro stuntrider he lost his left leg right at the top of his game, had to relearn everything all over again, and now better than ever.
sorry i dont know much about the setup of his bike, but another cool cat that just wont give up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z44w5akXkU
this is a local friend of mine, a pro stuntrider he lost his left leg right at the top of his game, had to relearn everything all over again, and now better than ever.
sorry i dont know much about the setup of his bike, but another cool cat that just wont give up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z44w5akXkU
06-05-2010 | 01:51 PM
#25
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
Update! I rode the bike today! Man it felt great!!!! I adjusted the shifter to go as high up as possible where it would still shift. Then I toed in my foot a little, and then downshifted by pushing my foot down, and upshifted by catching the shifter with the back side of my shoe/foot. It actually worked pretty well. The only problem I had is my foot would sometimes downshift when I was just cruising down the road. It is amazing how different riding is when you don't have feeling in your foot. I really appreciate all the suggestions, I think I am going to ride some more and to get a better idea of how to shift more efficiently. Thanks again for the replies!
06-05-2010 | 02:12 PM
#26
Army Aviation
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 55
From: Colorado Springs. Colorado
Last edited by Firefly; 02-27-2011 at 05:48 PM.
Nice Work!
06-05-2010 | 03:23 PM
#28
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,451
From: San Clemente, CA
Great news beerman!!!
I had a neighbor back in the mid to late '60s who would take off down the street upshifting with the back of his boot. He had a Honda 305 Scrambler, a hot bike at that time. I thought it looked cool, the way he shifted.
I had a neighbor back in the mid to late '60s who would take off down the street upshifting with the back of his boot. He had a Honda 305 Scrambler, a hot bike at that time. I thought it looked cool, the way he shifted.
06-05-2010 | 05:51 PM
#29
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 524
How about a shift lever that has two tips and you place your foot between them.
Then all you have to do is raise or lower your leg.
Should be relatively easy to fabricate.
Send me your shift lever and I'll make you one.
Kai Ju
Then all you have to do is raise or lower your leg.
Should be relatively easy to fabricate.
Send me your shift lever and I'll make you one.
Kai Ju
Last edited by kai ju; 06-05-2010 at 06:13 PM.
06-05-2010 | 07:40 PM
#30
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 233
From: Oxnard, Ca
Glad to hear you are back on a bike after all of that and some of my friends thought it was crazy for me to ride again although I do like the looks when I pull up somewhere and get off the bike walking with a cane.
