| This information should be read in conjunction with the basic ‘Left Leg Disabilities’ or ‘Right Leg Disabilities’ sections on this website.

Motorcycle Stability

• Do not rely solely on your ‘good’ leg for stability, as circumstances may unexpectedly force you to use the prosthetic leg. It only needs to go wrong once!
• Above-knee prosthetics must have a stabilized knee joint that locks securely under pressure; otherwise, there is a risk of overbalancing into traffic.
• Environmental factors like side-draughts from passing trucks can increase the strain on your stabilizing leg. You must be 100% sure your prosthetic leg will remain firmly planted and able to take the strain.
• If you cannot confidently stabilise a motorcycle with your prosthetic leg when stationary (e.g., at traffic lights and junctions), consider switching to a three-wheel adaptation such as a trike or a sidecar outfit for the inherent stability they offer.

Footpeg and Footplate Modifications

• Prosthetic limbs do not provide the sensory feedback or special awareness required for keeping the feet firmly in place on standard footpegs, increasing the risk of the foot slipping off the footpeg and contacting the road surface, with potentially disastrous results.
• Replacing standard footpegs with footplates or footboards that support a larger area of the foot can provide a much safer platform for a prosthetic foot.
• We recommend above-knee amputees to use footplates with a raised heel rim (or a rim around the front, for sport bikes) to prevent the prosthetic foot slipping off the footplate.
• Never secure a prosthetic leg to the motorcycle in a way that prevents natural separation in the event of an accident, as this could greatly exacerbate any injuries incurred.

Side Stand Adaptations

• Standard side stands are generally impossible to operate for riders with a left above-knee amputation.

Common side stand adaptations Include:

• Extend the kick bracket for hand operation.
• Install a mechanical linkage with an operating lever below the tank.
• Fit an electronic actuator (there are no universal kits available yet).

Gear Change Adaptations (left leg):

• Kliktronic Push-Button Gear Changer. https://www.kliktronic.co.uk
• Automatic Transmission Kits. https://www.rekluse.com/
• Automatic Transmission Models.

https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/experience-honda/dual-clutch-transmission.html

https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/experience-honda/e-clutch.html

Rear Brake Adaptations (Right Leg):

• The K-Lever2 twin lever system. https://www.kliktronic.co.uk/the-k-lever2-clutch-brake-system/
• The PFM twin lever system. https://www.pfmbrakes.com/universal-twin-mastercylinder
• Hel Thumb brake system. https://www.helperformance.com/hel-solid-billet-bar-mounted-adjustable-rear-thumb-brake

Windchill:

• The windchill experienced when riding motorcycles can exacerbate the hypersensitivity to cold suffered by many amputees.
• Electrically heated socks and/or trouser liners can help alleviate the windchill experienced when riding motorcycles.

Stabilisers:

• Drop-down stabilisers are not a safe substitute for being able to put your foot down to stabilise a motorcycle. See ‘Motorcycle Stabilisers’ in the FAQ section of this website for further information.

Rick Hulse

NABD Chairman