Left Arm Disability

There are many types of disabilities that can impair the use of a left arm or hand and affect the ability to operate motorcycle controls. These include:

• Congenital limb abnormality
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Amputation of fingers, hand or arm
• Reduced function in fingers, hand, wrist or arm
• Arthritis
• Traumatic Injury
• Surgical Arthrodesis/Fusion
• Tendinitis
• Hemiplegia
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Functional neurological disorder (FND)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
• Ulnar Nerve Palsy
• Kienböck’s Disease
• Ganglion Cysts
• Chronic Pain in fingers, wrist or arm
• Sarcopenia
• Inability to Sustain Grip Strength
• Cumulative Fatigue in Hand, Wrist or Fingers
  This is not an exhaustive list.

The following solutions address common challenges arising from a broad range of disabilities and conditions.

 

Struggling to Operate a Motorcycle Clutch Control Lever:

If the problem is limited to a difficulty operating the clutch lever, comfortably and efficiently, there is one very cheap and cheerful option that may resolve the issue without resorting to more complex adaptations.

• The Universal Easy Clutch kit (Apico Factory Racing UK).
• Only for cable operated clutches.
• Simple to install inline between the clutch lever and clutch cable.
• Reduces clutch effort by up to 30%.
• Originally for Moto-X, Trials and Enduro bikes, it can also be effective on smaller road bikes (under 400cc).
• Costing less than £25.00, it’s a cheap and easy fix for some.
• For further information: https://apicob2b.co.uk/
  Other brands are available.

 

Unable to Operate Any Form of Clutch Control:

When a condition or disability prevents the operation of any form of clutch control with the left hand, the simplest and most common solution is to transfer the clutch control to the right side of the handlebars utilising a twin lever unit to operate the front brake control and the clutch control.

Twin lever units are an effective adaptation for riders with left arm disabilities, enabling clutch and brake operation with the right hand.  Two leading options are:

The K-Lever2 twin lever unit, (Kliktronic Ltd, Suffolk, UK):

Designed for hydraulic, cable, or mixed systems.  More information: https://www.kliktronic.co.uk/the-k-lever2-clutch-brake-system/

The PFM twin lever unit, (West Performance Ltd, Isle of Man):

Designed primarily for hydraulic systems but compatible with cable systems using an additional 3^rd-party hydraulic to cable adaptation kit.  More information: https://www.pfmbrakes.com/universal-twin-mastercylinder

Both of these units were specifically designed to suit the needs of disabled motorcyclists, using some very elegant precision engineering.

Key Features:

• Dual hydraulic master cylinders in a single block.
• Ergonomic levers for independent or simultaneous operation.
• Single handlebar clamp and hydraulic reservoir.
• Wide range of adjustment to suit the individual.
• Suitable for motorcycles, scooters, trikes, sidecar outfits and quadbikes.
• Compatible with 7/8” or 1″ handlebars.

These units are manufactured to the highest standards and are often supplied via the NABD Adaptation Grants system.

While operating the clutch lever, front brake lever and throttle with one hand may seem challenging, most riders find it becomes quite intuitive after a bit of practice.

Motorcycles with Automatic Transmission:

For riders who are unable to operate a manual clutch control, motorcycles equipped with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions are a practical alternative.

Honda offer a range of models that are available with their excellent Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which allows switching between fully automatic and semi-automatic modes, while eliminating the need for manual clutch operation.

Also, Honda’s newer e-clutch technology, which also removes the requirement for a manual clutch control, is now available on many mid-range and smaller models

Most step-through motorcycles feature automatic transmission, though many have a rear brake lever on the left handlebar, however, this can be adapted to a foot pedal if necessary.

Also, most Electric motorcycles typically have a single ratio transmission, so manual clutch control is not required.

 

Automatic Transmission Conversions:

Automatic transmission conversions are available for a wide range of motorcycles.  Notable providers include:

Rekluse Auto Clutch (Boise, Idaho, USA): Offer a wide range of reliable clutch conversion kits, available from UK distributors:  More Information: https://www.rekluse.com/

EFM Auto Clutch (Rootstown, Ohio, USA): Provide automatic clutch conversions by modifying your existing clutch or modifying a new standard clutch ordered through them*.  More Information: https://efm-auto-clutch.square.site/

* NB.  Orders shipped from the USA to the UK may incur import duty and VAT.  The NABD can assist with exemption paperwork and advice (if contacted before orders are placed with EFM). This service is free for NABD members, with donations welcomed from non-members.

 

Left Hand Switchgear:

Where operating the left-hand switchgear (lights, horn, indicators etc.) is problematic, a common solution is to swap the left-hand and right-hand switch clusters to the opposite handlebar.

The standard right-hand cluster typically contains switches not needed while riding, so it can be mounted on the left handlebar.  Riders can then operate these switches before setting off or after stopping.

 

Steering Stability:

With any disability affecting an arm or hand, we strongly recommend installing a high-quality steering damper, with a good range of adjustment to suit individual needs.

A steering damper counteracts the sudden handlebar movement caused by road defects or unseen objects in the road.

It is important to invest in a reliable and robust steering damper, because cheap low-quality dampers are ineffective and can often make matters worse.

If cost is a concern, the NABD Adaptation Grant system may be able to offer some financial assistance.

 

Prosthetic Terminal Devices:

There are a number of prosthetic terminal devices that are designed to facilitate a connection between a prosthetic arm and a motorcycle handlebar in a safe and constructive way to enable an amputee to maintain an effective and comfortable riding position.

Where there is some residual function in the quadriceps and/or biceps of the upper arm, this connection can also enhance the steering and overall control of the motorcycle.

Some of these terminal devices could potentially be integrated into a motorcycle glove, orthotic device, or even a residual limb protector, to offer a similar benefit to motorcyclists suffering from other disabilities, including:

• Partial paralysis resulting from a Brachial Plexus injury
• Hemiplegia
• Congenital limb abnormality
• Finger loss
• Functional neurological disorder (FND)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
• Ulnar Nerve Palsy

If you believe that a prosthetic terminal device or similar adaptation could help you continue riding, we encourage you to contact us via office@thenabd.org.uk and we will work with you to explore the best options for your individual needs.

1. These terminal devices are all designed to be easily detachable and will not tether motorcycle and rider together in the event of an accident.

I have written a more detailed article on the use of Prosthetic Terminal Devices in motorcycling, which you can find on the NABD website: www.nabd.org.uk.

The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) is dedicated to ensuring that, when it comes to motorcycling, a disability need not be a handicap!

 

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman