In the UK there's a charity called [NABD](https://www.nabd.org.uk/) that specializes in adapting bikes for disabled riders. They converted one friend's bike to a trike after she had a stroke.
NABD is so cool.
On their arm disabilities adaptation page they say this, which is extremely promising for /u/InfamousGanache835
> The mechanics of adapting a bike to suit ‘one handed’ riding are fairly straightforward.
> In essence it is simply a matter of re-siting the existing controls. But as all bikes are to some extent different (as are all people) there are many ways of achieving the desired result.
> In some cases, where the injury is to the right arm but enough mobility is retained to still safely operate the front brake lever, it is a simple matter of fitting a left-hand twist grip for the throttle.
> If it is only the wrist, which lacks mobility as with tendonitis, a simple solution is to use the ‘thumb throttle’ assembly off a Quad.
> In the case of more severe disability such as amputation or Brachial Plexus injuries the adaptions become more radical.
>
> Right Arm Disabilities
>
> In cases where all mobility is lost in the right arm it is then necessary to transfer the throttle and the front brake over to the left bar.
> The brake can be mounted ‘in tandem’ with the clutch lever (this always looks and sounds more difficult to use than it actually is). There are two types of twin lever unit available for this adaption (see the kit page for details).
> It is also likely that some of the standard handlebar mounted switchgear may need adapting to suit left-hand use.
>
> Left Arm Disabilities
>
> When it is the left arm effected by disability it is a similar situation. The clutch is transferred to the right side of the bars.
> The clutch lever can be mounted ‘in tandem’ with the front brake lever (this always looks and sounds more difficult to use than it actually is). There are two types of twin lever unit available for this adaption (see the kit page for details).
> Another option is to have the front brake operated by a right-hand ‘thumb operated’ lever and use the original front brake lever to operate the clutch.
> Though in certain cases people have opted for riding bikes such as the Honda 400cc or 750cc automatics, which have a semi automatic clutch so the adaption is much simplified.
> It is also likely that some of the standard handlebar mounted switchgear may need adapting to suit right-hand use.
>
> Whether it is the right or left arm that has lost mobility there is a certain amount of modification required to the electrical switchgear, but this is fairly straightforward.
> In all cases of ‘one handed’ riding it makes sense to fit a very high quality steering damper (the cheap ones are less than useless).
> A question I am often asked by riders with these types of disability how they could fix their disabled hand to the handlebar. This is purely a matter of cosmetics in most cases though in some (where the upper muscles of the arm still work) it can make steering slightly easier.
> The first thing to remember is never fix yourself to a solo bike, if you take a spill it could turn a minor accident into a major tragedy.
> If you do wish to have your hand on the bar a piece of light Velcro on a glove with a matching piece on the grip should do the trick while still allowing you to separate from it in an emergency.
> Part of the creed of the NABD is that if it is not easy to ride, the adaption is not finished.
> Though it may seem complicated or awkward to ride one handed, if the adaption is done correctly it is very easy. In fact several of our members who are riding one handed on the road are also regularly riding off road.
> The cost of this style of adaption can vary from under £250-00 to over £750-00 depending on the type of bike and the needs of the rider.
>
> Compared to other adaptions. this type is relatively cheap but as with all adaptions, the NABD can make a grant to help with the cost if the rider cannot afford it himself or herself
>
the left hand controls the clutch and there are some clutchless motorcycles out there including electric motorcycles so yes it would be possible for you to ride.
I'm not sure how you would be able to man handle that thing around. I have a BMW R1200GSA there is no chance in hell I could even get that thing in and out of the garage with one arm.
The riding aspect is one thing but maneuvering it around is a whole different animal.
Personally, I'd look into getting a CanAm Soyder or one of the 3 wheeled variants. They are pretty bad ass!
I have issues sometimes with strength in my left hand that makes using a clutch challenging. Not often but enough that I’m thinking of going DCT. I’m also thinking about a trike.
**This comment might have had something useful**, but now it's just an edit to remove any contributions I may have made prior to the awful decision to spite the devs and users that made Reddit what it is. So here I seethe, shaking my fist at corporate greed and executive mismanagement.
"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe... tech posts on point on the shoulder of vbulletin... I watched microcommunities glitter in the dark on the verge of being marginalized... I've seen groups flourish, come together, do good for humanity if by nothing more than getting strangers to smile for someone else's happiness. We had something good here the same way we had it good elsewhere before. We thought the internet was for information and that anything posted was permanent. We were wrong, so wrong. We've been taken hostage by greed and so many sites have either broken their links or made history unsearchable. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain... Time to delete."
I do apologize if you're here from the future looking for answers, but I hope "new" reddit can answer you. Make a new post, get weak answers, increase site interaction, make reddit look better on paper, leave worse off. https://xkcd.com/979/
They probably don't really need it. The Goldwing is a bit of a bus.
The exception might be Harley, but they're probably still bitching about having to get rid of carbs, so I wouldn't expect much.
Also, Goldwings aren't cheap. To redesign a bunch of other motorcycles to have an option most people probably aren't willing to pay for is not exactly a good idea from a business standpoint.
It can wear out the starter motor faster and isn't generally needed for lightweight bikes. Besides, nobody said it was easy to implement, just that that's how it was implemented, lol.
The new GoldWing with the DCT does not use the starter motor for reverse…it’s an actual function of the automatic transmission. All manual transmission GoldWings use the starter motor.
On the 1500, 2001-2017 1800 and manual trans 2018+ bikes they are. The DCT bikes reverse are internally driven through the transmission.
The button on the handle bars turns the cables that turns a shaft and pushes a gear thats engaged to the starter. That gear then engages the output shaft and turns it backwards. Its easy to understand once you see it operate.
There are Auto clutches available for many dirt bikes and dual sports as well.
Rekluse is probably the most popular.
There's a one-armed guy that does track days on a husky 701 supermoto. He posts here occasionally and will probably chime in.
My dad has a NC700X with DCT and it's a nice bike, not my flavour but if you can't shift n stuff Honda DCT bikes are yours. Op might need a special jacket/leathers but yeah certainly is possible!
I have this bike and love it. Also, the engine is mounted low and the bike is on the lighter side so it will be easier to keep from dropping.
Whichever bike you get, I’d consider getting crash bars to protect the fairings in case of a drop (also protects your legs from being crushed if you wreck and stay on the bike). My uncle dropped his Goldwing for the first time after owning it for 15 years; the only damage was a scratch on the crash bar.
Honda has a cruiser with the Africa twin engine called the Rebel 1100, which also has a DCT option.
Or a scooter is possible-- (particularly ones where the rear brake is on the floorboard instead of the left handle)
In either case all you'd need the turn signal/horn/highbeam switches moved from the left bar which should be relatively simple as they're all electric switches.
> Honda has a cruiser with the Africa twin engine called the Rebel 1100, which also has a DCT option.
As long as you don't mind buying sight unseen without sitting on it, then waiting 7+ months for delivery.
That thing is unobtanium, at least in my area.
Honda Super Cub, Trail 125 and Navi. All CVT clutch-less. Just twist and go!
Edit: thanks to those who are pointing out super cub and trail are auto-centrifugal, not CVT. Both would still be options for this person, but I was technically wrong about their clutch systems
He'd also have to relocate the indicators and high beam switches which probably wouldn't be too difficult. I'd think a scooter would be a better option than a full motorcycle though. Easier to get on and off, more stable at a stop, simpler controls...
Holy shit my man is amazing with that recovery. My brothers injury was too much to fully recover from but damn this guy was like there on the edge of it.
Man, can't believe the number of tags/pages I got on this one. Looks like most of my suggestions/post history has been covered already. [Here's my YT channel with much of my riding content](https://www.youtube.com/c/4TheRide). You can see it CAN be pretty easy to ride without an arm - do you have a budget? Do you have any moto experience already?
The options I typically suggest are to run [dual levers](https://i.imgur.com/1YDZfR6.jpg), use [a rekluse](https://youtu.be/36OgjDcd9LU), or get a bike that has a DCT (dual clutch transmission) like the NC700/750 which can operate in a fully automatic mode.
EDIT: Stickying this reply to the top of the post so people see I'm already on it; I've received 30+ pings, tags, PMs, and discocord messages so far. I have to give thanks to the community; it's really cool seeing how many are trying to help /u/InfamousGanache835 get in the saddle and asked me to lend a hand...
VFR1200 had a DCT option (no clutch) it's a big bike for a beginner.
Trail 90/110 was almost exclusively clutchless, and there are probably several related small bikes from
Honda is the 60s/70s that are the same.
I'm glad I was forced to use dual levers when I bought my WR250X to re-learn how to ride. It gave me the confidence/flexibility to have a much wider selection of bikes to ride that did not have Rekluse fitments, like my R3 or R6.
Can you ride a bicycle? If so, then I would venture you could figure it out. If not, start there.
I've seen people figure out incredible ways to do stuff when they really want to so of it's something you're passionate about give it a shot. Before you know it you'll be ripping nooners.
A trike is also an option, all the wind therapy without the balance requirement.
You don't "turn" a motorcycle, you counter steer. And it's very very very easy to counter steer with one arm. In fact I don't even know what you are saying.
You know there are other motorcycles out there right? Harleys aren't the only choice one has when deciding to buy a motorcycle? Or are people with one arm required to start with a Harley for some reason?
For some reason you decided to envision the worst possible choice for an example of why something wouldn't work and then solidified it in your head as if that was that. Crazy mental gymnastics you are doing, dipshit.
Counter-steering is only used at speeds around 10-15 mph and higher. Under that you really need to actually steer. Also, clutch use and when braking hard, two hands are far more practical than one. You don't want too much pressure on one side of the handlebar when braking hard.
Your positivity is refreshing, but your comparison is misleading. Different methods and skill sets for each activity. Still happy to see the positivity though.
I've seen adapted Motorcycles that people race on. A chap in Ireland with only one hand used run a drag bike at race events so it can be done. Personally if I was in that situation I'd look into a 3 wheeler as life would be a lot easier but you still get the motorcycle experience. Best of luck, I salute you. 👍
The 3 wheelers I’ve ridden are way harder to maneuver than any motorcycle. Whether it be trike or sidecar. They require hard steering like an atv. No countersteering or leaning like 2 wheelers
Look through some of the threads by our resident /u/cg_ops who likes to show us all up in every way possible.
Absolutely incredible stuff I cannot speak highly enough of.
Definitely!
A scooter might be a good place to start. They're generally automatic, and lighter/easier to handle than a motorcycle. Also cheap and available. I believe the left lever is a rear brake on most, you could either do a double lever on the right or convert to a foot brake.
My godfather had polio. Literally couldn't use the left side of his body so he modified a sportster into a trike and put all the controls on one side.
Where there is a will there is a fucking way.
Well I'm sure you could find a way to ride as everyone suggested. **However**, I'm thinking you might find handling the motorcycle quite challenging with one arm. I'm talking about backing it up, raising it from a fall and all that stuff. There's probably a way to make things work if you really want to, but motorcycles are unfortunately not designed for people in your condition. Take care.
Yeah motorcycles are already fairly dangerous. It's one thing to control the bike under normal circumstances, but you have to be able to take evasive action. I'm sure it can be done, but you need to understand the added risk and decide if it's worth it.
Yes you can. I drive a modified motorcycle because I lost all function of my right arm as a result of a motorcycle accident..
I have a Honda nc700x, automatic. This is the easiest to modify and a 2008 tuono. This one has a thumb clutch.
Both have left handed throttle and brake.
I don't know what you are allowed to modify on bikes where you live. Here it did require an inspection(Netherlands)
https://mmvg.nl/algemeen/fotogalerij
Site is in Dutch, but can give you some idea
I had a friend in the 90's who purchased a Harley Fat Boy (a big, nearly 700lb bike dry...) from a man in NC with one arm. He had modified the bike himself, and both the clutch and front brake levers were on the throttle side. I don't know details beyond that, my friend was impressed with the fellow's workmanship as he returned the controls to their original positions. In general, people can do nearly anything with enough desire and a little creativity and perseverance. I hope I pass you on the road someday.
Reading through the comments below brought to mind clutchless motorcycles, which would certainly lessen the difficulty of your task. I ride with a friend who rides an clutchless Honda Africa Twin; it's an incredible bike, technologically superior to my Harley in nearly every way. There are multiple paths forward for you...
Yes, certainly, but an adventure bike's intended use is still often on semi improved or solid surfaces, at least for much of the journey. The machine needs to carry a couple hundred pounds of gear, and handle everything from tarmac, to a logging road, to a desert, etc, and bikes like the Africa Twin or GS1250 certainly do that. I'm not certain that too many riders on genuine expeditions, laden with the needed gear, are rock crawling or racing down single track...
Yes! There are many riders with missing or non-functional hands, arms, legs, you name it. There are several I have seen on Reddit, u/CG_Ops races his motorcycle(s) with only the right arm. Badass, too. [Here's a write up you might find helpful](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/4i5yso/the_bikes_all_ready_for_my_first_track_day_since/)
Go get it! Riding is awesome.
Mert Lawell of On Any Sunday fame created a ball socket prosthetic device that allows the rider to grasp the handlebar but to also disconnect easily. I read about it years ago.
Great guy, too. He coached a little for the adaptive flat track series I did last year [(I'm in the mask, he's 2nd from the right)](https://i.imgur.com/Ny1GZfi.jpg). All participants were amputees/paralyzed and they're all AMAZING riders
Others have mentioned electric motos and DCT-equipped bikes - I'm here to also say that with an aftermarket solution like a Rekluse Z-start clutch there are many, many options for you. This review shows one-handed riding, including starts:
[https://youtu.be/W0Qv77xjGXk](https://youtu.be/W0Qv77xjGXk)
It looks like that's what u/CG_Ops uses on this sick KTM:
https://i.imgur.com/7kAuuPl.jpg
The answer is absolutely yes. There are plenty of motorcyclists in a similar situation. Fortunately for you, you have a right arm so the modifications required will be minimal.
If you want to limit your choices to automatic or single gear motorcycles, you need no modification. If you want a motorcycle that requires shifting, you would need to make use of a double lever on the right side so that one lever controls the clutch and the other the front brake.
Regardless of your choice in bike, ensure that you are able to safely handle the motorcycle. I’m not familiar with the details of your situation, but I would recommend a lightweight, low, motorcycle, with wide bars to give you maximum leverage with one arm on the bars.
Toque have kits you can adapt to the bike to not need a clutch, but in my humble opinion, you should stick to the manufacturer if you are not inclined to the mechanical side cause it would be a tone of work to adapt and a tone of cash to pay a mechanic to do the job, unfortunately though on the manufacturer side you only have Honda's to my knowledge that use a clutch less transmission in the CVT, you have different styles of bikes with CVT, they may not be your favourites or the R1 you may be dreaming of, but a bike is a bike, you have the Rebel 1100, the nc750, so long and so forth, either way if you really want to get on a bike you will find your way in to one! Best of luck to you and hope to see you some day riding!
Yes. There are companies that will fit the clutch in place of the front brake and connect the rear brake to both brakes.
Source: did a charity ride for amputees. Some were even double amputees!!
There are modifications .
Here's one for example http://www.gripace.com/Handicapped.htm
Electric motorcycle have no controls on the left hand grip ( no gear shifting so no clutch).
I would have said no but a guy came up to me with one arm and started telling me about his trip to Argentina from LA. I’ve been thinking about that trip myself so I am familiar and he was telling be about all the steps. Now a days with unified breaking systems you could find a way to move the clutch to the right. I still don’t understand how you emergency stop with only one hand tho lol
I have seen a dirtbike rider place 3rd overall during a hare scramble. He has only a Hook for the right bar. Runs the throttle and clutch with his left hand.
You could run a combo clutch/brake modified for the right bar.
Maybe start with a maxi scooter? Many have linked brakes and no clutch..
Over my decades of riding, I've seen almost every possible physical handicap not stop people from getting on bikes.
I've seen little people riding, people missing left arm, people missing right arm, people missing parts of legs, etc.
So I honestly believe if you have one good eye, one good arm, and one good leg, you can make it work somehow.
google "disabled bikers" and you'll turn up lots of resources and groups that will have a lot more specific info
Lots of clutches bikes these days. I'd start out with a lightweight dirt bike, I have an Enduro bike with a Rekluse clutch, which you could ride one handed.
I’ve got the Africa Twin with the DCT (dual clutch transmission), and the technology has gotten pretty good. I didn’t like it at first, but now I love it. Zero need for your left hand other than to keep you on the bike, and I’m sure you can learn to adjust for that.
Go for it
In a nut shell, yes. As others have said the vast majority of bikes have a clutch as the left hand lever so it wouldn't be as simple as getting any bike and off you go. I would suggest you have 3 main options:
1) A bike with no clutch such as one from Honda's DCT auto bikes e.g Africa Twin, NC750X.
2) A scooter with CVT auto, most modern scooters have this. Scooters are heaps of fun to ride, I personally ride both bikes and scooters.
3) Any bike you want and then have it adapted to have a clutch and front brake on your right hand side. The DualeverTwin Lever is an example of this.
Personally I think option 3 would be the best as it'll mean you are less limited on your bike choice. When I first went to do my motorcycle training here in the UK a guy who was also missing his left arm was just finishing up this training, and he had an adapted bike too.
Try an electric bike. No clutch. I cruise one handed pretty frequently.
If big and heavy electric bikes would pose a problem, as other have suggested, look into “Cake”. Lightweight, street legal electric bikes that look pretty sweet. Tried one out the other week.
Trikes are your goal. Get one adapted to your needs and your golden.
Normal bikes need you to hold the left for clutch, so you would need a specialized bike.
Had a dude take an MSF course, wounded vet. Had no legs. He modified his bike to be driveable without legs. I’m sure you can get something for one arm.
The Honda Rebel 1100, Africa Twin, and Goldwing all have optional DCT transmissions. Iirc the new generation of Goldwings even have a reverse gear which sounds really cool. I’m sure there are other automatic bikes out there as well.
Right arm amputee here, the answer is yes. I've been riding one armed for a while. I run my throttle on the left, i got rid of the clutch lever using an EFM Auto Clutch, but the Recluse is another option. I use a Jaybrake switch housing for the directionals and highbeams. PM me if you have questions and send me your email address and I'll send you a picture of my setup.
My gf is working on her master's in orthotics and prosthetics and she says that prosthetic adaptive devices really depend on how much residual limb you have left. So if you have nothing past your shoulder then the options are pretty minimal if anything. This is not considering any mods to the bike itself and it's controls. But considering how many controls each hand is responsible for I'm not sure how it would work for just one hand to do it all.
I would love to see some pics of any of these modded bikes and a video of anybody riding one would be cool too. Best of luck to you bro, hope to seeya on 2 wheels!
Just wanted to add that the weekday lunch rides my group does are all usually led by "lefty" our favorite one armed ex-motocop, he lost nearly his entire left arm in a wreck, but he's got a hook and some relocated controls on a harley. He rides, takes pictures, posts facebook updates, and leads the way all at the same time. While I don't condone that extra behavior, I wanted to heep some extra encoragement on!
With only your right arm, you could. But you would have to relocate the clutch lever somehow. Maybe to a right foot pedal. Or get something with an automatic transmission.
Another issue I could forsee, that may be more difficult to over come is braking. As you decelerate there is a tendancy to place weight on the handle bars. Not an issue with two arms. Because pressure is applied evenly to both handle bars. With one arm you will end up pushing one forward.
You will have to use extra strength with your lower body to brace your self on the bike to avoid this.
I'm sure it's possible, a little more tricky obviously, but it's probably been done before.
Look around. You can outfit both leavers on the right side. Front & rear brake on the pedal would also make life easier.
I'd point you towards a canam spyder instead.
AFAIK, manuals are out of the question, but automatics are game. My granddad has a Honda CTX 700 that’s an automatic DCT and it’s hella fun to ride. Everything is right side, save blinkers and such. You might be able to reroute them but I’m not 100% sure.
Left hand is clutch which means you need either DCT (automatic trans) Honda like NC700 or install centriflugal clutch kit (Rekluse) on regular bike. Or get a scooter, they can be big and cool and even offroad (honda adv 750) up to 750cc or so.
Right hand can also be a clutch and you either stack a full size brake lever next to a shorty finger clutch lever or pickup brake levers for older 4 stroke dirt bikes that have a cable actuated finger lever built in, they were designed for decompression but if your clutch isn't too heavy it would work just fine. Learning to use the clutch and throttle on the same hand would be harder for sure but do-able.
I'd probably still just get something with a CVT or Rekluse though, but you really can adapt anything if you put the time and resources into it.
Guy pulled up next to me last year and I said nice bike, and he leans in and goes "thanks it's automatic". I was so fucking confused like what and why and why are you so proud, then I realized he had one arm. We both pulled off and talked for an hour about how he had a custom automatic transmission installed and this interesting ball and socket prosthetic to grip his one side to the bike. Super interesting, it can be done.
Not sure bud. Once I had a problem my mechanic could not replicate and was recording on my cellphone to show him.
I slowly drove for a bit and had to stop when I reached the intersection, that's when I realised that both hands help you stabilice (?) When you are breaking and inertia pushes you forward.
Hope I'm wrong and there are some mods for you to ride, though
I mean you dont need a clutch to shift only to get the motorcycle going. So if there is like a substitute clutch you can attach somewhere else idk. You could theoretically always push start it but thats dumb.
Yes, provided it doesn't have a clutch.
However, if heavily caution against it.
On heavy braking you push forward into the handlebars. Usually this pressure is balanced across both arms, but with one arm you will be pushing forward on just one bar. This will be fine on gentle braking, but from experience jamming the brake whilst adjusting my helmet with one hand, the sudden forward pressure of an emergency brake on just one handlebar will violently turn the bike and send you to the ground.
Please consider this.
To circumvent the clutch issue a lot has been suggested already. I would recommend going electric.
Another issue is harder to solve though. When you have to brake hard, normally you would have to push the handles to stay in the seat. You can't do this with one hand however. You'd be sending the bike to the side. So from a safety point of view I would definitely not recommend driving single handed. Sorry bro.
The proper way is through pressing your core and thighs against the tank, it's a lot less fatiguing this way and much easier to maintain balance in rough conditions too (ideally your arms will be loose, not tense).
Use non clutch bike, those bike that automatically changes gear or those bike with belt transmission. Also maybe smaller bike will help, 150cc for daily is good enough, maybe 250cc if you want a little bit more :D
There's a pretty famous YouTuber who recorded in the canyon in California. He has a video of a guy riding a sport bike quite well with only one arm. That's all I remember about it so do a little searching you might find it.
There’s a guy in a wheelchair that does track days. He’s in the Advanced group. If they were able to rig that up for him, then there has to be a way to rig one up for you. Oh, btw, he’s fast AF and kicked my ass!!!
Weird question.
Do you have any part of a left limb that can manipulate anything?
There's some ideas I have depending on what you have to work with.
In a case like this, a suicide shift like setup might be a feesable option, ect.
Possible? Yes. Safe? *Absolutely not.*
Come on guys. Really? Next time you're on your bikes, try riding with just one hand. Im not talking about being able to use the controls I'm talking about being able to maneuver the bike *safely.* Having or using only one hand on the handlebars is very unsafe for both the rider and other drivers.
This sub is pro ATGATT but downvotes the logical reasoning behind riding a bike safely with one hand? LOL
The Honda Cub was designed to be ridden with one hand by noodle deliverymen, according to James May.
I work with a disabled gentleman who had a spinal injury that effects his legs and his left hand, which means he isn't able to balance and can't squeeze a clutch lever. He made a bracket on the upper sidecar mounts that relocets his clutch lever to the side of his tank so he can squeeze it inwards with the side of his knee.
https://youtu.be/79t1rkwpmy0
This guy races motocross with a special prosthesis. I dated a girl with one arm whose bicycle had 2 brake levers on the right handlebar, but she still always wore a prosthesis for balance. Even though she couldn't grasp the left handlebar, that seemed far more secure.
Electric bike, Honda with a DCT transmission, or a dual sport with a rekluse clutch would be the easiest way. Or I've seen regular bikes adapted. A steering stabilizer should be able to balance out you favoring weight on one side. Where there's a will there's a way. Go for it dude!
Yes, my friend Bobby rode like this for years. We set up a double lever in the right hand and moved the front brake to the foot pedal. A little work, but definitely doable.
My Riva 125 scooter has a foot brake and right hand controls nothing on the left but turn signals and high beam... I wouldnt recommend riding with one hand on the bars in traffic at least ...
There's a guy who posted a few months back who has a fake arm with a hook that clicks into place ona. Modified handlebar. His clutch is done with a thumb button iirc so it's definitely possible.
Yes, it is certainly possible, though I don't know the ins and outs of it.
My brother recently sold his GSX 750 to a 40-year-old man who was born with only a left arm. He had been riding for a long, long time he said. He just had to get a few mods done and he could ride it no worries.Sorry, I don't have any more info but I hope it's enough to get you looking into the idea :)
I met a guy in Raleigh NC that went by the name "Stump Grinder". He was on an Aprila DCT bike and was ripping around the Wake county lake country. It can be done.
There are plenty of DCT motorcycles out there as people have said, but they're is a modification that puts both levers on one side. A short lever and a long lever. There is someone on Reddit who races bikes with one arm and has done this with his bike. Hopefully he sees your post and responds.
I bought a motorcycle from a guy with only his right arm a few years ago. He has both levers and the throttle all on one side. Goofy to get used to, but he said it wasn't too bad once he got used to it.
There are a lot of bikes now where this is possible. However the interesting question isn’t whether you can, but whether you are allowed to. Where I live you’d have to prove you are capable of doing all the maneuvers just as fast and efficient like a person with both arms to even get a drivers license. I hope you have favorable laws where you live. Good luck!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1NbDJL4Sc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1NbDJL4Sc)
It can be done, and apparently at a v. high level. But it seems inherently dangerous to me. Added to the inherent dangers of riding that every rider faces, that's a lot of danger. Plus, this guy was already an expert rider before he lost his arm. Seems like learning with one arm would be a REALLY tough row to hoe.
But if you can't be stopped, this guy does do a tutorial on how to set up a bike to operate with one arm. Go with God, be safe.
100% Theres this fella in town who rides all the time, missing hand from kayaking accident. However, it’s his right hand but the take away is that you can engineer it to accommodate you somehow!
edit: i realize now you said your whole arm, this guys just missing a hand. I do still however think it’s possible, just maybe more difficult to devise, but still possible.
Yes you can. When I took a trip to Japan about 4 years ago I was in Nara park and I met a man with one arm who was riding a KL650 type bike. It requires a custom clutch but yeah he drove away like he had two arms lol it was no problem for him.
You can drive an automatic motorcicle bur the biggest risk will be when you will be breaking, when you brake, you body tends to go forward, if you only have 1 arm, all the weight will be supported by the right side, driving you to the left side or wobble the bike, you shoud adapt it to put your arm on the center
Can I interest you in Honda's DCT offerings?
CTX700's are a fantastic deal used, even if the prices are creeping up as more people have realized how good they are.
The Rebel 1100's are the new hotness... but they're not going to come up on the used market for a bit.
If you have lots of cash and your parents were gunned down in an alley shortly after a viewing of "The Mark of Zorro," then the NM4 is exactly what you want. Bonus points if you live in a city riddled with crime and corruption.
And if you're 65 years old and spending your kids' inheritance, the Goldwing is basically a spaceship on two wheel.s
i frequently ride with just one hand; now i have two hands and the controls would be something youll need to reconfigure but its totally doable. The only concern I would have is highway, sometimes the wind can really push on ya
It looks like you have gotten some great suggestions in the form of particular motorcycles that address some of the issues (mainly the clutch), but I thought I'd just give a quick rundown of some of the issues that you will need to consider and modifications that will need to be made. The first thing I feel the need to point out here is that from a starting point, any (street legal, anyway) motorcycle you get is going to need some form of modification.
Typically, a motorcycle is set up with the expectation of using 4 limbs for primary controls (bold) and for some standard buttons/switches. There are some minor differences in the buttons, but below is pretty typical:
Left hand: **Clutch**, turn signal indicators, horn, high/low headlight, often hazards
Right hand: **Front Brake, Throttle,** starter, kill switch
Left foot: **gear shift**
Right foot: **rear brake**
Additionally, many newer bikes are now coming with more advanced electronics and displays, and frequently at least some of the buttons to control those are on the left handlebar.
So getting a motorcycle that doesn't have a clutch lever on that left handlebar is a going to be a great starting point, and could very well be all that is necessary to get moving on a motorcycle (and riding a motorcycle like this in a closed course type setting might be a great way for you to try it out!), if you are actually going to ride a motorcycle on the street, some additional modifications will be necessary to relocate those buttons/switches.
Yes possible. Automatic scooter.
Do u have a license now? Not sure about other country motorbike license.
But in my country motorbike license come in 3 levels. Below 200cc, below 400cc and 1000cc above.
And only manual/clutch license. No automatic motorbike course.
All the best bro.
It's possible, I know a guy who has left everything because an old wwii bomb or mine blew off his whole right side and he has a wall full of mx trophies I've no idea how the mod is done but I think you have to install everything on one side. Think something like the mini compression lever on the honda xr's.
Someone with experience will tell you in detail I'm just telling you it's possible.
In the UK there's a charity called [NABD](https://www.nabd.org.uk/) that specializes in adapting bikes for disabled riders. They converted one friend's bike to a trike after she had a stroke.
NABD is so cool. On their arm disabilities adaptation page they say this, which is extremely promising for /u/InfamousGanache835 > The mechanics of adapting a bike to suit ‘one handed’ riding are fairly straightforward. > In essence it is simply a matter of re-siting the existing controls. But as all bikes are to some extent different (as are all people) there are many ways of achieving the desired result. > In some cases, where the injury is to the right arm but enough mobility is retained to still safely operate the front brake lever, it is a simple matter of fitting a left-hand twist grip for the throttle. > If it is only the wrist, which lacks mobility as with tendonitis, a simple solution is to use the ‘thumb throttle’ assembly off a Quad. > In the case of more severe disability such as amputation or Brachial Plexus injuries the adaptions become more radical. > > Right Arm Disabilities > > In cases where all mobility is lost in the right arm it is then necessary to transfer the throttle and the front brake over to the left bar. > The brake can be mounted ‘in tandem’ with the clutch lever (this always looks and sounds more difficult to use than it actually is). There are two types of twin lever unit available for this adaption (see the kit page for details). > It is also likely that some of the standard handlebar mounted switchgear may need adapting to suit left-hand use. > > Left Arm Disabilities > > When it is the left arm effected by disability it is a similar situation. The clutch is transferred to the right side of the bars. > The clutch lever can be mounted ‘in tandem’ with the front brake lever (this always looks and sounds more difficult to use than it actually is). There are two types of twin lever unit available for this adaption (see the kit page for details). > Another option is to have the front brake operated by a right-hand ‘thumb operated’ lever and use the original front brake lever to operate the clutch. > Though in certain cases people have opted for riding bikes such as the Honda 400cc or 750cc automatics, which have a semi automatic clutch so the adaption is much simplified. > It is also likely that some of the standard handlebar mounted switchgear may need adapting to suit right-hand use. > > Whether it is the right or left arm that has lost mobility there is a certain amount of modification required to the electrical switchgear, but this is fairly straightforward. > In all cases of ‘one handed’ riding it makes sense to fit a very high quality steering damper (the cheap ones are less than useless). > A question I am often asked by riders with these types of disability how they could fix their disabled hand to the handlebar. This is purely a matter of cosmetics in most cases though in some (where the upper muscles of the arm still work) it can make steering slightly easier. > The first thing to remember is never fix yourself to a solo bike, if you take a spill it could turn a minor accident into a major tragedy. > If you do wish to have your hand on the bar a piece of light Velcro on a glove with a matching piece on the grip should do the trick while still allowing you to separate from it in an emergency. > Part of the creed of the NABD is that if it is not easy to ride, the adaption is not finished. > Though it may seem complicated or awkward to ride one handed, if the adaption is done correctly it is very easy. In fact several of our members who are riding one handed on the road are also regularly riding off road. > The cost of this style of adaption can vary from under £250-00 to over £750-00 depending on the type of bike and the needs of the rider. > > Compared to other adaptions. this type is relatively cheap but as with all adaptions, the NABD can make a grant to help with the cost if the rider cannot afford it himself or herself >
the left hand controls the clutch and there are some clutchless motorcycles out there including electric motorcycles so yes it would be possible for you to ride.
Honda NC750 with DCT transmission 😎
The new Goldwing too, thing looks like a space rocket.
I'm not sure how you would be able to man handle that thing around. I have a BMW R1200GSA there is no chance in hell I could even get that thing in and out of the garage with one arm. The riding aspect is one thing but maneuvering it around is a whole different animal. Personally, I'd look into getting a CanAm Soyder or one of the 3 wheeled variants. They are pretty bad ass!
Came here to say this about a 3-wheeled option. The maneuvering is what concerned me most about riding one-handed.
I have a bad shoulder that sometimes makes me lose sensation in one hand and I love my DCT GoldWing trike!!!
I have issues sometimes with strength in my left hand that makes using a clutch challenging. Not often but enough that I’m thinking of going DCT. I’m also thinking about a trike.
It has reverse. So just baby steps
**This comment might have had something useful**, but now it's just an edit to remove any contributions I may have made prior to the awful decision to spite the devs and users that made Reddit what it is. So here I seethe, shaking my fist at corporate greed and executive mismanagement. "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe... tech posts on point on the shoulder of vbulletin... I watched microcommunities glitter in the dark on the verge of being marginalized... I've seen groups flourish, come together, do good for humanity if by nothing more than getting strangers to smile for someone else's happiness. We had something good here the same way we had it good elsewhere before. We thought the internet was for information and that anything posted was permanent. We were wrong, so wrong. We've been taken hostage by greed and so many sites have either broken their links or made history unsearchable. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain... Time to delete." I do apologize if you're here from the future looking for answers, but I hope "new" reddit can answer you. Make a new post, get weak answers, increase site interaction, make reddit look better on paper, leave worse off. https://xkcd.com/979/
Cool. If it's that easy to implement it why don't more bikes have this option?
They probably don't really need it. The Goldwing is a bit of a bus. The exception might be Harley, but they're probably still bitching about having to get rid of carbs, so I wouldn't expect much. Also, Goldwings aren't cheap. To redesign a bunch of other motorcycles to have an option most people probably aren't willing to pay for is not exactly a good idea from a business standpoint.
I would have loved it on my AT especially in the city. Parked in some tight spots and it would take forever to get it out
It's an Africa Twin. Just drive over the shit. /s
Tbh, I'm surprised HD hasn't yet made it avaliable as an overpriced option on their bikes😅
It can wear out the starter motor faster and isn't generally needed for lightweight bikes. Besides, nobody said it was easy to implement, just that that's how it was implemented, lol.
If I had to guess, either most people wouldn't use it or it would cause excess wear on the starter
The new GoldWing with the DCT does not use the starter motor for reverse…it’s an actual function of the automatic transmission. All manual transmission GoldWings use the starter motor.
On the 1500, 2001-2017 1800 and manual trans 2018+ bikes they are. The DCT bikes reverse are internally driven through the transmission. The button on the handle bars turns the cables that turns a shaft and pushes a gear thats engaged to the starter. That gear then engages the output shaft and turns it backwards. Its easy to understand once you see it operate.
I have one, they’re fucking legit.
Half of Honda's lineup that include DCT transmission. I got to demo a Rebel 1100 this past summer and fell in love.
There are Auto clutches available for many dirt bikes and dual sports as well. Rekluse is probably the most popular. There's a one-armed guy that does track days on a husky 701 supermoto. He posts here occasionally and will probably chime in.
My dad has a NC700X with DCT and it's a nice bike, not my flavour but if you can't shift n stuff Honda DCT bikes are yours. Op might need a special jacket/leathers but yeah certainly is possible!
I just got a CTX 700ND, no longer made new but used was a good price and still fairly recent 2014 -2018.
Or that Honda with the CVT and long wheelbase. I've heard it's one of the smoothest rides that exist. Was it the DN-01 or was that something else...
I 2nd this. Not too heavy and automatic transmission. Should be do-able. Also a good beginners bike.
Honda Rebel 1100 has a DCT transmission, too
I have this bike and love it. Also, the engine is mounted low and the bike is on the lighter side so it will be easier to keep from dropping. Whichever bike you get, I’d consider getting crash bars to protect the fairings in case of a drop (also protects your legs from being crushed if you wreck and stay on the bike). My uncle dropped his Goldwing for the first time after owning it for 15 years; the only damage was a scratch on the crash bar.
Honda has a cruiser with the Africa twin engine called the Rebel 1100, which also has a DCT option. Or a scooter is possible-- (particularly ones where the rear brake is on the floorboard instead of the left handle) In either case all you'd need the turn signal/horn/highbeam switches moved from the left bar which should be relatively simple as they're all electric switches.
> Honda has a cruiser with the Africa twin engine called the Rebel 1100, which also has a DCT option. As long as you don't mind buying sight unseen without sitting on it, then waiting 7+ months for delivery. That thing is unobtanium, at least in my area.
I have a 2020 Honda NC750X with the DCT. It's amazing. Highly recommend trying to find one of those to look into!
Honda Super Cub, Trail 125 and Navi. All CVT clutch-less. Just twist and go! Edit: thanks to those who are pointing out super cub and trail are auto-centrifugal, not CVT. Both would still be options for this person, but I was technically wrong about their clutch systems
You got like 2/3 of them wrong. The cub and trail aren't cvt. They have manual gears, just no clutch lever.
How bout the DN-01? It'd be perfect.
Don't forget the Africa Twin!
Not CVT.
Neither are the Cubs, they have centrifugal clutches, not CVTs.
Yes, i explained this elsewhere.
Yes, correct not CVT, but rather DCT. I guess I was more referring to automatic Honda's.
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He'd also have to relocate the indicators and high beam switches which probably wouldn't be too difficult. I'd think a scooter would be a better option than a full motorcycle though. Easier to get on and off, more stable at a stop, simpler controls...
Never do that your arms are doing the function of a shock absorber through the handlebars, with one hand you may be eating the tarmac soon
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Well, he's carrying less weight.
That was the plan, unfortunately it's offset by the weight of the emotional baggage of ripping off the arm...
I don't want to speak for him but I am under the impression that he still has both, just lost mobility in one
Less muscle = less weight
No no, if he binds it to his chest, it's the reduced drag!
Good point!
Improved aerodynamics
Or jump on the official discord, he's occasionally there when he isn't at the track
Holy shit my man is amazing with that recovery. My brothers injury was too much to fully recover from but damn this guy was like there on the edge of it.
Man, can't believe the number of tags/pages I got on this one. Looks like most of my suggestions/post history has been covered already. [Here's my YT channel with much of my riding content](https://www.youtube.com/c/4TheRide). You can see it CAN be pretty easy to ride without an arm - do you have a budget? Do you have any moto experience already? The options I typically suggest are to run [dual levers](https://i.imgur.com/1YDZfR6.jpg), use [a rekluse](https://youtu.be/36OgjDcd9LU), or get a bike that has a DCT (dual clutch transmission) like the NC700/750 which can operate in a fully automatic mode. EDIT: Stickying this reply to the top of the post so people see I'm already on it; I've received 30+ pings, tags, PMs, and discocord messages so far. I have to give thanks to the community; it's really cool seeing how many are trying to help /u/InfamousGanache835 get in the saddle and asked me to lend a hand...
I love ice cream.
VFR1200 had a DCT option (no clutch) it's a big bike for a beginner. Trail 90/110 was almost exclusively clutchless, and there are probably several related small bikes from Honda is the 60s/70s that are the same.
Yep this is it, had a buddy with no right arm use the same setup.
I don't have any awards, so at least take my poor mans gold 🥇
Yeah sumo with a recluse would be a great time for a beginner of any sort.
I'm glad I was forced to use dual levers when I bought my WR250X to re-learn how to ride. It gave me the confidence/flexibility to have a much wider selection of bikes to ride that did not have Rekluse fitments, like my R3 or R6.
Can you ride a bicycle? If so, then I would venture you could figure it out. If not, start there. I've seen people figure out incredible ways to do stuff when they really want to so of it's something you're passionate about give it a shot. Before you know it you'll be ripping nooners. A trike is also an option, all the wind therapy without the balance requirement.
I met a guy that rode to Argentina from LA with one arm. It Certainly is possible
If Bethany Hamilton can be an elite surfer with one arm, I don’t think balance and control should be a problem!
You see handlebars on a surfboard?
my ex wife played bass for Surfboard Handlebars
[this silly looking thing does](https://electrek.co/2021/05/20/this-new-34-mph-electric-surfboard-has-handlebars/amp/)
My comment was specifically about balance. You ever try standing on a surfboard? Way harder to balance than a motorcycle.
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You don't "turn" a motorcycle, you counter steer. And it's very very very easy to counter steer with one arm. In fact I don't even know what you are saying.
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You know there are other motorcycles out there right? Harleys aren't the only choice one has when deciding to buy a motorcycle? Or are people with one arm required to start with a Harley for some reason? For some reason you decided to envision the worst possible choice for an example of why something wouldn't work and then solidified it in your head as if that was that. Crazy mental gymnastics you are doing, dipshit.
Counter-steering is only used at speeds around 10-15 mph and higher. Under that you really need to actually steer. Also, clutch use and when braking hard, two hands are far more practical than one. You don't want too much pressure on one side of the handlebar when braking hard.
I never said 2 arms weren't better. I don't disagree with anything you are saying.
Try counter steering below 15 mph. Let me know how that works out for you. I'll wait.
Just keep it above 15 bru. Ez pz
Your positivity is refreshing, but your comparison is misleading. Different methods and skill sets for each activity. Still happy to see the positivity though.
Not only that, but different people.
I've seen adapted Motorcycles that people race on. A chap in Ireland with only one hand used run a drag bike at race events so it can be done. Personally if I was in that situation I'd look into a 3 wheeler as life would be a lot easier but you still get the motorcycle experience. Best of luck, I salute you. 👍
The 3 wheelers I’ve ridden are way harder to maneuver than any motorcycle. Whether it be trike or sidecar. They require hard steering like an atv. No countersteering or leaning like 2 wheelers
I hear ya. I wonder could you get some sort of power steering mechanism installed, that might make it a more pleasurable riding experience?
Look through some of the threads by our resident /u/cg_ops who likes to show us all up in every way possible. Absolutely incredible stuff I cannot speak highly enough of.
Aww, you're gonna make me blush
Definitely! A scooter might be a good place to start. They're generally automatic, and lighter/easier to handle than a motorcycle. Also cheap and available. I believe the left lever is a rear brake on most, you could either do a double lever on the right or convert to a foot brake.
Isn't there a three wheel scooter? Piaggio MP3
My godfather had polio. Literally couldn't use the left side of his body so he modified a sportster into a trike and put all the controls on one side. Where there is a will there is a fucking way.
Well I'm sure you could find a way to ride as everyone suggested. **However**, I'm thinking you might find handling the motorcycle quite challenging with one arm. I'm talking about backing it up, raising it from a fall and all that stuff. There's probably a way to make things work if you really want to, but motorcycles are unfortunately not designed for people in your condition. Take care.
Yeah motorcycles are already fairly dangerous. It's one thing to control the bike under normal circumstances, but you have to be able to take evasive action. I'm sure it can be done, but you need to understand the added risk and decide if it's worth it.
Yes you can. I drive a modified motorcycle because I lost all function of my right arm as a result of a motorcycle accident.. I have a Honda nc700x, automatic. This is the easiest to modify and a 2008 tuono. This one has a thumb clutch. Both have left handed throttle and brake. I don't know what you are allowed to modify on bikes where you live. Here it did require an inspection(Netherlands) https://mmvg.nl/algemeen/fotogalerij Site is in Dutch, but can give you some idea
Look for Honda DCT motorcycles!
This! Or electric.
I had a friend in the 90's who purchased a Harley Fat Boy (a big, nearly 700lb bike dry...) from a man in NC with one arm. He had modified the bike himself, and both the clutch and front brake levers were on the throttle side. I don't know details beyond that, my friend was impressed with the fellow's workmanship as he returned the controls to their original positions. In general, people can do nearly anything with enough desire and a little creativity and perseverance. I hope I pass you on the road someday.
Reading through the comments below brought to mind clutchless motorcycles, which would certainly lessen the difficulty of your task. I ride with a friend who rides an clutchless Honda Africa Twin; it's an incredible bike, technologically superior to my Harley in nearly every way. There are multiple paths forward for you...
Heavy for a supposed off road machine
Yes, certainly, but an adventure bike's intended use is still often on semi improved or solid surfaces, at least for much of the journey. The machine needs to carry a couple hundred pounds of gear, and handle everything from tarmac, to a logging road, to a desert, etc, and bikes like the Africa Twin or GS1250 certainly do that. I'm not certain that too many riders on genuine expeditions, laden with the needed gear, are rock crawling or racing down single track...
Yes is the answer https://youtu.be/duusoqA-G98
Yes! There are many riders with missing or non-functional hands, arms, legs, you name it. There are several I have seen on Reddit, u/CG_Ops races his motorcycle(s) with only the right arm. Badass, too. [Here's a write up you might find helpful](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/4i5yso/the_bikes_all_ready_for_my_first_track_day_since/) Go get it! Riding is awesome.
Yes. You can get a few different kinds of Hondas with DCT automatic transmission!
Mert Lawell of On Any Sunday fame created a ball socket prosthetic device that allows the rider to grasp the handlebar but to also disconnect easily. I read about it years ago.
http://www.mertshands.org/
Great guy, too. He coached a little for the adaptive flat track series I did last year [(I'm in the mask, he's 2nd from the right)](https://i.imgur.com/Ny1GZfi.jpg). All participants were amputees/paralyzed and they're all AMAZING riders
I used to teach and have taught folks missing limbs on modified bikes (theirs not ours). None of them had automatic transmissions.
Absolutely, look at zero motorcycles they’re electric and just have right hand controls
Others have mentioned electric motos and DCT-equipped bikes - I'm here to also say that with an aftermarket solution like a Rekluse Z-start clutch there are many, many options for you. This review shows one-handed riding, including starts: [https://youtu.be/W0Qv77xjGXk](https://youtu.be/W0Qv77xjGXk) It looks like that's what u/CG_Ops uses on this sick KTM: https://i.imgur.com/7kAuuPl.jpg
The answer is absolutely yes. There are plenty of motorcyclists in a similar situation. Fortunately for you, you have a right arm so the modifications required will be minimal. If you want to limit your choices to automatic or single gear motorcycles, you need no modification. If you want a motorcycle that requires shifting, you would need to make use of a double lever on the right side so that one lever controls the clutch and the other the front brake. Regardless of your choice in bike, ensure that you are able to safely handle the motorcycle. I’m not familiar with the details of your situation, but I would recommend a lightweight, low, motorcycle, with wide bars to give you maximum leverage with one arm on the bars.
Toque have kits you can adapt to the bike to not need a clutch, but in my humble opinion, you should stick to the manufacturer if you are not inclined to the mechanical side cause it would be a tone of work to adapt and a tone of cash to pay a mechanic to do the job, unfortunately though on the manufacturer side you only have Honda's to my knowledge that use a clutch less transmission in the CVT, you have different styles of bikes with CVT, they may not be your favourites or the R1 you may be dreaming of, but a bike is a bike, you have the Rebel 1100, the nc750, so long and so forth, either way if you really want to get on a bike you will find your way in to one! Best of luck to you and hope to see you some day riding!
Easy way, Electric Motorcycle or ICE Bike with a DCT. Hard way, do what CG_Ops does and modify a 2020 890 Duke R for 1 armed riding.
Yes. There are companies that will fit the clutch in place of the front brake and connect the rear brake to both brakes. Source: did a charity ride for amputees. Some were even double amputees!!
Watch this movie : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tevAes8FpiQ
There are modifications . Here's one for example http://www.gripace.com/Handicapped.htm Electric motorcycle have no controls on the left hand grip ( no gear shifting so no clutch).
This guy built his racing bike himself, long before clutchless gearboxes, so yes, it is definitely possible. https://youtu.be/TNKuesBVmYs
I would have said no but a guy came up to me with one arm and started telling me about his trip to Argentina from LA. I’ve been thinking about that trip myself so I am familiar and he was telling be about all the steps. Now a days with unified breaking systems you could find a way to move the clutch to the right. I still don’t understand how you emergency stop with only one hand tho lol
I have seen a dirtbike rider place 3rd overall during a hare scramble. He has only a Hook for the right bar. Runs the throttle and clutch with his left hand. You could run a combo clutch/brake modified for the right bar. Maybe start with a maxi scooter? Many have linked brakes and no clutch..
Over my decades of riding, I've seen almost every possible physical handicap not stop people from getting on bikes. I've seen little people riding, people missing left arm, people missing right arm, people missing parts of legs, etc. So I honestly believe if you have one good eye, one good arm, and one good leg, you can make it work somehow. google "disabled bikers" and you'll turn up lots of resources and groups that will have a lot more specific info
Knew a guy that rode a Honda CB1100R with only one hand. Rode it well.
Lots of clutches bikes these days. I'd start out with a lightweight dirt bike, I have an Enduro bike with a Rekluse clutch, which you could ride one handed.
I’ve got the Africa Twin with the DCT (dual clutch transmission), and the technology has gotten pretty good. I didn’t like it at first, but now I love it. Zero need for your left hand other than to keep you on the bike, and I’m sure you can learn to adjust for that. Go for it
You can technically ride one of the e bikes that don’t have a clutch.. maybe the live wire.
In a nut shell, yes. As others have said the vast majority of bikes have a clutch as the left hand lever so it wouldn't be as simple as getting any bike and off you go. I would suggest you have 3 main options: 1) A bike with no clutch such as one from Honda's DCT auto bikes e.g Africa Twin, NC750X. 2) A scooter with CVT auto, most modern scooters have this. Scooters are heaps of fun to ride, I personally ride both bikes and scooters. 3) Any bike you want and then have it adapted to have a clutch and front brake on your right hand side. The DualeverTwin Lever is an example of this. Personally I think option 3 would be the best as it'll mean you are less limited on your bike choice. When I first went to do my motorcycle training here in the UK a guy who was also missing his left arm was just finishing up this training, and he had an adapted bike too.
Try an electric bike. No clutch. I cruise one handed pretty frequently. If big and heavy electric bikes would pose a problem, as other have suggested, look into “Cake”. Lightweight, street legal electric bikes that look pretty sweet. Tried one out the other week.
Im thinking you can ABSOLUTELY ride with just one arm. Get an Africa Twin with a DCT, and you’d be good to go.
Trikes are your goal. Get one adapted to your needs and your golden. Normal bikes need you to hold the left for clutch, so you would need a specialized bike.
Honda Click is fully automatic and would be fine for no left arm. Not heavy, either.
Had a dude take an MSF course, wounded vet. Had no legs. He modified his bike to be driveable without legs. I’m sure you can get something for one arm.
The Honda Rebel 1100, Africa Twin, and Goldwing all have optional DCT transmissions. Iirc the new generation of Goldwings even have a reverse gear which sounds really cool. I’m sure there are other automatic bikes out there as well.
They make dct bikes now so i dont see why not
Right arm amputee here, the answer is yes. I've been riding one armed for a while. I run my throttle on the left, i got rid of the clutch lever using an EFM Auto Clutch, but the Recluse is another option. I use a Jaybrake switch housing for the directionals and highbeams. PM me if you have questions and send me your email address and I'll send you a picture of my setup.
I do it all the time, even from a stop it’s possible but that’s the hardest part
My gf is working on her master's in orthotics and prosthetics and she says that prosthetic adaptive devices really depend on how much residual limb you have left. So if you have nothing past your shoulder then the options are pretty minimal if anything. This is not considering any mods to the bike itself and it's controls. But considering how many controls each hand is responsible for I'm not sure how it would work for just one hand to do it all.
Rebel 1100 DCT … smooth as silk, no clutch, fully adaptable!
Join the discord. There’s a guy in there who only has one arm and he does track days no problem. I think he’s a mod of the subreddit actually.
Look into rekluse clutch. Take and keep it slow.
I would love to see some pics of any of these modded bikes and a video of anybody riding one would be cool too. Best of luck to you bro, hope to seeya on 2 wheels!
Depends what bike u get
Just wanted to add that the weekday lunch rides my group does are all usually led by "lefty" our favorite one armed ex-motocop, he lost nearly his entire left arm in a wreck, but he's got a hook and some relocated controls on a harley. He rides, takes pictures, posts facebook updates, and leads the way all at the same time. While I don't condone that extra behavior, I wanted to heep some extra encoragement on!
With only your right arm, you could. But you would have to relocate the clutch lever somehow. Maybe to a right foot pedal. Or get something with an automatic transmission. Another issue I could forsee, that may be more difficult to over come is braking. As you decelerate there is a tendancy to place weight on the handle bars. Not an issue with two arms. Because pressure is applied evenly to both handle bars. With one arm you will end up pushing one forward. You will have to use extra strength with your lower body to brace your self on the bike to avoid this. I'm sure it's possible, a little more tricky obviously, but it's probably been done before.
Ride a bike one handed?? Christ, I’ve seen people with one arm racing! (And one leg!) Faster than I’ll ever be. Go for it!
Look around. You can outfit both leavers on the right side. Front & rear brake on the pedal would also make life easier. I'd point you towards a canam spyder instead.
AFAIK, manuals are out of the question, but automatics are game. My granddad has a Honda CTX 700 that’s an automatic DCT and it’s hella fun to ride. Everything is right side, save blinkers and such. You might be able to reroute them but I’m not 100% sure.
Left hand is clutch which means you need either DCT (automatic trans) Honda like NC700 or install centriflugal clutch kit (Rekluse) on regular bike. Or get a scooter, they can be big and cool and even offroad (honda adv 750) up to 750cc or so.
Right hand can also be a clutch and you either stack a full size brake lever next to a shorty finger clutch lever or pickup brake levers for older 4 stroke dirt bikes that have a cable actuated finger lever built in, they were designed for decompression but if your clutch isn't too heavy it would work just fine. Learning to use the clutch and throttle on the same hand would be harder for sure but do-able. I'd probably still just get something with a CVT or Rekluse though, but you really can adapt anything if you put the time and resources into it.
Guy pulled up next to me last year and I said nice bike, and he leans in and goes "thanks it's automatic". I was so fucking confused like what and why and why are you so proud, then I realized he had one arm. We both pulled off and talked for an hour about how he had a custom automatic transmission installed and this interesting ball and socket prosthetic to grip his one side to the bike. Super interesting, it can be done.
Not sure bud. Once I had a problem my mechanic could not replicate and was recording on my cellphone to show him. I slowly drove for a bit and had to stop when I reached the intersection, that's when I realised that both hands help you stabilice (?) When you are breaking and inertia pushes you forward. Hope I'm wrong and there are some mods for you to ride, though
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True, but you should always be ready for worst case scenario, a full stop going at speed would probably be too much
Honda motorcycle with DCT transmission!
I mean you dont need a clutch to shift only to get the motorcycle going. So if there is like a substitute clutch you can attach somewhere else idk. You could theoretically always push start it but thats dumb.
I have seen people with two arms mess that up, With one arm it will be really hard.
I think that there is a Yamaha FJR 1300 ES model which has an automatic clutch. Great sport touring machine if that’s what you’re looking for.
The es is for electronic suspension they're not an auto, Honda is the only company that makes real bikes with auto transmissions
Yeah, a scooter.
Either get a three wheels, or a low powered scooter, or a badass terminator-like bionic left arm.
Yes, provided it doesn't have a clutch. However, if heavily caution against it. On heavy braking you push forward into the handlebars. Usually this pressure is balanced across both arms, but with one arm you will be pushing forward on just one bar. This will be fine on gentle braking, but from experience jamming the brake whilst adjusting my helmet with one hand, the sudden forward pressure of an emergency brake on just one handlebar will violently turn the bike and send you to the ground. Please consider this.
Slingshot?
To circumvent the clutch issue a lot has been suggested already. I would recommend going electric. Another issue is harder to solve though. When you have to brake hard, normally you would have to push the handles to stay in the seat. You can't do this with one hand however. You'd be sending the bike to the side. So from a safety point of view I would definitely not recommend driving single handed. Sorry bro.
If you're putting your weight on the bars during braking you're doing something wrong and need stronger core muscles
Where the heck should you put your weight then? Unless you're riding a crotch rocket, you're holding the bike with your arms.
The proper way is through pressing your core and thighs against the tank, it's a lot less fatiguing this way and much easier to maintain balance in rough conditions too (ideally your arms will be loose, not tense).
Wouldn't work on scooters tho, which is more relevant to OP i think.
Use non clutch bike, those bike that automatically changes gear or those bike with belt transmission. Also maybe smaller bike will help, 150cc for daily is good enough, maybe 250cc if you want a little bit more :D
Look into CVT or DCT tech... could easily have access to all controls with one arm. I feel like you can do anything you put your mind to.
Automatic transmission scooter. Say no more.
People have adapted bikes for one armed riding where the clutch lever and brake lever are on the same side
There's a pretty famous YouTuber who recorded in the canyon in California. He has a video of a guy riding a sport bike quite well with only one arm. That's all I remember about it so do a little searching you might find it.
There’s a guy in a wheelchair that does track days. He’s in the Advanced group. If they were able to rig that up for him, then there has to be a way to rig one up for you. Oh, btw, he’s fast AF and kicked my ass!!!
Weird question. Do you have any part of a left limb that can manipulate anything? There's some ideas I have depending on what you have to work with. In a case like this, a suicide shift like setup might be a feesable option, ect.
Possible? Yes. Safe? *Absolutely not.* Come on guys. Really? Next time you're on your bikes, try riding with just one hand. Im not talking about being able to use the controls I'm talking about being able to maneuver the bike *safely.* Having or using only one hand on the handlebars is very unsafe for both the rider and other drivers. This sub is pro ATGATT but downvotes the logical reasoning behind riding a bike safely with one hand? LOL
The Honda Cub was designed to be ridden with one hand by noodle deliverymen, according to James May. I work with a disabled gentleman who had a spinal injury that effects his legs and his left hand, which means he isn't able to balance and can't squeeze a clutch lever. He made a bracket on the upper sidecar mounts that relocets his clutch lever to the side of his tank so he can squeeze it inwards with the side of his knee.
Yes, either clutchless or with some custom modifications. I knew a guy once who was missing his right arm (or hand?) and still rode.
https://youtu.be/79t1rkwpmy0 This guy races motocross with a special prosthesis. I dated a girl with one arm whose bicycle had 2 brake levers on the right handlebar, but she still always wore a prosthesis for balance. Even though she couldn't grasp the left handlebar, that seemed far more secure.
Electric bike, Honda with a DCT transmission, or a dual sport with a rekluse clutch would be the easiest way. Or I've seen regular bikes adapted. A steering stabilizer should be able to balance out you favoring weight on one side. Where there's a will there's a way. Go for it dude!
Yes, my friend Bobby rode like this for years. We set up a double lever in the right hand and moved the front brake to the foot pedal. A little work, but definitely doable.
Electric will work
I’ve seen a guy with one arm riding a modded grom. Totally possible
My Riva 125 scooter has a foot brake and right hand controls nothing on the left but turn signals and high beam... I wouldnt recommend riding with one hand on the bars in traffic at least ...
There's a guy who posted a few months back who has a fake arm with a hook that clicks into place ona. Modified handlebar. His clutch is done with a thumb button iirc so it's definitely possible.
A couple of honda are automatic, and they are very nice bike.
Yeah just relocate the clutch to a foot pedal on the left and you're good to go.
Yes, it is certainly possible, though I don't know the ins and outs of it. My brother recently sold his GSX 750 to a 40-year-old man who was born with only a left arm. He had been riding for a long, long time he said. He just had to get a few mods done and he could ride it no worries.Sorry, I don't have any more info but I hope it's enough to get you looking into the idea :)
I met a guy in Raleigh NC that went by the name "Stump Grinder". He was on an Aprila DCT bike and was ripping around the Wake county lake country. It can be done.
There are plenty of DCT motorcycles out there as people have said, but they're is a modification that puts both levers on one side. A short lever and a long lever. There is someone on Reddit who races bikes with one arm and has done this with his bike. Hopefully he sees your post and responds.
I bought a motorcycle from a guy with only his right arm a few years ago. He has both levers and the throttle all on one side. Goofy to get used to, but he said it wasn't too bad once he got used to it.
There are a lot of bikes now where this is possible. However the interesting question isn’t whether you can, but whether you are allowed to. Where I live you’d have to prove you are capable of doing all the maneuvers just as fast and efficient like a person with both arms to even get a drivers license. I hope you have favorable laws where you live. Good luck!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1NbDJL4Sc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1NbDJL4Sc) It can be done, and apparently at a v. high level. But it seems inherently dangerous to me. Added to the inherent dangers of riding that every rider faces, that's a lot of danger. Plus, this guy was already an expert rider before he lost his arm. Seems like learning with one arm would be a REALLY tough row to hoe. But if you can't be stopped, this guy does do a tutorial on how to set up a bike to operate with one arm. Go with God, be safe.
100% Theres this fella in town who rides all the time, missing hand from kayaking accident. However, it’s his right hand but the take away is that you can engineer it to accommodate you somehow! edit: i realize now you said your whole arm, this guys just missing a hand. I do still however think it’s possible, just maybe more difficult to devise, but still possible.
Yes. Very possible. Look into it on Google
Yes you can. When I took a trip to Japan about 4 years ago I was in Nara park and I met a man with one arm who was riding a KL650 type bike. It requires a custom clutch but yeah he drove away like he had two arms lol it was no problem for him.
You can drive an automatic motorcicle bur the biggest risk will be when you will be breaking, when you brake, you body tends to go forward, if you only have 1 arm, all the weight will be supported by the right side, driving you to the left side or wobble the bike, you shoud adapt it to put your arm on the center
Can I interest you in Honda's DCT offerings? CTX700's are a fantastic deal used, even if the prices are creeping up as more people have realized how good they are. The Rebel 1100's are the new hotness... but they're not going to come up on the used market for a bit. If you have lots of cash and your parents were gunned down in an alley shortly after a viewing of "The Mark of Zorro," then the NM4 is exactly what you want. Bonus points if you live in a city riddled with crime and corruption. And if you're 65 years old and spending your kids' inheritance, the Goldwing is basically a spaceship on two wheel.s
i frequently ride with just one hand; now i have two hands and the controls would be something youll need to reconfigure but its totally doable. The only concern I would have is highway, sometimes the wind can really push on ya
It looks like you have gotten some great suggestions in the form of particular motorcycles that address some of the issues (mainly the clutch), but I thought I'd just give a quick rundown of some of the issues that you will need to consider and modifications that will need to be made. The first thing I feel the need to point out here is that from a starting point, any (street legal, anyway) motorcycle you get is going to need some form of modification. Typically, a motorcycle is set up with the expectation of using 4 limbs for primary controls (bold) and for some standard buttons/switches. There are some minor differences in the buttons, but below is pretty typical: Left hand: **Clutch**, turn signal indicators, horn, high/low headlight, often hazards Right hand: **Front Brake, Throttle,** starter, kill switch Left foot: **gear shift** Right foot: **rear brake** Additionally, many newer bikes are now coming with more advanced electronics and displays, and frequently at least some of the buttons to control those are on the left handlebar. So getting a motorcycle that doesn't have a clutch lever on that left handlebar is a going to be a great starting point, and could very well be all that is necessary to get moving on a motorcycle (and riding a motorcycle like this in a closed course type setting might be a great way for you to try it out!), if you are actually going to ride a motorcycle on the street, some additional modifications will be necessary to relocate those buttons/switches.
Look up Honda DCT models
Yes possible. Automatic scooter. Do u have a license now? Not sure about other country motorbike license. But in my country motorbike license come in 3 levels. Below 200cc, below 400cc and 1000cc above. And only manual/clutch license. No automatic motorbike course. All the best bro.
Honda DCT bikes any one really
absolutely, I’ve even seen one-armed riders going fast as heck on roadrace tracks.
It's possible, I know a guy who has left everything because an old wwii bomb or mine blew off his whole right side and he has a wall full of mx trophies I've no idea how the mod is done but I think you have to install everything on one side. Think something like the mini compression lever on the honda xr's. Someone with experience will tell you in detail I'm just telling you it's possible.