A British inventor has developed a highly versatile lever system that will enable motorcyclists suffering from a disabled right or left arm, or right leg, to stay on two wheels.
Philip Tucker of Neptune Custom Engineering is a motorcyclist who has only one leg. “The purpose of this product is to allow the use of two hydraulic controls with one hand. Its special design features allow a much greater adjustability and versatility than previously offered with the thumb-operated rear brake systems currently available.”
This unit is designed to fit either side of the handlebar, allowing for left arm disabilities, as well as right arm, or right leg disabilities. So the Twin Hydraulic Control System can be adapted to control clutch and rear brake (for riders with a right leg disability) or front brake and clutch, mounted on either right or left side of the handlebars, for those unable to use left or right arms. Hydraulic controls require less effort to operate than cable items, making them highly suited to the task. These controls have also been designed to leave the thumb free to operate the indicators and other handlebar mounted buttons.
Tucker believes that the unit may well translate for the racetrack, where many competitors already use thumb-operated rear brakes. Stunt riders may also find it gives another dimension to the feats they can achieve, giving them control of the rear brake while not sitting in the traditional position on the bike.
The demonstrator unit is made in the UK, using high quality German seals and pistons by Magura, for one size, and Lockheed seals with specially made pistons for the other. It is polished and bright nickel plated, but a black anodised version will be available. The retail price as pictured is £750 inc. VAT and the Twin Hydraulic Control System is being marketed by Venhill.
You can call 01306 885111 to find out more about this or visit the Venhill link below. The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) has over 5,000 members, the link for their site is below also.
Related Linkswww.venhill.co.uk www.nabd.org.uk
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