Disability adaptations for shifter

elizilla

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I have developed something called drop foot on my left foot. It's a problem with the nerves and it makes it so I cannot shift gears properly. I can downshift but I can't upshift because I can't lift my toe properly. Also the foot is kinda clumsy, so getting it off the ground to change gear, changing the gear, and then getting it back on the ground to hold the bike up, is really tough and makes me clumsy in parking lot situations. This medical issue has had my Super10 parked since last spring. The docs say it's a permanent disability so I'm considering options.

One that I have already put into play, is that I bought a Honda NC700X DCT. There's no shifting when the bike's an automatic. I took my first ride on it last weekend and I think this will work. It's also light and small which helps me after being off two wheels for almost a year now, and trying to get back on the horse with with this weak foot.

Rather than give up the Super10 I am looking at mods. Because I do love this bike.

I've found two choices for push buttons that operate a plunger that moves the shifter: http://www.kliktronic.co.uk/ and http://pingelonline.com/eshifter.htm Anyone have experience with these? They look like they both work the same way so I suppose I could just choose whichever is easier to source. But they are expensive and complicated.

My other thought is a heel-toe shifter of some sort. Even if I had to have something fabbed locally it would probably be a lot cheaper and simpler. Anyone know of a readymade kit I could buy for this?

Any other ideas?


Thanks!
 

~TABASCO~

RIDE ON ADV is what I do !
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I can help ya out. Just touch base. I've done all the parts before.
 

OldRider

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I doubt that you will find a heel/toe shifter on the market, but any machinist could build you one very easily. This is a crude quick drawing, but something like this would work.
 

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sportrider

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No dorsi-flexion assist afo (brace)? That would also assist with walking.
 

elizilla

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sportrider said:
No dorsi-flexion assist afo (brace)? That would also assist with walking.
I have no idea what that is.

I could rant for hours about how my neurologist doesn't suggest anything, I have to find things and ask for them. So please, do tell. Walking is not good; I have taken a couple of bad falls. I can trip over the tiniest crack on the sidewalk if I am not paying close attention.
 

Tippo

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Katherine,

I have a friend who has drop foot as a result of several back surgeries. He rides a Harley with a heal-toe shifter with no problems.
Sorry to hear about your problem but you should be able to ride.

Jeff
 

Magilla

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I would talk with Jaxon at Rideonadv.com He is makng meanextended shifter and brake for my soze 15 boots to work on the bike. This is the first custom work that I have had him do but all my other dealings with him for parrts have been great. He is very well regarded here.
I wish you well with your issue
 

snakebitten

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Respect the heck out of the commitment to ride!
At 22 years old I had a neuro surgeon tell me & the family my driving days were over. And he meant cars. :) He had no idea I didn't even have a car, but I did have a sweet cafe'd GS1000.

Lots of folks had nothing but discouragement. But it was my decision to make. Lots of hard work (therapy) and a big giant dose of mercy, from the God of mercy, I learned to adapt.
I'm pulling for ya. (Both of ya) Good luck.
 

elizilla

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Yes, I am familiar with google, and I googled these things last night. The problem with googling anything medical, is that the internet is full of quacks trying to sell snake oil and wackos screaming about how western medicine is a conspiracy, and SEO companies who think that sick people are a great target for their particular kind of slime. It's even worse than googling for car problems. It's much nicer here in this motorcycle corner, where our interest is obscure enough to keep most of the idiots away. So if sportrider wants to talk to me about these devices I am all attention.
 

snakebitten

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Gotta love how things sometimes unfold. I tend to think it's more than chance. :)
 

True Grip

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Best Wishes Elizilla! Thanks Sportrider I know someone who might benefit from that brace.
 

elizilla

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sportrider said:
Take a look at this brace or call an orthotic/prosthetic facility for a free evaluation to try it on and walk with it. If you like it, it is covered by insurance.

http://fillauer.com/Orthotics/Dynamic-Walk.html

Pm me if want more info and I'll call you. I own an orthotic/prosthetic company.
Chris
Thanks Chris, I will see who has it locally and check it out. It looks a lot nicer than the things that came up in my google searches, that looked like a cross between a walking cast and a compression sock.
 

patrickg450

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I see a MI to NY ride in the future, got love making friends the odd way. Telling the story is the kicker (no pun intended).
 

sportrider

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More fun if it's a NY to MI trip. Lol. There are options Katherine. That one model is pretty good and easy to use. Cost is like 300 bucks, that's why you would want insurance to cover it. If your were closer I'd have your come in and try a few different models out. Foot-up afo holds foot at 90 degrees with small elastic band. Look that one up. That's about $150.
 

creggur

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Funny how you get to know people on these forums. Katherine, I remember you from VFRD years back, and it's great to see you posting here again!

Looks like you've found a good resource for some possible solutions. I tend to agree with Snake about things like this...

Wishing you the best, and keep us posted on your progress!
 

sportrider

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Are we all moving in the same direction? I've owned 5 vfr's, an fjr and now a super tenere. All great forums.
 

True Grip

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sportrider said:
Are we all moving in the same direction? I've owned 5 vfr's, an fjr and now a super tenere. All great forums.
Yes to the grave ::025::


I plan on riding North after that O:)
 
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