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An accident in the 1980s left me with enough damage to make me think that I would probably never ride again.
Following a pillion passage to the Isle of Man for the TT races in 2000 with my brother, and after looking at web site for the NABD, I got thinking that it was possible to get back riding again.
I originally intended to use the Kliktronic gearchange system as a way to get riding again but when we saw the first bike (I know, I know) we realised it could be more easily adapted with the thumb brake system.
It was an old H reg Ronda 450 twin, a bit ratty, but together and fairly sound.
The reasons I bought it included price, it was bought for £675.00. I also thought it was a good balance between CC’s and weight. I was not in the market for a very powerful, heavy bike, also I did not want a bike that was too small.
Martin (my bro, who did all the work on the bike adaption and improvement) set to work after getting the necessary parts from his very helpful mates in Pee Gees Motorcycles of Caerphilly (02920 863536). I cut and shaped the seat so my right foot would touch the floor and bought bars for a Kawasaki Z1 to fit the thumb brake lever onto.
The part came through from the NABD and this was fitted. The first problem was that there was not quite enough pressure getting to the disc. So we went to the NEC Motorbike Show in Birmingham with the intention of getting a different rear brake calliper.
Mr Steve Harris (of Harris Performance) had one that would fit, from a Ducati 916 and he sold it to me, complete with pads for the excellent price of just sixty quid.
This made an improvement and I was back on the road after a long time off it, courtesy of the NABD grant and my brother’s ingenuity.
We went to the Isle of Man for the TT this year (me on the front this time!) and I realised the bars were a bit too high for comfort at speeds of seventy and above.
I contacted Kidderminster Motorcycles who were very helpful and supplied a straighter pair of bars (which the rear brake lever could fit onto) that were meant for an Ariel.
This made higher speed cruising far more comfortable and things are just getting better.
I have done just under 10,000 miles on the bike so far in all weathers. I have also displayed it on the NABD stand at the Ramsey Sprint on the Isle of Man in 2004 (got my ferry and camping booked for this year too).
I even made it to the NABD Autumn Nabd’ness rally at Cornbury Park and had a great party (got there and back without getting wet too).
Many thanks to the NABD and all those members and supporters who are willing to put time and effort into giving disabled people access to the freedom of biking.
Graham Fox
This NABD Grant of £175.00 was sponsored by the 3rd Bristol Non-Urban Rally
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