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I first joined NABD in 1998, which was three years after having my left leg amputated below the knee.
I first heard about the organisation a few years before that while I was involved in ‘Lancaster Motocross Club’ as Treasurer and Secretary.
I wanted to return to biking so I contacted NABD to see if they knew of anyone who dealt with electronic gear change systems. NABD then put me in touch with ‘NEFF Design & Engineering’ who are based at Dragoon in Arizona, USA.
I purchased one of the solenoid gear changers and it was posted out to me, then I fitted it myself by ‘trial & error’.
It worked 95% of the time, but sometimes I was unable to be sure what gear I was in when I came to a halt, usually at a crossroads or traffic lights. After a couple of years, I had to sell the bike (a Honda VFR) for financial reasons, so I was without a bike for a few years.
Then I purchased a ‘damaged repairable’ Honda VFR V-Tec 800 and spent a few months doing the bike up, with help from my son Dan (also a bike enthusiast). I then decided to apply for a grant from NABD, having been advised to do so by Kliktronic themselves. The Kliktronic gear change was fitted by Lancaster Honda (Tel; 01524 62666) on White Lund Estate. After its initial fitting, it needed to go back to Lancaster Honda to be adjusted, as the unit was getting in the way of my foot. This adjustment was made at no additional cost and I was very happy with the service they provided; the staff couldn’t have been more helpful.
The Kliktronic has worked 100% perfect every time and since having it fitted in May this year, I have covered a thousand miles or so totally trouble free. I have also myself, fitted a Datatool gear change indicator; this is because of the problem of not knowing for sure (on the previous bike) which gear had been selected. This, in conjunction with the Kliktronic, has given me trouble free biking.
I would like to thank everyone at NABD for all the help and support, and for allowing the Adaption Grant, thereby getting me ‘back on the road’ (as an adrenaline junkie, the need for a ride out is perfect therapy after a ‘bad day’) and not forgetting all the people who donate money and organise fund raising for NABD
Martin Smith
This NABD Grant of £430.00
was sponsored by donations from 4 BN REME and Ridgeway MCC
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