Thread: One Arm Rider: Modification Required, Need Opinions!

I have a right hand that doesn't work. I was going to stick with the automatics however I found a really cool Z50 and the guy installed a brand new Zongshen 110 cc engine with a 4 speed manual.

I normally just reverse the throttle on an automatic however the throttle must be twisted forward instead of turning back to the rider.
Naturally with the 4 speed I now have a clutch and a throttle to control with only one hand. I was thinking of installing a thumb throttle to replace the twist throttle since it would force me to let off on the gas when shifting.

Anyone Have Any Ideas????

I just picked it up yesterday so I haven't rdden it but with the 110 cc motor this sucker must fly!

Option 1: I'd tie the brakes together....the rear brake actuator can be modified to take a cable too somehow and then the brakes work in tandem. THen use the brake lever for the clutch and install a thumb throttle.

Option 2: Tie the brakes together with the lever on the handlebar so front and rear brakes are actuated by grabbing the lever. Then convert the brake lever so it actuates the clutch mechanism. Also install a thumb throttle.

Option 3: How strong is your thumb? Keep everything as is, and install a thumb throttle, but use that to pull the clutch in.

Option 4: Make a mechanism that allows you to pull the clutch in with your thigh or knee.

Hey thanks for the tips!!

I am a bit confused however. As I had mentioned it is my right hand that I can't use. Basically I jam it in the right handlebar and I can use the twist throttle but have poor throttle control.
Since my right hand can't grasp I can't use the front brake lever. I am trying to control everything from the left handlebar only and use the rear brake only.
I figure a thumb throttle is probably best however I can use a twist throttle if it is easier.

I also need to figure out a way to "secure" my right hand onto the grip, maybe using a glove that I sew velcro on and glue velcro to the hand grip.

Any Ideas Are Greatly Appreciated.

If you plan to control the throttle with your right hand:

Arrange so that the rear brake actuator actually pulls both brakes in tandem.
Keep the left hand so that the clutch is pulled in.

If you plan to control the throttle with your left hand:

THink of the options I listed above. You could use a thumb throttle to control the throttle...or you can use one to pull the clutch in. YOu could use the lever to actuate the clutch or actuate the brakes. You could reverse the throttle and run it on your left hand.

The rear brake lever could be modified to if you want. It could either be used normally, you could mod it so when you push it down, it actually pulls the clutch, or you could make it so that you push it down, it actuates both brakes.

I think the glove idea is good, except that if you ever lost control of the bike, I would not want to be tied to it. Does your right arm help in steering?

I re-read that again..I guess if you were using velcro...it would tear away.

Just some thoughts from the peaunut gallery, you could take the throttle from Dratv, cut the end off a handgrip and plastic barrel slide it on the left handelbar grip first and have a throttle that would work right, but the cable would come off the end of the handle bar. On a CT where the handle bars are close together I don't think this would be a problem. Since they make that eng with a manual clutch or automatic it might be easer to convert it to a auto clutch. I like fatcccats idea of running both brakes off the rear brake, Then if you keep the manual clutch you could keep it on the left handelbar, use it to take off, then back off the throttle and shift thru the gears without the clutch, just take it easy though.

A hockey style elbow pad would help keep your right arm in a more nautral riding position also, help with stability too. I did that once when my arm was injured

I have personally seen a 315lb 6'7 man ride a hayabusa with only his left arm, his entire right arm was amputated at the shoulder

He drove that poor bike like he had a death wish. I could not believe my eyes when I saw a guy that big ride with just the left arm

I just wish I could ride as good as him

Good for you for riding despite a disability

Is it possible to just yank the manual clutch out and put in an automatic one?

Hey You Guys are alright!,

Naturally I will start with the easiest option and if I don't feel comfortable at higher speeds I will try other options.

So on this Zongshen motor you can actually convert it to an auto?

I think I may keep this bike. It is so friggin cool. The guy did an awesome job bringing this bike back to life. I don't like the fact that it does not have the original engine but with double the displacement it must be an absolute blast to ride.

I plan on keeping it in my living room as a "Mobile Piece Of Artwork". Anytime I want to ride I will just open the front door.

I gotta post some pics when I get home. I life in Florida and drove all the way to NJ to pick up this bike and I am stuck in a huge snow storm so I can't post pics until I get back to the Sunshine State..

I think it is possible to convert to an auto, but dont quote me on that one

I don't know the zhongshen that well

The auto is not really an auto, when you click the shift lever the clutch is disengaged by an internal mechanism and released when you release the shift lever back to its resting position. This means holding the shifter up or down will put you in 'neutral' because the clutch is disengaged, a great feature for pulling wheelies

I think you should be able to convert it. I'm sure there are many experts on this forum that can provide input, and problably many threads here already on the subject