A motorcycle without a shift lever?

[leclairk]

A friend of mine is interested in getting a bike. Problem is his left ankle is fused so he can't operate a shift lever. It's my understanding the AE model FJR's still have a shift lever correct? Is there a motorcycle that is a fully automatic (besides a freaking scooter!) and would be an appropriate 1st bike?

 

[MrM0t0]

Although the AE has a foot shift lever, I shift mine with only my left index finger using the paddle shifter on the bar.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Yep, it's optional, the shift lever does the same thing as the push button. If yer hand don't work, shift with your foot, if your foot don't work, shift with your hand. If neither work, have your woman push her ****s into your back harder and make her reach forward and push the button.

 

[user 31223]

I know you said no freaking scooter, but wanted to let your buddy know there is a 650 scooter from suzuki and bmw out there that whilst it wont keep up with an FJR driven hard it will keep up with normal riding.

 

[FJRay]

I rode with a couple last week riding two up on a 650 Burgman and they had zero trouble keeping up including passing.

 

[RichDoyle]

FWIW, a couple of days ago I got off the ferry beside a dude with a Burgman. He seemed to have something to prove, gassing it on every start. I no longer have a need to humiliate my fellow riders, so I stayed just behind him and didn't contest anything. I must say the bike did seem quite adequate and I hope he is content. I don't intend to patronize the bike here. It did fine. It was his agenda that seemed worth mentioning.

 

[Jer]

A friend of mine is interested in getting a bike. Problem is his left ankle is fused so he can't operate a shift lever. It's my understanding the AE model FJR's still have a shift lever correct? Is there a motorcycle that is a fully automatic (besides a freaking scooter!) and would be an appropriate 1st bike?

Has your friend tried riding a standard shifting motorcycle? I have a fused ankle and have been riding standard shifting motorcycles for at least 12 years since the fusion. I can't remember what riding was like before the injury. The shifter has to be adjusted to get your boot under it and allow the shifter to drop to the next gear position between shifts. The shifting is done by lifting the foot against the shifter by raising your leg. I don't even think of it anymore it seems so natural.

 

[airboss]

People that ride the AE love it.

However I don't think I could recommend an FJR as a first bike to anyone because of the power and weight of the bike. Your friend maybe better served by looking at something like this.

https://powersports.honda.com/2014/nc700x.aspx

 

[Tyler]

Or, if he has an open mind, there is always the CanAm Spyder. I know, I know... it has an extra wheel... but it is fun... just a different kind of fun. B)

 

[gixxerjasen]

I know you said no freaking scooter, but wanted to let your buddy know there is a 650 scooter from suzuki and bmw out there that whilst it wont keep up with an FJR driven hard it will keep up with normal riding.

The lady in the middle will keep up with 90% of FJR riders for sure. That's her old scooter...replaced after putting over 100K miles on it. She's rocking the new one and the old one is still going in the local club.

Yes, my Bandit was out-displaced by all but one scooter that day.

 

[RaYzerman19]

While maybe not as good as an AE or auto trans, electric shifters have been around for a while.... I recall race bikes having them as it's faster than shifting by foot....

https://www.jpcycles.com/shifters-and-shifter-parts?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=motorcycle%20shifter&utm_campaign=clutch+driveline+and+transmissions&device=c&network=g&matchtype=b&gclid=CjkKEQjw75CcBRCz2LiEs5OPsZoBEiQADgUma1dDrblH0UZN7nBJYnKVzgHCGUIVHN_TpBqsILrsDyHw_wcB

https://www.disabledmotorcyclerider.com/shifters.html

 

[20valves]

Honda's VFR 1200 has a full auto trans option. A bit pricey though.

https://powersports.honda.com/2013/vfr1200f/options.aspx

 

[NMRoadRunner]

FJR as a first ride will bring it's own riding issues other then how to shift it. You can shift a motorcycle with a fused ankle, just lift your foot. Tell him "Good Luck and be careful"

 

[dudeckp]

If I remember, Honda made a bike with a CVT called the DN-01...

 

[Fred W]

Aprilia Mana 850 is auto shifting. Lots of them around cheap with low miles

 

[rushes]

A friend of mine is interested in getting a bike. Problem is his left ankle is fused so he can't operate a shift lever. It's my understanding the AE model FJR's still have a shift lever correct? Is there a motorcycle that is a fully automatic (besides a freaking scooter!) and would be an appropriate 1st bike?

If it really is a 1st. bike, I would try to find a clean dirt bike or light dualsport and weld an extension on the back side of the shift lever to create a heel/toe shifter. With the heel/toe, shifting could be done with a peg foot.

Let him learn the control basics off road where he won't have to worry about a car if he makes a mistake. (My opinion how every new rider should start.)

Just my opinion...

 

[Fred W]

Yeah... this ^ ^ ^

Best way to ride a bike is without all the cages swirling around trying to kill you.