First Ride in 17 years

[OpenSource]

I got to witness something really cool this weekend. My friend Dave took his first ride on a kawasaki ZX10 he has modified to accommodate his disability.

Dave was in a motorcycle crash 17 years ago which resulted in a T5 spinal injury, leaving him paralyzed from mid chest down.

Not long after the accident, he was already planning a way to get back on the horse.

The ZX-10 was outfitted with actuators which allow him to shift from the handle bars(yes like an AE FJR). And to steady the bike, two stabilizer arms fitted with small wheels lower down when the bike slows. This is also accomplished by actuators operated from the handle bars.

See Dave take his first ride..




This link shows a close up of how the actuators work the stabilizers ..

Gear Shifter

This link shows a close up of how the actuators work the shifting ..

Shifting

Nice Work Dave !! :clapping:

 

[phil]

That's the most fantastic bike technology I've seen yet! I know it must be great for him to be back in the saddle again.

 

[uctofeej]

That's just awesome!

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

I had very serious back surgery about 13 months ago & can attest to the need to ride again. Wasn't cleared till June of this year which was a long time. Yet, this mans case sure inspires me to continue riding regardless. Thanks for sharing his story & determination.

 

[keithaba]

Cool!!!!

Those bars that come down to stabalize the bike when he slows down are really cool.

 

[sonicspeed]

that is wonderful, great technology, and i am in awe of anyone who can come back from something like that to be able to ride again

 

[C&C]

Would hope to think I would have the same courage as Dave (not sure that I would have and definitely hope to never find out). My hat is off to him for seeing this come full circle; that's the spirit.

 

[double_entendre]

Would hope to think I would have the same courage as Dave (not sure that I would have and definitely hope to never find out). My hat is off to him for seeing this come full circle; that's the spirit.

Ditto here on all counts. Wow! :clapping:

Rancho

 

[fossilrider]

Speechless! Kudo's to Dave and his ingenuity!!!!!!!!

 

[wel1123]

I'm impressed with the mods and even more so with the mans determination.

RIDE ON!!!

 

[TestPilot]

That is just awesome. Please pass my best wishes to Dave, and appreciation of him setting out to do something, and getting there! This is a great lesson in overcoming difficulties. :clapping: :clapping:

And I'm guessing that he has a bunch of supportive people around him - well done all you guys too. Most of us cannot achieve our goals in isolation, and to have a supportive cheer-squad is great.