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Paraplegic Spyder Ryder, wheelchairs and the Spyder....

45822 Views 48 Replies 24 Participants Last post by  len100
4
Hello Team,

Disabled Spyder Ryder here, with an update on my project.....I have completed the mounting of the Klictronic shifter, modified the brake system to a handlebar mounted master cylinder and nearly completed the self fabbed floor boards.

Shifter:
I wanted to stay with the Klictronic shifter mounting plate supplied, as it had a nice swivel joint on it and the clamp. Playing with different angles and mounts, I went with mounting the unit directly below and ahead of the riders left foot peg. This I found was my personal best location, easy access, cool and protected from elements....to a point. A challenge I ran into was clearance room from the movement of the parking brake lever.
Removing the entire bracket assembly, I simply hacked off the leading round edge of the parking brake lever with a hand hack saw. This allowed for more of a rear mounting location for the shifter, and still full use of the parking brake.
The design for mounting is a simply 'clamp mount' using raw stock steel bar, cutting it to size, drilling holes thru it and the Klictronic plate. I used a rubber liner between the mounting plate and that of the Spyder's bracket, to help absorb any vibrations. As steel and aluminum hate living together, I painted the steel and used stainless bolts, washer and nyloc nuts.
Welded a 1/8" by 3/4" 'L' shaped tang onto the original shifter lever, and configured it to meet with the Klictronic's plain of engagement, then moved the Klictronic to and fro, until I had the full amount of stroke travel for both up and down shifting. I wanted to leave the orginal shifter usable, as then a ‘walkie’ could still drive the bike, and I could easily find Neutral, to simply roll the Spyder around in my shop.
Then placed the control box in the tiny space above the Spyder's battery, mounted the handle bar shift controller and ran all the wiring. The ignition power source, was used from the....get this, the passenger weight sensor. Yes, there's ignition 12 volts to this sensor, so I tapped into it.

Brakes:

I found that I had too small of a master cylinder, from an 850 VFR...only 14mm bore. The Sypder I found out, uses a 20mm bore master cylinder. My choice became the Z-14 Kawi Radial master cylinder, which I have on order at this time.
A shop local to my office, made me a 60" braided stainless steel flex line with direct banjo fittings on either end. From a local bike wrecker, I obtained a manifold rail from an old Wing, the one that fits under the steering head, which takes the single line and puts out two lines to either front rotor....to make this fit, I ground out a small portion of the Spyder's heat shield that allowed enough clearance to install my manifold rail.
Take off the two steel brake lines (one at time) from the original Spyder master cylinder and mount them to the manifold rail, using a double banjo bolt at the front end, which combines the stainless steel flex line from the handle bar mounted master cylinder and the original steel brake lines. It will come natural, once you see the photos.
If you are good, or lucky like me, you can bleed the lines at the point of the manifold rail. Be patient and burp as much air up thru your handle bar master cylinder reservoir. Be sure NOT to push any air into the ABS module.....BRP told me that doing a full bleed job, would require and laptop and their software!!!

Floorboards:

Ok, no magic here......except that would normally be 6' 6" and have a size 14 shoe.....great. So, I had to make my floorboard big enough, but not too big to take away from the bike. I used 1/4" checker plate aluminum and used a 5" length of 3/16" by 1 and a 1/2" raw stock steel bar underneath.....why, cause some clown somewhere when I am not around will try and get onto my bike, and break off the plate aluminum. I decide to make my own boards to start with, easy to do and cheap, did I mention cheap. I made up aluminum spacer blocks and was able to mount my boards using the same 8mm pins and clips that came with the Spyder. Nice, neat and functional.....I only to to weld on a 2" gate around the outer front edge, so my feet do NOT come out during a bump or a spasm.

My self made floor board are about an 1” lower than the normal foot peg, giving my long legs more room and an ergonomic position relative to my feet. This angle of floor board mounting will hopefully allow for more hours of enjoyment, without cramping up.

My last challenge will be mounting my wheelchair. I have plans of machining out a block of aluminum, and making a clamp design that would grab the rear passenger hand rail. Having hooks coming out so that I could hang my wheelchair. Along with that, make up a tray to hold in place a wheel of the chair, so to keep is secure when folded up and NOT swing in the breeze….more to come when I get there.


I do hope my progress report helps spur the minds of others and helps those that are challenged.. Any comments would be appreciated.

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hi my name is don i live in nj i have a motorcycle shop and i have cp i am going to get a spyder and i am a factory trained teck i and i will need to put a hand brake when u are finished can u get in touch with me thanks don 973 667 5581
Great work! Keep it up. Cant wait to see it when its done! :cool:
What an incedible story Floto. Thanks for the tips on the floorboards. I'm not sure if I will put them on until I ride my new Spyder with the pegs.
I am an amputee (above knee - left leg) so the spyder was a perfect fit. Also an awesome machine. Having ordered the bike for 2008, I elected to get the SE5 shifter. A bonus for me because shifting with my left food was going to be difficult and I would have gone with the Klicktronic if the SE5 was not an option.

Let us know how things are going with the project. Hope to ride with you sometime in my travels
hand brakes, floor boards, paraplegic and the Spyder

Hello Team,

Floto612 back again.....aren't hardware/laptop upgrades wonderful.....crap, if I could only manage my computor as well as I spin wrenches, the world would be so much nicer! Just upgraded and lost two days of emails and internet use.

OK, I have been able to come much closer to resolution on the hand brakes, remember I found out that the original foot brake on the Spyder has a 200mm bore, well Brembo makes a 19x20 handle bar mounted Radial Master Cylinder!!! So, add to this the 30cc resorvoir and hose (make up your own mount), the single banjo pressure sensitive switched banjo bolt and washers, and well, you will be stopping on a dime......or, that's my hope. I lost loads of time trying to secure these items, being a Canadian kid......so, for those in Canada, contact

www.baysideperformance.com

and in the US, contact Craig at

www.vietsperformance.com in California.

My 14mm bore system was very close to working, but I read in my Service/Shop manual, that the BUDS software diagonsis system wants a minimum of 50 psi upon full application of the brakes.......so, best to go with the 20mm bore and stay close as possible to original.

My pieces will come in a week or so and I will update this forum then.

I have lifted myself out of my wheelchair and gotten on my stripped down Spyder, and even with my size 14 shoes, the floor board I made up will do the trick. The orginal pegs are of good sturdy design and postion, amputees will be quite comfortable on them......a little valcro may be a thought on the boot and peg. One very unique idea from another 'challenged ryder', is an electro magnetic holding device, mounted on the pegs and plates to your boots. Very creative thinking!

Kids, we need to put all the ideas out here on the forum, no idea is silly, the only silly idea......is the one you did NOT post.
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Hello Team,

Floto612 back again.....aren't hardware/laptop upgrades wonderful.....crap, if I could only manage my computor as well as I spin wrenches, the world would be so much nicer! Just upgraded and lost two days of emails and internet use.

OK, I have been able to come much closer to resolution on the hand brakes, remember I found out that the original foot brake on the Spyder has a 200mm bore, well Brembo makes a 19x20 handle bar mounted Radial Master Cylinder!!! So, add to this the 30cc resorvoir and hose (make up your own mount), the single banjo pressure sensitive switched banjo bolt and washers, and well, you will be stopping on a dime......or, that's my hope. I lost loads of time trying to secure these items, being a Canadian kid......so, for those in Canada, contact

www.baysideperformance.com

and in the US, contact Craig at

www.vietsperformance.com in California.

My 14mm bore system was very close to working, but I read in my Service/Shop manual, that the BUDS software diagonsis system wants a minimum of 50 psi upon full application of the brakes.......so, best to go with the 20mm bore and stay close as possible to original.

My pieces will come in a week or so and I will update this forum then.

I have lifted myself out of my wheelchair and gotten on my stripped down Spyder, and even with my size 14 shoes, the floor board I made up will do the trick. The orginal pegs are of good sturdy design and postion, amputees will be quite comfortable on them......a little valcro may be a thought on the boot and peg. One very unique idea from another 'challenged ryder', is an electro magnetic holding device, mounted on the pegs and plates to your boots. Very creative thinking!

Kids, we need to put all the ideas out here on the forum, no idea is silly, the only silly idea......is the one you did NOT post.
Excellent work!!!!
I am seriously considering a Spyder, and am very innterested in your brake setup!!!! I am healing from some right foot/ankle issues and will have little to no effective movement of my right ankle, so a hand brake is a must. Your design sounds like exactly what I was thinking. I assume your system does not ineterfere with the ABS or VSCS systems?
I would love to see some detailed pictures when your done and possibly a list of parts (I did see all above posts)
Thanks again for your sharing of this info!!!!
LJ
Sulli

Impressive Floto! Will pass on to my short friends. I'm intrigued by the brake system.
Don't know if this would work on your foot platform but you may want to look at toe cleat systems for high performance bicycles like the Shimano SPD cleat system. Haven't tried, but feature of holding foot securely may be worth considering, just not sure about release. Whatever - you're the brains!
Will watch your progress.
Mel Sullivan
paraplegic & Spyder......brakes and boards

Hello Team, Little John and Mel....

Little John, this forum thing is the perfect place to find these types of answers! When I built my first motorbike, an 1981 GoldWing Interstate GL1100 and Velorex sidecar about 8 yeas ago......I had NO where to go and find info on either shifting, braking or sidecar alignment. I found some stuff on the web, but I sure wished more folks back then would step up and share.
Your personal need would fit a hand brake application perfectly. A reason rumoured to be why no hand brake was designed in the Spder, was that in CA the Spyder is registered as an automobile....therefore, one brake and must be foot activated. DOT in CA were quick to observe, that the Spyder is a 'clean air' vechicle, and allowing only holders of a motorcycle drivers license, would limit the use of this 'clean air'/green vehicle. Bombardiar also knows 'theres money in there them hills'.....so, a motorbike in all other States/Provinces....but an automobile in CA.
Now, you refered to the ABS and VCSS.....since the changes are implemented prior to the brake lines entering into either of these systems, and should make the same pressure....there should be no effect to either system, of use with this hand brake design. The Shop manual makes mention of achieving a minimum of 508 psi or failures will occur, should be aquired by a 19x20 Brembo Radial handlebar mount master cylinder, which again....mine is in transit. Hang in there with me for another week or so, and I will be sure to keep everyone posted.

Mel Sullivan offers another excellent view of holding feet into place! Allowed to 'free think' and us humans can do some amzing things! Mel offers the idea of toe holds like on high end pedal bikes.......I'm not close to these forms of vehicles, but I would suggest that someone ensure that a special shoe is NOT required to make this connection to the device on the pedal.....
My brother is big on safe motorbiking, safety begins with proper attire and boots are part of the armour you need to wear. Lifting my legs over a bike/sled, I need them to fit in and out easily......this is just me. If you are able to make the connections at your feet, it seems way logical to use an exsiting design from these pedal bikes, great views Mel, thx.
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Hello Team, Little John and Mel....

.....since the changes are implemented prior to the brake lines entering into either of these systems, and should make the same pressure....there should be no effect to either system, of use with this hand brake design. The Shop manual makes mention of achieving a minimum of 508 psi or failures will occur, should be aquired by a 19x20 Brembo Radial handlebar mount master cylinder, which again....mine is in transit. Hang in there with me for another week or so, and I will be sure to keep everyone posted.
Thanks!
Thats what i imagined, but had to ask. I will wait with baited breath to see the end result. When you get it finished, alot of pics, and maybe a hand sketched schematic would help relay the info.
Thanks again, and glad to hear its all workin out for you. I should be making a decision and pullin the trigger on either the Spyder or something else this summer or fall.
OMG!!! This is so kool!!! It's so very close to being a dream come true, I almost can't contain myself.

I'm 28 years post injury (bike crash, what else) T-4 complete. I'm currently in the process of trying to gather information on building a custom sidecar (think chariot) for a an FLH, but it looks like the Spyder may have some real headstart advantages.

Let me ask some really fundamental questions.

1) Shifting. If I wait for the SE5 trans, I could skip the Klicktronics? The SE5 does have reverse, right?

2) Brakes. I'd have to have a local brake shop replumb the brakes to activate both the front and rear brakes with a handlever, from some larger mototcycle model?

3) Footplates. I'd need to have some custom fabricated/mounted. Maybe something alone the line of the foot plates on my Polaris 250 quad or a set from the trike kits?

4) Wheelchair. This is the biggie for me. Some sorta bike rack to hold my folding chair. Mounted on the side or maybe even on the back with a swivel?

Any info/ideas would really be appreciated. I would love to see photos of what you folks end up with.

Joe
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more wheelchairs....more Spyders!

Hello Hawkeye,

Just came back from short wheel thru the snow, we got over a foot one Tuesday night! I'm a T-12 complete working on my Spyder over the winter...and another T-12 is working on his in Maryland, his member name is dswisher. You should also glime his views, as he is working on a different brake schema.
Ok, first question, yes the new SE5 in my understanding, will also have reverse, so you can eleminate the Klictronic......you just won't be able to power shift etc.. No biggie.
Next, the brakes.....I have had a string of bad luck trying to overcome this issue. The Brembo 19x20 radial master cylinder I order and received, installed and made up a 60" flexible stainsteel high pressure line to fit into the orginal system, using a distribution rail etc.......the cylinder is defective. Only last night did I conclude this, as a small stream of micro air bubble was going back up the clear tube to my brake fluid reservoir. I am now trying to win a warranty battle against Brembo...the distributor Bayside Performance is helping me on this. But, in theory the idea of a good stout handle bar master cylinder, should do the job. dswihser is working on a system to use a slave cylinger, operated by the Brembo, to activate the orginal foot brake pedal......please nudge this 'good ole boy' for an update on his project.

Foot rests/boards.....I made my own, as I needed more leg room. Stretched out I'm 6' 6" so more is better in my case. The photos were my base plates and I semi circumfiranced these base plates with 3" mild check plate aluminum. Looks really good. I removed the orginal peg, made up aluminum spacers and support from underneath with steel support bars I made up. Drilled the fitting holes and used the orginal 10mm pin and clip to secure them. All my 'walkie friends at 200+ pounds have tried them out and gave me their seal of approval.

Wheelchair rack, yes, good problem. I am fabbing up a system that will have the folded chair on my left side, chair facing rearward as to NOT interfere with the turn indicators and the chair back rest, riding on extended pegs from the rear left passenger and a design still on my bench or a mounting plate and second rear left extend peg. These pegs will fold out about 7" to become 'a lift fork' approach to holding the folded wheelchair. Once lifted by me and folded, using a bungie strap to secure the the passenger hand grip. The post and swivel design may not fit the Spyder.....unless you have some magic up your sleeve?

Hawkeye, share your inputs with us......as more than a few 'challenged' souls are awaiting our successes. I'm getting email and voice traffic from all aspects of challenged riders.......the bigger our team, the more inputs and successes we can enjoy together. All ideas are good ones, the only stupid idea is the one that was NOT brought forth.
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I found this picture on the web. Maybe something similar, but mounted on the drivers left side.

Another option might be to use something like the Tilt-N-Tote model 001 from www.wheelchaircarrier.com/lifts/tiltntote.html

Maybe

Joe

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I am so stoked to have found this site. I am a T4-T6 complete para injured in a motorcycle accident 2 years ago (Hayabusa 1300RR). I so want to ride again as I am president of a motorcycle club (DOWN2RYDE) Here is Southern California. I looked into the T-Rex which is just too expensive and then I found the Spyder. I have been reading about it and actually saw when them for the first time on the road when they were here in San Diego doing test rides. Pretty cool looking I must say. I'm going to check one out tonight at a local shop as I hear they are coming out with an automatic. I'm concerned about the braking system being able to be put into a hand control and a possible mount for my chair but I see you guys are working on all this stuff already. I will be looking for more information and anything that I find out that may make any of this easier for us I will let you guys know. Thanks for being so inspirational guys I'm stoked.
Welcome to the forum!! I saw your write up on Easy Stand. Looks like a piece of equipment I should check out.

Joe (T-4)
Hawkeye, thanks for the welcome. The easy stand is awesome. If you can check it out I would highly recommend it.
OMG!!! This is so kool!!! It's so very close to being a dream come true, I almost can't contain myself.

I'm 28 years post injury (bike crash, what else) T-4 complete. I'm currently in the process of trying to gather information on building a custom sidecar (think chariot) for a an FLH, but it looks like the Spyder may have some real headstart advantages.

Let me ask some really fundamental questions.

1) Shifting. If I wait for the SE5 trans, I could skip the Klicktronics? The SE5 does have reverse, right?

2) Brakes. I'd have to have a local brake shop replumb the brakes to activate both the front and rear brakes with a handlever, from some larger mototcycle model?

3) Footplates. I'd need to have some custom fabricated/mounted. Maybe something alone the line of the foot plates on my Polaris 250 quad or a set from the trike kits?

4) Wheelchair. This is the biggie for me. Some sorta bike rack to hold my folding chair. Mounted on the side or maybe even on the back with a swivel?

Any info/ideas would really be appreciated. I would love to see photos of what you folks end up with.

Joe
OK - I can help with a few of the questions.
1) YES you can skip the Klicktronic. I was going to go that route as well, but the SE5 keeps it "stock". The SE5 also has the reverse gear (as does the M5)
2) My dealer has relocated the pedal brake (ABS and ONLY one is on the bike) to a hand lever. It does not appear to be to big a deal. It is still a single lever and remains ABS.
3) I don't know about this one, but would also be interested. I think it would keep my prosthesis more stable
4) Sorry can't help you with that one either
Another one

Hi guys,
Here's my story. T6-T7 full para. Bike wreck like others here 18 years ago. I've spent the last year and mucho dollars converting over a 2006 Honda CBR600RR. It has a set of landing gear that come down that sort of work but it's just to sketchy for me to ride and still be in control 100% of the time. So it's up for sale.

Now I'm looking at the Spyders. Specifically the SE5 version. I'm holding out though. For a few reasons. Number one is options. I want more options for colors, engine parts, wheels and such. I'm hoping they come out with some stuff along those lines.

The main reason is I have speed issues. Granted I understand that it's not a street bike. Nothing is going to keep up with the 600RR short of another race type bike. I'm curious how well this thing accelerates? I know it's 100+mph machine but it sure would be nice to have my arms streched out a few mil's after each ride! :D

Either way I'm thinking I'm all over one. Just saw one at the local dealer here in San Diego and it was nice other than them wanting $22k out the door! OW! Bend over and take one up the tailpipe there!

I also have a crew of machinist buddies as well as some designer buddies from Chrysler that would be all over making some mods as well.....they are just as stoked to get one going as I am. I also do stickers so I'm thinking it would be cool to see a race looking version. We'll see.

Great forum and looking forward to hearing from everyone.
5150
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And yet another...

Hi guys! My name is Chris. I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have a brachial plexis paralysis of my left arm and my left leg has been hacked off above the knee. So that means I only have the use of my right limbs. I have a beautiful prosthetic leg, so i can walk - although i use my wheelchair around the house. My "disabilities" are as a result of a guy wheelying his Yamaha R1 into me at about 140 km/h, after I had just won a competition. I used to do stunt shows on my Honda VTR 1000, so this was a problem... I haven't ridden since.

Great news is: I HAVE ORDERED MY SE5 SPYDER!!! Sorry about the caps but i am just so excited! I wonder if I will be able to mount the left side switchgear on the right bar. It would be easier that routing some type of switch for the gears onto the right handlebar. Either way, I will get it to work and hopefully my leg even fits in the boot (wishful thinking, I suppose).

My Spyder should get here in November and I am told I will be riding the 1st SE5 in our country. I really cant wait.... This is a great forum. Thank-you.

Chris

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Inspiring stories guys. I'm not a Spyder-man yet but am still considering one. And when all your conversions are done, show us a photo like this one. This was me on 'prototype week' on L.I.-no test ride since they didn't get plates from the state as of yet.

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OK - I can help with a few of the questions.
1) YES you can skip the Klicktronic. I was going to go that route as well, but the SE5 keeps it "stock". The SE5 also has the reverse gear (as does the M5)
2) My dealer has relocated the pedal brake (ABS and ONLY one is on the bike) to a hand lever. It does not appear to be to big a deal. It is still a single lever and remains ABS.
3) I don't know about this one, but would also be interested. I think it would keep my prosthesis more stable
4) Sorry can't help you with that one either
Star Cruiser,
Could you supply some details on what your dealer did with the brake?
Ive been researching options and if your dealer did it, its gotta be a good possibility for me. If you could supply part numbers, etc that he used, and maybe some pics it would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks!!!
LJ
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