Road Test by ‘Motorcycle News’ Magazine
Flatshifter Max electric gear-shift, £799 + V.A.T (where applicable) & postage
Time tested: 1500 miles /8 weeks
“What’s good? Simply, that I’m able to ride a bike after a long time off. In March 2009 I crashed while racing at Brands Hatch and suffered several injuries, one of which has left me unable to move my left foot. For some time I thought I would never be able to ride a bike again and with bikes having been a large part of my life for 35 years that really wasn’t something I wanted to consider.”
“After looking at the various options, I chose to fit an electric gear changer to my Ducati Monster 695. It is basically an electrical actuator, that’s mounted to the frame with a purpose built bracket, and connects to the gear lever. When I press buttons on the handlebar the actuator moves the gear lever either up or down to change gears.”
“After a brief tutorial, and with much apprehension, I set off for a quick lap of an industrial estate. It was simple to use and after my initial nerves had settled I was soon beaming… I was back on a bike, after four years.”
“My first trip was to ride back home from the workshop, a distance of some 70 miles. I had a couple of stops en-route and was shattered when I got home because I’d concentrated so hard. The device works smoothly and allows clutch-less changes up through the gears. I was also pleased to find that when I informed my insurance company of the modification it didn’t affect my premium.
Since starting riding again I’ve taken advantage of the good weather and have just come back from a 500-mile round trip to North Wales and am already planning a jaunt to Europe next year. It’s great to be back.”
“What’s not so good? There’s nothing negative about it.”
Contact: www.disabledmotorcycleriders.com or call us on 01206 322557 +44 1206 322557
Quality Rating: 5/5
Value Rating: 5/5