Disabledbiker Forum

[jimmy2bikes]

It's a while since I have been on the forum, I'm sorry if this topic has already been covered but I was unable to find it.
I passed my test on a scooter two years ago, the 33 bhp restriction ends tomorrow, was wondering if my automatic license would allow me to ride the FJR1300AS? I have a right leg disability, the plan was to use the clutch lever and master cylinder from the manual version of this bike, fit it on the handlebar of the AS version and connect it to the rear brake master cylinder.

[dik]

yes is the quick answer - as long as you are not doing a clutch you will be okay - ah hang on. that answer is more for cars, not bikes, sorry. but i wonder if its the same?

anyone help?
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[Delboy]

You're right Dik, once the restriction is over then the world's your automatic lobster.
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[jimmy2bikes]

Thank you very much for your replies, I've just got to work out how I get the <25KW removed from my license, the DSA and DVLA do not seem to explain this. I don't think you can beat a manual bike for it's control and stability, I would have preferred a manual bike and two years ago tried to modify a Varadero and a Deauville with neptune twin levers and take a test but was unable to get them to work, I am therefore stuck with scooters, I have a 650 Burgman but would like to get back to motorcycles which is why I am looking at the FJR1300AS, the one thing that bothers me about this bike is the poor stability when the clutch disengages at low speeds, it has been heavily criticised for it, the way around the problem is to drag the rear brake but this is not ideal, I was wondering if it would be possible to fit a torque convertor.

[dik]

it is one hell of a bike for sure. i looked at it seriously once - seems like a fantastic machine, but you have already highlighted the slow speed concerns...you will just have to use it out of town! there are some other automatic bikes out there...

Aprilia 850 Mana/Gilera Ferro 850

Well, those two at least and the Honda DN-01 thing, if its a motorcycle!
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[jimmy2bikes]

Dik, Thank you for your suggestions, I looked at the 850 Mana but preferred the FJR even though I have only ever seen the manual version never the AS, also I do not know anyone who owns one. Looking at the manual I bought for it, it looks like the clutch lever from the manual bike will not fit without removing the handlebar gear change switch. I am now thinking of forgetting it and looking at the possibilty of trying again to convert a manual bike, learning to ride it and take a test but at the ripe old age of 56 I am wondering if I have left it too late.

[Lofty]

I have the edition of the Road magazine from MAG carrying the roadtest of the FJR you mentioned. If you want to see it then pm an address and I will post it to you.

[jimmy2bikes]

Thanks for the offer Lofty, I have seen a lot of reviews about the FJR, the best and most comprehensive one I have read so far is someone replacing his Trophy.

http://atrophy.lock.net/do/fjr.php?

The problem of poor low speed stability because of the clutch disengaging is not going to go away, it seems the only way to overcome this is to drag the rear brake, riding the bike like a scooter,
I asked Yamaha if something could be done about it, i.e. fitting a torque converter but all they said was take one for a test ride.

[davsil]

[Badger]

Have you tried a Honda Dn01? I would like to know how they work on the road.
I can say that personally I have had to try many variations of thumb brakes and linked brakes. I think that I am90% there, but I am still seeking perfection. It is not easy. If I can give you any help, pm me.
Regards
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Minus one leg but still on two wheels

[jimmy2bikes]

Thanks Badger, sorry for the delay in replying, lots of problems at work.
I looked at the DN01 but finally bought the FJR, an incredible machine.
To relocate the rear brake to the left handle bar, I bought the complete clutch lever and clutch master cylinder meant for the manual version of this bike, have removed the hand operated gear change switch on the left handle bar to fit this. I am trying to refit the gear change switch which is not easy, the body of it will need to be modified to clamp the unit back onto the handle bar because the master cylinder clamp is now in the way, I was looking at the possibilty of finding one at a breaker or buying a new one to work this out. My only other problem then will be connecting the brake line from the 'clutch' master cylinder into the reservoir feed on the rear brake master cylinder, it looks like this feed is a push fit into the cylinder body but know one seems to know, the earlier master cylinders (which will not fit this bike) have a pear shaped plastic spigot with a screw fixing which can be replaced with a banjo bolt adaptor, the added problem here is that there is not a lot of room at this point, I would be grateful for any ideas.

[Badger]

Your choice of bike sounds like alot of fun
Tip Top for touring. My fave is Europe and the Balkans
Have you any pics as I have a couple of master cylinders.
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Minus one leg but still on two wheels

[jimmy2bikes]

Badger, I have the master cylinder for the handle bar, the two problems I am trying to sort out are refitting the handlebar gear change switch, also connecting the hydraulic brake line into the rear brake master cylinder as there is no room to do this, I may have to remove the existing line and connect the new one direct to the manifold (this means the foot brake will be inoperative but does not matter as I can't use it anyway)

[nabsim]

[Terrortubby]