I'm 33 years old and have been riding dirt bikes and motorcycles for most of my life. About 5 years ago I had a 1994 FLSTN and a border collie ran out in front of me and I almost laid the bike down. I parked it for awhile and finally decided to sell it. I'm now ready to get back into riding however some health issues may stop me. I was born with a spine deformity that at age 10 started progressively getting worse and now is causing pressure on my spinal cord. Do other riders have disabilities and still ride OK or should I just stay off 2 wheels?

Thanks

 

That's really a question only you can truly answer. Take into consideration that there are a lot of 3 wheel options out there that will help you get back to riding. Harley makes a couple, can am has the spider and just about any bike can be fitted with an aftermarket trike kit...I'll confess and say that I'm biased towards riding if at all possible so take my advice with that in mind. As long as you won't hurt yourself or others then by all means get yourself something to ride.

 

I' totally with beagle on this...there's a similar thread on this page on this very subject. Worth a read.

 

Talk to your doctor and no one else.

 

Great advice to start with.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Obviously talking to a doctor is good advice.

However, a doctor will typically err to the side of caution when advising you. When he advises against it, I would ask if it's because it could worsen your condition or if it's because he feels that in your condition, you won't be able to properly control a motorcycle.

If it's the latter, then that is up to you to decide. If you think you can handle a bike safely, and it won't advance your condition, then I say go for it.

Also, the three wheeler advice is good too. Lots of cool trikes out there. I wouldn't mind zipping around on a Can Am Spyder when the time comes for me to give up 2 wheels. Whatever it takes to stay in the wind my friend.

 

You may also want to consider renting a bike for a couple of days, ride the hell out of it, and see how you feel. Not that you shouldn't ask, but your Dr. will likely tell you not to ride, regardless of your health. They see too much. My daughter in-law is a nurse - she hates bikes due all the broken up riders she has tended to over the years.

Whatever you decide, best of luck, and welcome to the forum.

 

Especially if that doctor rides.

 

If you do decide to ride again, (the industry thanks you), maybe a custom seat might be needed with a portion of the foam removed where you spine would impact the seat.

This may help mitigate any discomfort.

 

Your doctor may be able to tell you if you’re physically okay to ride, but only you will know if you’re mentally capable. There are a lot of folks who just decide their head’s not in the game anymore and they hang up riding for good. Nothing wrong with that - when you’re head’s not into it you’re just an accident waiting to happen.

But if you have the desire to ride and the mindset that you need to ride and your doc says you’re capable of riding, there are many ways to get back in the wind. Good luck whichever way you decide to go!