Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: choosing a bike, triple clamps, trail bikes

Question
hello william,
recently i have gotten into riding but i have one hinderance. a couple years back i had to have surgery on both of my feet which makes me very limited on ankle movement. i can still ride but i have two problems. one is shifting because sumtimes when i shift it doesnt pop into the next gear, i figure if i adjust the shifter to a different position it will fix that problem. give me your ideas on that. and then my main question is picking a bike for me. it seems since i cant go up on the ball of my foot to kick start bigger bikes, the only size that seems comfortable is 125 trail bikes. i was wondering if there was any bikes youd recommend that are around that size but with a bigger motor? or if i could shave down the seat or any other techniques so one of my feet touch the ground,my height is around 6ft. thank you for your help.

Answer
James,

That is a tough problem. The easiest solution, of course, is to get a dirt bike with electric starting. They are out there, but I don't think there are any in the 125cc range. I know KTM makes a 250 with electric start, I'd check the other makers to see what's available, I know Yamaha makes a 225 dual-sport with electric start that's essentially a dirtbike with lights.

I'd also work with a dirtbike shop to get the bike set up for you. Get the shifter adjusted, shave the seat, and see about getting the suspension lowered. The forks are easy: loosen the clamps (carefully) and slide the forks up in the triple clamps an inch or so. The rear suspension might be more of a challenge: check into a lowering link or a shock that is shorter. A shop should be able to help you.

It can be done! Good luck and happy riding.

Bill Roberson