23 replies to this topic

[Kebab897]

So, we're getting older with all the delights that brings.

I've had long-term neck issues with referred pain down my arm for almost 20 years. This was acceptable until last August, when the arm pain got a lot more unpleasant. After investigation, it appears that I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Technically in both arms but predominantly my left arm. Feels a bit like someone has lightly tied a tourniquet around the top of the arm, resulting in a mixture of tingling, numbness and some intermittent pain. Bottom line is that my left arm strength is slightly reduced. Am seeing physio bods, as posture correction exercises might reverse (or partially reverse) the condition. Emphasis on might...

 

In the meantime, this has implications for riding a bike. I have been out on a couple of relatively brief rides, but have concerns that my clutch arm / hand will get tired on longer spins or for any longer distance touring. Damned if I'm gonna give up bikes this young, so options are:

• Adapt TDM 900 as best I can. Cheap!
• Get another bike with a two-way quickshifter and preferably cruise control (Looking closely at the V-Strom 800RE although the Cruise would be an aftermarket plug-in). Very expensive!
• Get a full DCT bike (NC750X, but not really inspired by them). On the plus side, not as expensive as the V-strom.

Cheapest option means I am starting with the TDM.  I have therefore ordered a Healtech Quickshifter to assist with clutchless upshifts. Yes, I know that with an inline four clutchless upshifts are easy: no so much with a big twin unless you like mullering the gearbox.  But after watching someone on YooToob add a Healtech QS to an old Beemer GS1100 am now thinking it should be fine and reduce using the clutch by a fair bit. You can apparently change the ignition program cut-out times so sholdn't cause any damage. Unless mistaken, I haven't seen anyone else on the site fit one?

Also have an idea for a cheapo cruise control. Well, it's more of a throttle stabiliser but anything to help with the arms going forward.  

Will report back.

 

 

 

 

[laughin in a windstorm]

have you ever tried one of these 'easy clutch' adapters, they lighten the amount of effort needed to pull the lever in, it might help

https://www.ebay.co....0RACB659GRSPQKR

[leehenty]

There are hydraulic conversions too but cost £££

[fixitsan]

So, we're getting older with all the delights that brings.

I've had long-term neck issues with referred pain down my arm for almost 20 years. This was acceptable until last August, when the arm pain got a lot more unpleasant. After investigation, it appears that I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Technically in both arms but predominantly my left arm. Feels a bit like someone has lightly tied a tourniquet around the top of the arm, resulting in a mixture of tingling, numbness and some intermittent pain. Bottom line is that my left arm strength is slightly reduced. Am seeing physio bods, as posture correction exercises might reverse (or partially reverse) the condition. Emphasis on might...

 

In the meantime, this has implications for riding a bike. I have been out on a couple of relatively brief rides, but have concerns that my clutch arm / hand will get tired on longer spins or for any longer distance touring. Damned if I'm gonna give up bikes this young, so options are:

• Adapt TDM 900 as best I can. Cheap!
• Get another bike with a two-way quickshifter and preferably cruise control (Looking closely at the V-Strom 800RE although the Cruise would be an aftermarket plug-in). Very expensive!
• Get a full DCT bike (NC750X, but not really inspired by them). On the plus side, not as expensive as the V-strom.

Cheapest option means I am starting with the TDM.  I have therefore ordered a Healtech Quickshifter to assist with clutchless upshifts. Yes, I know that with an inline four clutchless upshifts are easy: no so much with a big twin unless you like mullering the gearbox.  But after watching someone on YooToob add a Healtech QS to an old Beemer GS1100 am now thinking it should be fine and reduce using the clutch by a fair bit. You can apparently change the ignition program cut-out times so sholdn't cause any damage. Unless mistaken, I haven't seen anyone else on the site fit one?

Also have an idea for a cheapo cruise control. Well, it's more of a throttle stabiliser but anything to help with the arms going forward.  

Will report back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FJR1300 automatic. It's actually semi-auto. Auto clutch to get moving then quickshifter via the gear lever, or handlebar mounted paddles after you've got moving

 

Heavier than the TDM, but low maintenance, and very low seat height.

 

Some FJR cruise control discussion here https://www.fjrowner...allation.25442/

 

 

Bike here

https://www.ebay.co....:Bk9SR9S798-SZQ

Edited by fixitsan, 24 January 2025 - 09:46 am.

[Kebab897]

Thanks for suggestions re clutch.

 

FJR1300 - had an early one briefly back in 2016-17.  Wonderful machine but on hindsight it was way too heavy for me & that was before the strength in my arm was affected. Once, when putting it onto the centrestand, I almost overbalanced it and narrowly saved it from falling on me in the garage. I had visions of being either squashed by it or pinned under it for hours...the CFO said I was daft getting one as it was obviously too big & heavy for me. So sadly it had to go.  

 

Anyway.  QuickShifter fitted, easy enough apart a bit of faff wiring it into the coils.  Waiting for the weather to improve and fallen trees to be chainsawed away from the backroads before testing commences.

[leehenty]

FJR1300 😍😍😍😍

[fixitsan]

Thanks for suggestions re clutch.

 

FJR1300 - had an early one briefly back in 2016-17.  Wonderful machine but on hindsight it was way too heavy for me & that was before the strength in my arm was affected. Once, when putting it onto the centrestand, I almost overbalanced it and narrowly saved it from falling on me in the garage. I had visions of being either squashed by it or pinned under it for hours...the CFO said I was daft getting one as it was obviously too big & heavy for me. So sadly it had to go.  

 

Anyway.  QuickShifter fitted, easy enough apart a bit of faff wiring it into the coils.  Waiting for the weather to improve and fallen trees to be chainsawed away from the backroads before testing commences.

 

Well done that man ! Looking forward to hearing more in due course

 

I'm 6 foot and 16 stone, and that's the only reason I'm considering the FJR. I looked at one a couple of weeks ago, it felt well balanced, stationary and upright but I could feel the weight as I leaned it over. I used to have the FJ1100, which isn't even the same engine but it was effortless to ride if you planned ahead before the corners, because it wasn't the quickest steering bike even on 16" rubber.

 

But 'oh that torque' !

 

I have a friend who's losing his eyesight. Last year I took him up around the Highlands on the TDM as he wanted to see more scenery before his condition got too bad. We did alright, just one near miss and we wore the rear tyre down, due to our combined weight, but it was right in the top of the comfort envelope for 2 big lads on a TDM.. He's had some treatment and his eyesight loss has slowed, and he wants to do another trip in spring, so that's why I'm looking for something more substantial and comfortable for two days of Scottish twisties. And then hope to sell it in autumn, after (hopefully) not losing very much money on it.

 

 

Here's our near miss ! ->

 

I half anticipated it by moving more to the centre, but the brakes weren't going to pull us up in time so it had to be a tight squeeze instead  !

[leehenty]

Phew that was close

[fixitsan]

Phew that was close

But no cigar It wasn't our time

[dablik]

Blimey, well done Chris, a brown trouser moment.

[Bjørge]

[...] Here's our near miss ! <video>

 

I half anticipated it by moving more to the centre, but the brakes weren't going to pull us up in time so it had to be a tight squeeze instead  !

 

Nice move   - kinda classic difference-between-driving-a-car-and-an-MC moment. 

It's really no point even getting mad, as we have known for ages and probably do the exact same mistakes when driving cars....

 

Not ever trusting things like this not to happen is why I'm still alive and still claim (believing it!!!) motorcycling isn't really that dangerous - you pick a risk profile for yourself.

Edited by Bjørge, 30 January 2025 - 11:51 am.

[fixitsan]

 

Nice move   - kinda classic difference-between-driving-a-car-and-an-MC moment. 

It's really no point even getting mad, as we have known for ages and probably do the exact same mistakes when driving cars....

 

Not ever trusting things like this not to happen is why I'm still alive and still claim (believing it!!!) motorcycling isn't really that dangerous - you pick a risk profile for yourself.

You're right, and I never really thought of it before in those precise terms, and experience is there to be learned from, for free !

 

I didn't get mad, but my friend on the back waved and yelled at that driver on my behalf !

[Kebab897]

Option 2 of my plan was switching to a V-strom 800 RE and this afternoon I had a short test ride on one.  Conditions were not ideal so couldn't push things along in a 'spirited manner'.

The up & down quickshifter was wonderful as I'd hoped.

I actually thought she felt a bit like a modernised TDM - same weight, same seat height, same power and comfy riding position. Low down poke seemed better somehow (gearing?) yet she had less torque with the smaller engine. Fairing / wind protection was however rubbish and there were some background vibes through the bars and pegs.

Have been offered the demonstratorthat  I rode at a tempting price: so may become a traitor soon...

[fixitsan]

Option 2 of my plan was switching to a V-strom 800 RE and this afternoon I had a short test ride on one.  Conditions were not ideal so couldn't push things along in a 'spirited manner'.
The up & down quickshifter was wonderful as I'd hoped.
I actually thought she felt a bit like a modernised TDM - same weight, same seat height, same power and comfy riding position. Low down poke seemed better somehow (gearing?) yet she had less torque with the smaller engine. Fairing / wind protection was however rubbish and there were some background vibes through the bars and pegs.
Have been offered the demonstratorthat  I rode at a tempting price: so may become a traitor soon...

My neighbour bought one and he doesnt seem to have many criticisms.

[Kebab897]

So after talking at length with my Chief Financial Officer I have gone for the V-Strom 800, all being well I will be picking her up tomorrow.

 

If it hadn't been for this injury I probably would've stuck with the TDM a few more years, but life does tend to throw the odd curveball or three.

 

Will be uploading a few parts for sale over the next few weeks as I revert the TDM back towards standard condition for it's eventual sale (only allowed one bike at any time). 

[leehenty]

Well done you😎

[Kebab897]

Thanks Lee, I may still ask you for the occasional bit of odd-shaped metal, as there seem to be barely any aftermarket shocks available for it yet

[leehenty]

My brother has a 18 plate 650 Vstrom XT hes always after odd bits.
You wont have much time for actual riding, too busy paying back swmbo in honey do jobs 😁

Edited by leehenty, 08 February 2025 - 12:12 pm.

[Kebab897]

Took the TDM out for the MoT yesterday and the Healtech upwards quickshifter seems to work very well!

Mechanical sympathy stopped me using it changing from 1st into 2nd, but certainly works smoothly above that.

[leehenty]

Which model of quick shifter did you use ?