• 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.
  

Quote: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.

 

 

 

 

Quote: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.

Quote:Phew that was close

Quote:[...] 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  !

Quote: 

Nice move  :pimp: - 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.

Quote: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...