can a one eyed man ride a bike?

[rexpepper651]

my buddy keeps hassling me to sell him my gs. the one problem i see is he only has one functioning eye due to crashing his car. would that even be safe or possible?

[steezin_and_wheezin]

Definitely possible, I have a buddy that has only had 1 eye since we were about 6-7 years old. I met up with him a while back and he brought out his cbr600 to show me. I was kind of shocked, but he's a very level headed guy and rides just as well if not better than I. He says the 'blind side' makes it a little tougher, but he rides where he can see. E.g.- If missing the right eye stay right side of right hand lane to force traffic to pass on you good side.

[BockinBboy]

I think it depends on his personal abilities, and how long he has lived with the one functioning eye/how well he has adapted.  I know it isn't exactly the same thing, but check this vid out - people are very capable of things with the right mindset, practice, skills, etc...

- Bboy

[JAS6377]

+1

The only issue I see is with depth perception. However, if he's adapted well, then there shouldn't be an issue.

[yamahonkawazuki]

I honestly don't think that it would be a problem.

[Janx101]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1283090/Going-throttle-76-motorbike-champion-eye-artificial-hip-pacemaker.html

...

A determined biker can do ANYTHING!!! 

[Watcher]

I know it isn't exactly the same thing, but check this vid out - people are very capable of things with the right mindset, practice, skills, etc...


- Bboy

I'd like to see that guys bike and how it's controls have been adapted to left side only.  Left side is typically transmission/clutch, how can they add both brakes?


Yeah, I don't see how riding with one eye is impossible.  It'd be more difficult for sure, but as long as he plays it very safe I don't think there'd ever be an issue.
I know if it was me and I lost an eye I'd be damned if they tried to keep me off a bike.

[rexpepper651]

hes gone blind well not fully blind he sees but its extremely blurry  to where you cant make out stuff he says. only been a yr or little over. i dont feel like he should be riding tho. not from the eye thing just the type of person i see getting on a bike and crashing it. "squiding around" if you wish to use that term. i gave him some info on a good 3 day class to take but he seems to think he doesnt need such help. ive known him for a long time 20 yrs or so. i dont want to see him in a pine box from being a know it all kinda guy.

[BockinBboy]

Yeah, I would say he definitely needs the class... those who say they don't need it, actually need it the most - But, IMO everyone should take the courses before riding on the street, period...

- Bboy

[rexpepper651]

Yeah, I would say he definitely needs the class... those who say they don't need it, actually need it the most - But, IMO everyone should take the courses before riding on the street, period...

- Bboy

i agree! my buddy who got his license the same time last spring as me took it and said it was really fun and very helpful. i think i might take it this yr since i didnt take any classes before getting mine. i do have past experience riding dirt bikes about it is a bit different then riding a street bike.

[BockinBboy]

In Illinois, the classes are free - so there is no excuse no to where I live.  Heck, I'd take it again I enjoyed it so much... they also have two other levels beyond the basic rider course as well, which I'm sure would be worth the time.

- Bboy

[rexpepper651]

i wonder if its free here in minnesota. ill have to ask an see i think my buddy paid like 130 or something but that was with the cost of the license and stuff.

[Watcher]

In Illinois, the classes are free - so there is no excuse no to where I live.  Heck, I'd take it again I enjoyed it so much... they also have two other levels beyond the basic rider course as well, which I'm sure would be worth the time.

- Bboy

Agreed 100%.

Hell, the guy that taught me claimed to be the first ever black motorcycle state trooper in the USA.  Or maybe just the first in Illinois?  I don't remember.
Either way, he knew his skills and was a very friendly and easy-going man.

Lots of great tips and information, I'd encourage anyone to take the class and if they had their doubts I'd take it again with them!

I have plans to do the intermediate/advanced course this summer some time.

[Big Rich]

Rexpepper: the first thing I would do is find out if it's even legal for him to ride a motorcycle. Whether or not he is a great rider is a moot point if he isn't legally allowed on the road.

[rexpepper651]

Rexpepper: the first thing I would do is find out if it's even legal for him to ride a motorcycle. Whether or not he is a great rider is a moot point if he isn't legally allowed on the road.

thats a really good point! it might be illegal here in minnesota. ill have to check. he seems pretty gunhoe about it.