Now here is a motivating story coming out of Florida, it’s about a man who built himself a handicap accessible trike using a Harley Softail. This is a great story; Chris Tavantzis of Miami, Fl has been battling polio since he was a child, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the thrill of a motorcycle. Tavantzis has spent the last 10 years developing his wheelchair accessible trike. “I am in (an) electric wheelchair from Polio; long before the advent of so many handicapped aids. I have designed many items for my own needs and it’s time to share my skills and experience in a design that works,” Tavantzis states on his website christrikes.com (lots of info and pics on the site). Check out this youtube video of him leading a parade.
The kit will work on any Harley Softail from 1990 up to present models, and the cost starts at $15,000. The kit features a ramp for either a regular or electric wheelchair as well a safety feature that locks him in his seat. The brakes are routed through one master cylinder on the handlebars and other features, such as a limited-slip differential and adjustable suspension, are also available.
According to an article on today.msnbc, Tavantzis recently attended a conference where he drew the attention of 28 different vendors. It is great to see someone who refuses to let something like a crippling disease keep him from ever riding a motorcycle, no doubt an inspiration to us all. I’d love to go for a ride with him some day. Until next time…..keep it between the ditches.
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