It was 6 years ago that I reported on the the original LegUp™ LandinGear System introduced by Orlando based Chopper Design. for all those riders needing help in stabilizing their bikes at slow speeds and when stopping. Yes, many aging baby boomers and others, for whatever reasons, are concerned of being unable to hold up their 850 lbs big bikes when preparing to a stop. Today, the company is introducing ‘GENERATION II of their system, with a wider offering to cover more brands and models.
The LegUp™ Generation II system deploys wheels mounted under the rear floorboards. These wheels tuck up neatly just in front of the bags when not deployed, allowing the bike to be leaned and handle exactly as it always has. The system works via an on-board compressor and a captive air tank installed in the saddlebag. Power is pneumatic rather than electrical, making it significantly stronger than the 1st generation system. Wheels action is independent to handle tricky, uneven terrains. Handlebar switch housing with LEDS allows the rider to communicate with the system and allows the system to talk back!
It is available for all Harley Touring bikes, Harley Dyna Switchbacks, Honda GL1800 and GL1500 Gold Wings, as well as Kawasaki 1700 Voyagers with new models to be soon introduced. And if you wonder if there is a market for this system, let’s just say that there is now a 3-month waiting list. More info at LegUp LandinGear Generation II or call Pete on my behalf at 407-834-5007
This seems like a better alternative to getting on a trike
A much better soulution than a tricycle, you can’t split lanes on a tricycle.
Would be even more useful if it cold handle uneven ground.
You could see where something like this could help managing a MC when fully loaded with camping gear.
-nicker-
Great idea by a great bike builder. Pete stands behind everything he does and he only builds quality.
If you depend on products like this you should not ride……..
Guaranteed to reduce your Cool Factor 25-30 points. If you can’t hold up your bike what are you doing on the road?
I’m sorta with Bob on this one. Or, buy a smaller bike.
no thanks I’d rather get in my cage at that point in my life
Thanks Cyril! And thanks for the kind words.
For those of you who say to get off your bikes if you need something like this, try telling a 24 year old Marine who had both legs amputated that he can never ride again because of ‘Cool Factor’, or a guy who has been riding longer than all of us that he has to get a trike because of a knee replacement or because his wife is 100lbs heavier than when they got married. There are certainly folks who need a trike, but when a Vet says he hasn’t ridden in a year rolls his trailer up to our door, then rides 100 miles to see us a week later with a smile as wide as Texas, we feel good about what we do. Thanks again!
Pete G
President
Chopper Design Services
It would be interesting to know which brand of motorcycle has the most back orders. ..Z.
Way To go Pete. You are doing a great service for a lot of riders. Although if my wife gains 100 lbs. You will have to design wheelie bars too! ..Z
Pete G – Isn’t that what trikes are for? I mean, of course you pull out the wounded vet story, who’s going to argue with that? But if you need one of these because you or your wife is too fat and you insist on riding a two wheeler then…lose some friggin weight and save yourself some cash on gadgets like this and extra health care. It’s like America has become the land of the fat instead of the free.
Thanks for the comment JohnnySpeed, but obviously you haven’t ridden a trike. Nothing like a bike; more like a Miata. Our system doesn’t replace them putting their feet down, it makes it EASIER to keep the bike upright. Just had a cancer victim in today. He has been riding 40 years, but his weakness means he can not ride as far. Now he can.
I suggest you ride a trike and see if the freedom of leaning is something you would like to give up. That is why we ride and if someone can keep riding longer, more power to ’em!
Thanks for all the comments!
@JohnnySpeed –
no, trikes are more odd-looking than the # of wheels they use. More importantly, I’ll never forget seeing an old dude trying to do a 180 on a divided highway during Bike Week several years ago.
RE: Nicker’s comment about uneven ground – question about that:
Is the system smart enough to not deploy fully if one side is higher than the other? I can see that pushing the center of gravity to one side
It can’t determine uneven terrain. It will hold the bike up until about a 25 Degree grade. Over that the uphill wheel and riders uphill leg has to balance the bike… Again it is supposed to help.
If money and size was no object, we could have valves and sensors to do all of that, but it would be too expensive and too clumsy!
Would love to hear if you will make one for the Victory Vision Tour Premium.
@Pete G. Good for you. When I first read this, I held some of the same negative opinions as some others, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that some day my body won’t be able to handle the will of my mind any longer. Anything that will assist in keeping me in the saddle, in my place of peace and zen for as long as possible is a good thing.
pete g let the haters hate..great design and kudos for keeping people on two wheels!
As someone who has had some health issues and wondered if two wheels were ever going to be a part of my life again, thank you!
Fortunately, I was able to regain enough of my balance and strength to ride again, but had that not been the case, I would seriously look at this apparatus if it would allow me to continue to ride.
I don’t want three wheels, so if I couldn’t ride two my riding life would come to an end.
To the “UBER BIKERS” (as I like to refer to them) who are of the opinion that , If you need this you shouldn’t be on the road, wait!
One day the choice will come to you and I’m willing to bet a good deal of you will have a change of heart.
Thank you Pete G for innovating a solution to a problem that every single one of us is going to have to deal with sooner of later.
I am older (74), and pretty short(5’5″), and have been riding for over 50 years. I have a vic xc tour and love it, but with short legs it sometimes presents a challenge at slow speeds in parking lots, esp with two up, or in situations where I am at a full stop with challenging road slopes. If this were available for my bike, I would definitely go for it.
For those who think I should go for a trike, just you wait. When you get to my age and have my love of riding free, maybe then you will rethink your arrogant position you had when you were a macho “kid”. Just you wait.
Meanwhile, anything that can add to safety and reliability is a definite plus for those who can benefit by its’ use.
So Pete, in your spare time – think about Potaris bikes. I know you will.
Bob from Delaware