This story originally posted on October 3, 2010. It has been updated with info on a new version of the system along with a video at the end showing how it works.
Baby boomers are the largest segment of motorcyclists, and many are finding that as they age, they’re losing confidence in holding up a motorcycle as they come to a stop. Women particularly, who have issues handling bigger motorcycles, lose confidence when slowing down and bringing that big bike to a stop.
Some of these riders choose to quit the sport, or convert their motorcycles into a three-wheeler. Now there’s a system aptly named LegUp LandinGear that allows these folks the choice of keeping their bikes and the ability to ride them as they always have, rather than giving up or converting their vehicles.
LegUp is a motorcycle stabilization system that uses a computer to sense vehicle speed, and lowers or raises a set of small wheels that make the motorcycle feel like a much smaller and manageable bike. These wheels even allow the rider to lean the bike while the wheels are lowered, making the riding experience almost identical to a motorcycle without the LegUp system installed.
LegUp LandinGear is made in the U.S. by Chopper Design Services, a manufacturing company thats been in the motorcycle business since 1999 specializing in service and custom bike building. The LegUp LandinGear system is manufactured in the company’s 6,000 square foot facility in Longwood, Florida.
The Generation II system shown here is an updated design over what we first shared with you here back in 2010. Significant improvements have been made after years of feedback from customers, as well as new advances in technology.
I spoke with Pete of "Petes Chopper Design Services" who shared with me how much success this niche product has given him over the years among customers who need exactly what the wheels were designed for. He tells me the wheels are not training wheels. They are not designed to help new riders gain confidence in learning to ride, rather they are designed to help existing riders extend their time on two wheels as muscle strength or other factors come into play for balancing a big bike when coming to a stop.
The system starts at $3,500 and Pete tells me that 70 percent of his customers install it themselves using the detailed instructions he provides. Others can find a dealer near them using the dealer locator on Petes website, or he says, most motorcycle technicians can figure out how to install it quite easily. He says it takes about five hours to install.
The Generation II system the company uses today is significantly stronger than its younger brother. An on-board compressor and a captive air tank makes this new system so fun to watch as it works.
Call 407.834.5007 or visitLandinGear.com to learn more. And tell Pete that Women Riders Now (WRN) sent you. Thanks!
I’ve researched this product should fit my needs. I’m a disabled veteran, along with balancing issues on the ground when at a stoplight. I have a 2014 FLHTCU and I can’t maintain the balance flat-footed. Well, time do something about it. The concept is great especially the second variation…I didn’t read any on instructions to install…and hope customer support is standing by for support.
Great idea, but too expensive.
I just saw this video and I am looking for ways to help me ride my late husband’s 2001 Ultra Classic. He passed away unexpectedly almost a year ago, and I refuse to get rid of our bike that we spent most of our time together on. I am a little person and can’t even come close to touching the ground on such a big bike. I need all the help I can get into deciding what to do to keep the bike and still be able to ride. I know he wants me to figure this out to keep his bike on the road.
You may consider doing some research on trike kits as well. Best of luck! No matter what you decide, please take a rider education course on your motorcycle.
This looks like a very good idea.i am 75 years old i have been riding since the age of 16 years in 2009 i was involved in a very bad accident and not been able to ride since, my wife is also disabled,will this system allow rider and pillion to get on the bike without the stabilizers giving way/ folding back up.
I am a 73-year-old former lady Harley rider. I have not been able to ride because of health issues. Just not strong enough to handle when stopping. This is a good solution for riders in my situation. Very interested.
Very interested in this product for myself. Have been having a difficult time on my Road Glide just beginning this year. My husband won’t admit he needs this system more than I do. I think it’s great.
My wife has MS and was always a motorcycle rider in the past. She is so interested in this product her eyes light up at the chance of riding again on her own.
Love the article. I have to research this so I can see a demo of it in Manitoba.
The contact information and website is at the end of the article.
Very interested. Price way out of line though.
This is a very high-tech piece of technology that we believe is priced right considering all the safety and features that goes into developing this kind of product. It’s far less than converting a bike into a trike.
Have owned them for two years and 12000 miles. Not a problem and I couldn’t ride without the help.
I absolutely love these on my bike and all the girls dig them. Thank you. I didn’t want training wheels, and this is a nice alternative.
I love the idea of having this too since I’m getting tired of holding up the bike and really not sure if I want to trike my Gold Wing yet. However, the price is a turn off since it’s almost half of a trike kit price and all you are getting is basically two little wheels for all that money. Bring the price down, offer low price kits for folks to distribute your product across the country and the volume will make up the profit you are after. I’d be willing to buy and install if you can cut the price by 60 percent.
What a great idea and product. I am a disabled veteran and will always ride. Lost count on all the surgeries I have had from the military but the price is just holding me back. VA only gives you so much and with a family. I’ll have to wait until I am much older.
Been riding Harleys for 50 years covering 48 states. I am 87 years old and still riding and am going to order a set of these leg-ups. Sounds like what I need.
I think this is a great product but think the price is stopping me.
To Angie B (comment dated 9/15/10):I totally disagree with your remark. I’m 60 and been through kidney dialysis, heart failure and now fighting cancer. I had polio in my right leg at the age of 1. I refuse to give up my 2006 Harley-Davidson Ultra because I can no longer hold it up as confidently as I once did. I’ve been riding for 43 years. I’ve ridden in Germany and across most of the USA. Two wheels and Harley-Davidson is in my blood. You don’t change motorcycles that you love to ride — you find a solution. Legup is that solution. Many people that need Legup are our wonderful veterans. You too will need help someday. If we live long enough old age will get us and you.
I also think this product is great, but way too expensive !
I like the kit and love riding. Am on dialysis for seven years. Had open heart surgery last year. Ride a new 2011 Wide Glide chopper model. Only need help when leg goes numb. This what I need.
To the lady who just turned 50 and riding a Softail Deluxe, I’m 62 and riding a Softail Deluxe and haven’t had any problems yet. I also have a 250 Kymco Scooter and can still hold it up also. I agree it is good to know that there is technology out there. I also agree that it is a bit pricey for us old folks.
If you are that nervous, you really should consider a bike your more comfortable riding rather than these wheels.
Training wheels for bikes?! Not so sure about this one. I understand the desire to keep riding, but if you’re NOT able to hold your bike up, you’ve probably got more issues than a set of little wheels can fix. Time to get a trike or put away the boots.
What timing. I just turned 50 and ride a Softail Deluxe. Just last week we saw a trike and I said to my fiance, “In another 10 years I’ll probably need to think about a three-wheeler for stability.” Maybe not. This may be the answer. Not ready for it yet, but good to know the technology is in place. And it beats a trike!
My husband and I always enjoy the publication of WRN the moment we get it via email and this article didn’t disappoint…until the end. Not any fault of WRN but seriously, $2,500 – $3,000 for the product and then paying an additional $400-$600 for installation, no thank you. If you wanna ride that bad, then get a scooter or a small, lighter, balanced bike you can handle. I’ve owned: Honda Rebel, Shadow 600, Spirit 750, Honda Reflex 250cc scoot and just last week I bought a Suzuki Burgman 400cc and had it customized with a gel seat, two-tone leather seat, and shorter, sportier smoky windshield, and jeweled the license plate cover. Two wheels are two wheels, and don’t knock a scooter or smaller bike.