Press Release

By

Haus of Trikes & Bikes, Fort Myers, Florida

Jim Schombs, a retired Navy Seal from Cape Coral, has received a customized trike (motorcycle with one front wheel and two rear wheels) which enables him to do what he loves most: Riding a motorcycle! Since a stroke 18 years ago, the former Navy Seal lost control over most of his left side of the body, including his left leg and hand. Those circumstances made it impossible for him to shift gears on a motorcycle or trike. "After my stroke, I was unfortunately not able to get back on a bike. It was pretty hard for me because riding my bike was a true passion of mine" says the 55-year-old Veteran.

When Haus of Trikes & Bikes in Fort Myers had its Grand Opening of their new store back in March 2018, Jim walked in, browsing around the inventory. Mike Tinneny, a sales consultant at Haus of Trikes & Bikes, noticed Jim Schombs and got into a conversation with him. He heard Jim's story and how he missed riding his bike. The experienced motorcycle salesman knew that the Veteran's disabilities were a huge obstacle, even to ride a trike. Nevertheless, he told Jim that he would brainstorm with the technicians to see if they would be able to come up with a solution.

On the left Mike Tinneny and on the right Jim Schombs - Photo credit Haus of Trikes & Bikes.

Fast forward to January 21st, 2019, Jim Schombs is the proud owner of a customized Harley Davidson Heritage Trike.

Mike Tinneny explains in detail of what had to be done to make this customized bike: "What makes Jim's bike so special is that on a regular motorcycle, the clutch and shifter are on the left side of the bike, which Jim obviously can't use. We had to use a centrifugal clutch so he didn't have to use his hand for shifting gears. Furthermore, we added a drag racing shifter which just uses finger buttons to shift up or down without using your left foot. The hardest thing to overcome was finding a clean-looking way to get into the neutral gear since the shifter is made to race and not fall into neutral. to make it work, we changed the barrel in the transmission which a normal tranny is set to 1st gear, neutral, second, third, etc. We customized it so it starts at neutral then 1st 2nd 3rd etc. To accommodate the wheelchair in the back, the trike is made by Motor Trike which has an air ride suspension to make up for the additional weight. We have done plenty of vets bikes in the past, but Jim's was one of a kind since  his needs were very specific."