Walking’s out but Steve rides high on hog

A paraplegic motorcyclist is back on the road — for a second time — thanks to a custom-built motorcycle.

When Steve Reid (above) lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident two years ago, he was told he would never ride again.

However the determined motorcyclist worked with an engineering firm to attach a side cart that enabled him to mount the bike from his wheelchair.

Against the odds, Reid was riding again but it was shortlived joy for the solo dad.

Reid, a former builder who hasn’t been able to work since his accident, shares his passion for motorcycles with his teenage son Layne.

Short of funds, Reid sold his custom bike to help Layne, who rides in a motorcycle stunt team.

“Out of love for his son, he took the sidecar off his old bike, converted it back to a normal bike, sold it and built a stunt bike for his son,” said Paul Shaw from Elite Custom Parts, who customised the original motorcycle.

Shaw said Reid was an inspiration in the motorcycle community as the first paralysed person to race on the Meremere quarter-mile drag strip. Reid described his accident as a chance to be reborn and wears a helmet with the words “Death Defeated” on the back.

Selling his beloved bike was incredibly hard for Reid as riding gave him a sense of freedom and helped him combat depression.

“It was his therapy, better than any therapist money could buy. There is something about getting out on the motorway, get the wind in your face and you just go for it. It is another life,” Shaw said.

Yesterday Reid turned up at the Harley-Davidson store in Mt Wellington expecting to join a fundraising effort to help him get a new custom bike.

Just before the ride was about to start, a modified Harley-Davidson was rolled out — Reid’s friends had secretly rallied together to help him get back on the road.

The bike features a sidecar to carry a wheelchair, hand-operated gear and brake levers and a flame-red paint job by Kolorinn Kustoms.

Dion Tilson from The NZ Chopper Club, said riding without using legs was difficult but that Reid was remarkably fluent.

“I’ve spent my whole life riding, and I don’t know how he does it. There is so much going on with your hands, while staying stable,” he said.

Reid said he was “gob-smacked” by the gift of the bike.

“It’s not just helping me, it’s helping my son. Being back on the road is gonna be a massive thing for me,” he said.

“I can only thank you all from the bottom of my heart, let’s get out there and ride.”