FMX Insider No.5: Andy Hensel’s KTM 350SX-F

Welcome to our brand new weekly web-exclusive column, Transmoto‘s FMX Insider. Penned each week by South Australian rider, Ben Heidrich, the FMX Insider will present the story-behind-the-stories of the Aussie and international freestyle motocross scenes. 

A few weeks ago, we took a look into the extraordinary life of Andy ‘Maddog’ Hensel, the first paraplegic in the world to pull a Backflip around to dirt on a full-size motorcycle. You may be wondering how he still manages to control his bike and ride so eagerly; even without having any feeling in the lower half of his body…

Andy has a fully modified bike that allows him to take control, using only his arms and core strength. Everything from the electric ignition to the back brake and gear selectors are all hand-controlled. Andy’s mates and fellow riders hoist him on to the bike before he starts it up and takes off down the track. He controls the bike and rides so well that you’d have no idea he’s a paraplegic.

Andy rides a 2014 KTM 350SX-F. This was the perfect bike of choice for him, as the machine already comes equipped with an electric start ignition. Andy and his dad, Mark (Pugs) fitted an automatic clutch (Rekluse) which allows him to change gears without the use of a clutch lever. In place of the clutch lever is a hydraulic hand-operated back brake (Rekluse). “Pugs, me and my friend Sean Warren custom made the bar frame that protects my legs,” said Andy. “A bit of trial and error was involved, as we didn’t really know what was going to work.”

Once they were fitted and everything was working, Andy got the leg bars, frame, swing arm, rims and hubs powder coated. Nick Hutchinson from Five3 Suspension worked super hard over the Christmas break to pull Andy’s bike apart. He then fitted and set-up the Race Tech Gold Valve suspension, set up the clutch and the back brake. Pugs had to weld a bracket onto the frame to mount the electronic Klictronic shifter, with the shifter buttons placed on the left side of the Renthal bars.

“Once I had a few rides, using velcro straps to hold me to the seat and  keep my legs from falling out, I knew I had to modify the seat,” said Andy. “This helped me stay locked into the bike while I was riding and Flipping.”

After performing three Flips to dirt, he had to get the leg bars welded again due to hitting the ground hard. “They did their job and protected my legs,” Andy continued. “The bike works really well now that I have everything set up.”

While it may seem impossible to continue riding after obtaining such an injury, Andy continues to push the limits of freestyle motocross and move forward through life. Whether it be training hard to get his legs moving again, pursuing world-first dirt bike feats or just smiling strong and living life; Andy is always making the most of what he’s got.

“I’d just like to thank Five3 Suspension, MxStore, Thor, Spy Optic Australia, KTM Australia, MDP, Heidrich Films, Fish Fingered FMX, all my bros and family, and everyone involved,” concluded Andy. “Thanks for the support!”