Alan Kempster: The Racer Who Refused To Give Up
Ameya Naik
1 min read
Aug 08, 2015, 06:32 PM
Most of you might have not heard about Alan Kempster, but he is an extremely important person. A part of the motorsport fraternity, this Australian bloke races bikes. The front of his bike sports the number '1/2', and it's only when you see him that you'd understand the reason behind it.
Alan has been riding bikes since he was a teenager, and started racing at the age of 20. However, an accident in 1990, where he was hit by a drunk driver while riding, left him a double amputee - he lost his right arm and right leg. But his sheer determination helped him survive this horrific crash.
At this point in time, where many of us would have lost all hope, Alan persevered. His passion for motorcycles mixed with his grit to get back on the circuit saw him work towards making the impossible, possible.
He started modifying his 400cc Honda motorcycle and moved all the bike's controls on the left-hand side of the bike. Now, the clutch, throttle and the brake were all to be operated by this left hand and foot. After much practice, Alan successfully managed to get back to the track. He not only steers the bike, but even leans on corners. While we can't even begin to imagine how difficult this must be, he convinced the racing authorities to let him race.
Other than racing, he also helps inspire differently-abled people. Watch Alan Kempster's uplifting story here:
Alan has been riding bikes since he was a teenager, and started racing at the age of 20. However, an accident in 1990, where he was hit by a drunk driver while riding, left him a double amputee - he lost his right arm and right leg. But his sheer determination helped him survive this horrific crash.
At this point in time, where many of us would have lost all hope, Alan persevered. His passion for motorcycles mixed with his grit to get back on the circuit saw him work towards making the impossible, possible.
He started modifying his 400cc Honda motorcycle and moved all the bike's controls on the left-hand side of the bike. Now, the clutch, throttle and the brake were all to be operated by this left hand and foot. After much practice, Alan successfully managed to get back to the track. He not only steers the bike, but even leans on corners. While we can't even begin to imagine how difficult this must be, he convinced the racing authorities to let him race.
Other than racing, he also helps inspire differently-abled people. Watch Alan Kempster's uplifting story here:
Related News
Popular Honda Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jan 19, 2026Skoda Kushaq Facelift Debut Tomorrow: What To ExpectFacelifted Kushaq to get updated looks and new tech inside the cabin.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jan 17, 20262026 Tata Punch Facelift Price, Variants ExplainedUpdated Punch is available in 8 trim levels with naturally aspirated petrol, CNG and turbo-petrol engine options.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Jan 17, 2026Skoda Kushaq Facelift Teased Ahead of Launch In Coming WeeksMid-lifecycle update to bring with it styling updates as well as new features inside the cabin.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jan 16, 2026Pierer Mobility AG Rebranded as Bajaj Mobility AG Following KTM TakeoverThis marks a major shift in ownership and strategic direction in the global motorcycle industry.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jan 16, 2026Kia Syros Variant Line-Up Expanded With HTK (EX) Trim; Prices Start At Rs. 9.89 LakhPositioned between the HTK (O) and HTK+ trims, the new variant will be offered in both petrol and diesel options.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jan 16, 2026MG Majestor India Launch On February 12Unveiled in India at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, the Majestor is expected to be positioned as a more premium alternative to the Gloster.1 min read
Amaan Ahmed | Jan 17, 2026Bajaj Chetak C25 First Ride Review: Basic, Likeable E-Scooter For First-Time RidersThe Chetak C25, in quite a few ways, is poles apart from the larger and more powerful 30 and 35 Series models, but in its mannerisms, it is very much a Chetak.8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Jan 9, 2026Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: 10,000 km Long-Term ReviewAfter spending over three months and 10,000 km with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid, we were impressed by its real-world mileage, seamless hybrid, practical comfort, and Toyota reliability. Is it the best C-SUV then?5 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jan 8, 20262026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Big On Tech, Bigger On ComfortThe new Mahindra XUV 7XO is flashier, feature packed, and comes with more advanced tech. But are the changes just incremental or actually substantial?1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jan 10, 2026Simple One Gen 2 First Ride Review: 265 km Claimed Range!The Gen 2 model of Simple Energy’s first electric scooter gets a fair few updates, including new features, tech, more range and lighter weight. We spent a couple of hours with the Simple One Gen 2 to find out if it manages to impress.6 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Jan 3, 2026VLF Mobster 135 300 KM Review: Fun But FlawedA 125 cc scooter with Italian design and Chinese genes is a rare combination, and while some may be tempted to dismiss it because of its origins, the VLF Mobster shows 125s can also be exciting – but not without compromises.11 mins read