Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Modification

A Queensland mechanic customizes bikes so veterans can get riding again

- Claire Sibonney

HOLDING A FLASHLIGHT between her teeth, Sharine 'Spanner' Milne adjusts the shock of a Harley Davidson Sportster at the motorcycle repair shop she owns in Townsville, Queensland, in northeastern Australia. Her fingers-long nails painted in flaming orange-work the pocket-sized wrench near the bike's brakes.

Over the past three years, the 46-year-old mechanic, and owner of R.H.D. Classic Supplies & Services, has made several modifications to this bike, which belongs to a customer named Stewart, a 72-year-old orchid farmer. Stewart's right leg was amputated so he wears a prosthetic, and he recently broke his left ankle. To make the motorcycle work for him, Milne adjusted the seat and handlebars to help with his back pain and, most recently, installed an electronic gear shift for him to use while his ankle heals. Giving up riding was never an option for Stewart.