Handbrake on RT - Opinion

[GA_Spyderman]

Thinking about installing the ISCI handbrake on my 2014 RTL. Has anyone put this on their Spyder? What do you think, and do you have any regrets?
It's such an expensive farkle, I want to be sure before I pull the trigger on the purchase.
Thanks in advance.

[fjray]

It was the first thing I added to my 15. Yes it is spendy but I felt it was worth every penny and I used it all the time. I have lower back issues and not having to lift my leg on every stop was great. To bad the rest of the Spyder experience didn't meet expectations .

[GA_Spyderman]

It was the first thing I added to my 15. Yes it is spendy but I felt it was worth every penny and I used it all the time. I have lower back issues and not having to lift my leg on every stop was great. To bad the rest of the Spyder experience didn't meet expectations .

My issue is with my right knee. The sitting position is such that I get a catch in my knee when I move my foot to apply the brake. The pain is pretty intense and I also feel it in my hip. It hurts so bad that I’ve even had thoughts of selling the Spyder. My wife and I love to ride, but I just can’t keep dealing with the pain. This handbrake may be just help with my problem.

[larryd]

I have one on my 2014 RTS and LOVE it...

I also sent you a PM...

[wmh9680]

My issue is with my right knee. The sitting position is such that I get a catch in my knee when I move my foot to apply the brake. The pain is pretty intense and I also feel it in my hip. It hurts so bad that I’ve even had thoughts of selling the Spyder. My wife and I love to ride, but I just can’t keep dealing with the pain. This handbrake may be just help with my problem.

I agree with you. I need to have my right knee replaced and sometimes the pain can be pretty intense since I am also having a back surgery on June 6th due to the pain and right leg weakness that accompanies the problem. I might end up with the hand brake. Do a search, there are others out there. I've heard good thinking about the ISCI and have researched it myself. Good Luck and let us know what you do and how it works out. Thanks, Mike

[GA_Spyderman]

I agree with you. I need to have my right knee replaced and sometimes the pain can be pretty intense since I am also having a back surgery on June 6th due to the pain and right leg weakness that accompanies the problem. I might end up with the hand brake. Do a search, there are others out there. I've heard good thinking about the ISCI and have researched it myself. Good Luck and let us know what you do and how it works out. Thanks, Mike

Thank you, Mike. I will update this thread with my decision.

[ARtraveler]

My issue is with my right knee. The sitting position is such that I get a catch in my knee when I move my foot to apply the brake. The pain is pretty intense and I also feel it in my hip. It hurts so bad that I’ve even had thoughts of selling the Spyder. My wife and I love to ride, but I just can’t keep dealing with the pain. This handbrake may be just help with my problem.

People either love or hate the ISCI brake. It sounds like you are a candidate for the ISCI. One needs to stop when they need to stop. If the foot does not work 100%, then you need the ISCI. I say, go for it.

[Purple Guy]

I had one and I ended up returning it.
I used it for about 1 month but found more times than not that I would roll the throttle while applying the had brake.
The original lever that comes with the hand brake is quite a reach. Thinking that might be it I ordered their custom lever which is bent in closer to the the handle bars but it still didn't work for me.
I do not have any limitations and only wanted one as I like to ride with my feet on my highway pegs.
I will also add that ISCI customer support is top notch and you can buy the hand brake with confidence!

[stevencovert]

I had one and I ended up returning it.
I used it for about 1 month but found more times than not that I would roll the throttle while applying the had brake.
The original lever that comes with the hand brake is quite a reach. Thinking that might be it I ordered their custom lever which is bent in closer to the the handle bars but it still didn't work for me.
I do not have any limitations and only wanted one as I like to ride with my feet on my highway pegs.
I will also add that ISCI customer support is top notch and you can buy the hand brake with confidence!

Thanks for that input. Very useful! I am getting ready myself to buy the kit and didn't think of the reach and position of the lever! I've been on two wheels so long I expect them to be within a good tolerance.

Steve

[GA_Spyderman]

People either love or hate the ISCI brake. It sounds like you are a candidate for the ISCI. One needs to stop when they need to stop. If the foot does not work 100%, then you need the ISCI. I say, go for it.

I think that logic is where I'm at, spyderman. It scares me to think that my reflexes can be slowed significantly in an emergency. The handbrake will give me some security, knowing it's available when I need it. Maybe that won't make a lot of sense to some, but I don't want to put me and my bride in a potentially dangerous situation if there's something I can do about it. Thanks for the encouragement.

[loisk]

My issue is with my right knee. The sitting position is such that I get a catch in my knee when I move my foot to apply the brake. The pain is pretty intense and I also feel it in my hip. It hurts so bad that I’ve even had thoughts of selling the Spyder. My wife and I love to ride, but I just can’t keep dealing with the pain. This handbrake may be just help with my problem.

I know exactly what you mean.

Perhaps because i am not tall or wide - I cannot even sit on an rt without right hip seizing up.

The st was better for me than the Rs.

The f3s is best for me, as it is easy to tweak the height of the brake pedal, and the footboard location, and add a backrest - no more hip seizing or knee going on strike.

I know this doesnt help with your rt issue, but at least may give some clues.

[stevencovert]

My issue is with my right knee. The sitting position is such that I get a catch in my knee when I move my foot to apply the brake. The pain is pretty intense and I also feel it in my hip. It hurts so bad that I’ve even had thoughts of selling the Spyder. My wife and I love to ride, but I just can’t keep dealing with the pain. This handbrake may be just help with my problem.

New hip, Bursitis, knee pain. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger myself. Once on the bike I am comfy as get out (2016 RTS), can ride for 8-10 hours no problem. The biggest thing I am looking forward to is stretching out on the LaMonster pegs and not worrying about getting back to the brake pad in a hurry. I'm 6'5" and cannot tell you how much more comfy it is to use those pegs and stretch legs out. That is a real, valid reason for the upgrade IMHO - not using highway pegs to be comfortable, knowing things are gonna pop, catch and groan trying to get to the brake pedal in a hurry!! GO FOR IT!!

My 2 cents

Steve

[tnhoover]

I have had one on my 2010 RT for 7 or 8 years. I rarely use the foot brake anymore. I added after I added floor boards and I did not like the feeling when I was in traffic and my foot was not near the brake. I will say that it does not feel the same as a hand brake did on my previous 2 wheeler and it took a little getting used to the feel, at least it did for me, others my feel differently. For me it was an excellent farkle and worth the money.

[Peter Aawen]

...... It's such an expensive farkle, I want to be sure before I pull the trigger on the purchase.
Thanks in advance.

Why do you want a hand brake conversion?? Or is it that you have an issue with your right foot and you do actually need it??

Cos really, unless you have a NEED to use your hand instead of your foot to operate your service brakes, what's the issue with having your brakes activated by your foot? That's what most vehicles on the road do, isn't it?? How many cars have a hand operation conversion?? I doubt that there's ANY conversions on cars out there unless at least one of the operators truly NEEDS it!!

The ISCI handbrake units cost a bunch, and it's a serious lot of green to throw at something that is really just a whim for most, isn't it?! Surely you could spend that money on better, more necessary, or 'nicer' mods or accessories, couldn't you?? But it IS your money & your Spyder, so you can do whatever floats your goat!

[GA_Spyderman]

Why do you want a hand brake conversion?? Or is it that you have an issue with your right foot and you do actually need it??

Cos really, unless you have a NEED to use your hand instead of your foot to operate your service brakes, what's the issue with having your brakes activated by your foot? That's what most vehicles on the road do, isn't it?? How many cars have a hand operation conversion?? I doubt that there's ANY conversions on cars out there unless at least one of the operators truly NEEDS it!!

The ISCI handbrake units cost a bunch, and it's a serious lot of green to throw at something that is really just a whim for most, isn't it?! Surely you could spend that money on better, more necessary, or 'nicer' mods or accessories, couldn't you?? But it IS your money & your Spyder, so you can do whatever floats your goat!

Peter, I’m not sure what the point is of your post, unless you just like to see your name in print. I wouldn’t have even posted this thread if I didn’t feel I have a need for this device. I merely asked for opinions of people that have one. We all spend money on our Spyders for things that we think looks good, that adds value to them or makes our ride safer or more comfortable. So next time if you can’t contribute something helpful to the OP, just keep your thoughts to yourself.

[Peter Aawen]

Peter, I’m not sure what the point is of your post, unless you just like to see your name in print. I wouldn’t have even posted this thread if I didn’t feel I have a need for this device. I merely asked for opinions of people that have one. We all spend money on our Spyders for things that we think looks good, that adds value to them or makes our ride safer or more comfortable. So next time if you can’t contribute something helpful to the OP, just keep your thoughts to yourself.

GA, if you'd said something about your NEED in your oroginal post, I wouldn't have felt any need to post at all - but your OP didn't refer to any disability or need for a handbrake, it just asked 'what do you think?' - and on the basis of what you'd given us in that OP, which had no reference to any need at all, I simply asked did you really need it or were you just thinking it'd be nice??

I'm sorry that my crystal ball wasn't working too well & I couldn't tell from what you'd posted that you actually had an issue which warranted fitting a hand brake, but now you've explained your need, maybe you can see that what I posted was suggesting that unless you had such a need, fitting a handbrake was probably a waste of money! Still stands actually - unless you have a need (like a dodgy knee) then why would you bother fitting a handbrake?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Peter, I’m not sure what the point is of your post, unless you just like to see your name in print. I wouldn’t have even posted this thread if I didn’t feel I have a need for this device. I merely asked for opinions of people that have one. We all spend money on our Spyders for things that we think looks good, that adds value to them or makes our ride safer or more comfortable. So next time if you can’t contribute something helpful to the OP, just keep your thoughts to yourself.

OMG - you are way out of line in this response ...... You asked a question ....that had NO requirements attached to it ...... Peter gave an Honest and very Reasonable answer ..... Peter is one of the most helpful and nicest members on this Forum and to even suggest He's posting because He's an Egotist is just plain .... " RUDE " .... you just made my " IGNORE " list, which means I will NEVER assist you in ANY questions you ask here ...... PS put me on yours ..... Mike

[BoilerAnimal]

OMG - you are way out of line in this response ...... You asked a question ....that had NO requirements attached to it ...... Peter gave an Honest and very Reasonable answer ..... Peter is one of the most helpful and nicest members on this Forum and to even suggest He's posting because He's an Egotist is just plain .... " RUDE " ....

[ThreeWheels]

Not trying to sound huffy here, but if you're having problems with your knee, is there anyway that you can address your knee, instead of adding the handbrake to the spyder.
I had my knee replaced in 2012, and there are so many aspects of my life that benefited, stairs, skiing, sailing, walking. I lost weight. Hell, just sleeping is so much easier.
The technology today is so much different than it was years ago, the recovery is so much less. I was out of work for a total of two weeks. I was skiing 10 weeks after my surgery. I still can't play the piano, or find a girlfriend. Maybe the technology isn't all that good.......
If you need the ISCI handbrake, go ahead and get one. They are very expensive though. If someone came out with a another option at half the price, I think they'd clean up.
It just seems to me that the handbrake is a very focused solution.
If you have an opportunity to replace your knee, I'd go for that.


As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee,

[Grandpot]

Yosemite Sa,.jpgOK you varmints, let's play nice. Don't make this one of THOSE threads.

[RinconRyder]

Thinking about installing the ISCI handbrake on my 2014 RTL. Has anyone put this on their Spyder? What do you think, and do you have any regrets?
It's such an expensive farkle, I want to be sure before I pull the trigger on the purchase.
Thanks in advance.

I bought my Spyder specifically because it had the hand brake installed and would not drive without it. The sitting position on my RTL is bad enough that, coupled with a bad right hip, brings intense pain when lifting my foot to operate the foot brake. Very poor engineering by BRP IMHO.

The hand brake is somewhat hard to pull (my wife doesn't use it) compared to non-BRP products I have ridden but after a lifetime of two-wheelers I feel much more confident using the hand brake.

[GA_Spyderman]

I bought my Spyder specifically because it had the hand brake installed and would not drive without it. The sitting position on my RTL is bad enough that, coupled with a bad right hip, brings intense pain when lifting my foot to operate the foot brake. Very poor engineering by BRP IMHO.

The hand brake is somewhat hard to pull (my wife doesn't use it) compared to non-BRP products I have ridden but after a lifetime of two-wheelers I feel much more confident using the hand brake.

RinconRyder, you have accurately described my problem. This convinces me that this add-on is exactly what I need. Thanks for that.

[Buckeye Chuck 54]

When I bought my 2014RT-S I ordered it with the ISCI hand brake. A farkle? Hell no.
I needed it. Some people here need such things. If you don't need it there's no need to
make any remarks about it.
It doesn't work as well as any motorcycle front hand brake, but it still works for me. It's all
I need.
Can't believe such sarcasm and rudeness about something that has nothing to do with what
some people want.
Next thing, will somebody criticize a want for a frunk lid decal?
Chuck

RinconRyder, you have accurately described my problem. This convinces me that this add-on is exactly what I need. Thanks for that.

[jbim]

If you need a hand brake for physical reasons then I say go for it. If not, I would say ride the Spyder the way it was intended to be ridden.

Before I bought my Spyder I thought I wanted a manual with clutch lever. Then I rode an RT and an F3 and realized the SE6 is quite enjoyable as is. For those coming to Spyder from a 2-wheel, I would suggest the conversion would be easier if they went right away with the SE6. That way, it's easy to train your brain to not think clutch or brake levers. I think BRP should drop the clutch and go solely SE6.

[Petrom714]

mild disability in lower legs--while i can apply gas pedal in car nearly perfectly, a nanosecond delay on right foot getting onto the brake pedal made me decide to install the handbrake isci--its great, im still new to all things can am but am practicing using both the hand, and foot brake separately, together, etc...10/10 recommend--only caveat is the distance of the lever to the bar is quite the stretch and also have to learn to not accidently throttle up while reaching for the handbrake

Thinking about installing the ISCI handbrake on my 2014 RTL. Has anyone put this on their Spyder? What do you think, and do you have any regrets?
It's such an expensive farkle, I want to be sure before I pull the trigger on the purchase.
Thanks in advance.