Why No Hand Brake?

[MarkLawson]

I recently asked a gentleman at a dealership in Cumming, GA why BRP hasn't added a hand brake lever to the Spyder. His response was one I'd never heard before & so I thought I'd throw it out here to get your thoughts. He said that in some states the Spyder (as is) does not require a motorcycle endorsement on the operator license. If they added a hand brake lever, it would then be reclassified as requiring a motorcycle endorsement & a potential client base could go away. Because of this, he doesn't think the hand brake will ever be offered.

Do any of you know of this?

Thanks,

[BillGargan]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

[BLACK WIDOW]

I recently asked a gentleman at a dealership in Cumming, GA why BRP hasn't added a hand brake lever to the Spyder. His response was one I'd never heard before & so I thought I'd throw it out here to get your thoughts. He said that in some states the Spyder (as is) does not require a motorcycle endorsement on the operator license. If they added a hand brake lever, it would then be reclassified as requiring a motorcycle endorsement & a potential client base could go away. Because of this, he doesn't think the hand brake will ever be offered.

Do any of you know of this?

Thanks,

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. (the lack of license requirement or the hand brake thing)

[Don in E Texas]

You pose an interesting question. Guess one would need to check how their State defines "motorcycle".

In Texas, you can get a Class M license -- Motorcycle only! Would the Spyder fail to qualify as a motorcycle hence no license? The "M" is also available as an endorsement to a regular drivers license.

And how about handicap drivers using hand controls in their autos? Motorcycle? (no, don't think so).

Interesting....

don

[MarkLawson]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

There'd be no need to change the way the brakes work when applied, only a additional option on how they are applied. If one were to add highway pegs to their Spyder for the sake of comfort, they'd be moving their foot away from their only brake option while using the right highway peg. Some, myself included, could see this as a reduction in safe handling. I personally would go ahead and add the highway peg regardless, but am convinced there could be an adverse consequence in using it.

[ataDude]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

You're correct... to a degree. Those of us who continue to ride two-wheelers need/want the continuity.

I almost had an "oops" last week on the Spyder after riding the Valk for a couple of days. I think I'll make little signs to put on the dash reminding me of what I'm riding.

.

[Saluda]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

[3wheeldemon]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

for two reasons a) irrefutable arguments and b) afraid to disagree because your bad-ass look in your avatar

3WD

[M2Wild]

I recently asked a gentleman at a dealership in Cumming, GA why BRP hasn't added a hand brake lever to the Spyder. His response was one I'd never heard before & so I thought I'd throw it out here to get your thoughts. He said that in some states the Spyder (as is) does not require a motorcycle endorsement on the operator license. If they added a hand brake lever, it would then be reclassified as requiring a motorcycle endorsement & a potential client base could go away. Because of this, he doesn't think the hand brake will ever be offered.

Do any of you know of this?

Thanks,

I disagree. 48 out of 50 states requires a motorcycle endorsement to ride a Spyder anyway. Not having a hand brake is a royal pain when you try to push the Spyder around on a slope. If you are right handed, then you can't reach the freakin brake paddle on the other side when pushing it ..... only resort is to push down on the emergency brake in a pinch.

[Bersquack]

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. (the lack of license requirement or the hand brake thing)

Some states have strange requirements. I am not surprised by this at all.

[Firefly]

I disagree. 48 out of 50 states requires a motorcycle endorsement to ride a Spyder anyway. Not having a hand brake is a royal pain when you try to push the Spyder around on a slope. If you are right handed, then you can't reach the freakin brake paddle on the other side when pushing it ..... only resort is to push down on the emergency brake in a pinch.

I think this was just someone's theory on why no hand brake. The harder I ride--- the more I want one. There are times you just can't get your foot onto the brake with much force-- heck sometimes it's hard to even keep your foot on the peg!

[Sny]

I find myself wishing for more braking power and I think it's just that sometimes your foot just isn't positioned right to get enough force on it. But it's too late to reposition it.

I've been meaning to ask if anyone's done any serious brake upgrades on their spyder.

[ISCI Billy]

The lack of a hand brake for those who truly need this accessory in addition to those expect it to be there is why we (ISCI) have had this for sale for several months. We ship these out almost everyday. There has been lots of postive feedback on this item. If anyone is interested please look at my web page at www.industrialspecialty.com at any time. I will be happy to help in any way possible on this or any other Spyder item that we offer.

ISCI Billy

[M2Wild]

I like the ISCI's hand brake option. But at $1250, its too rich for me. I'd spend $500 and get the Givi E55 top case first.

[ISCI Billy]

Here is a testimonial taken from my web page...

August 30, 2009

Hi Billy Joe, Just wanted to drop you a line with a big thank you. For a company designing and manufacturing an after market part like your Spyder handbrake assembly, you folks are AAA outstanding.The fit, finish, ease of installation, how it functions and the quality, I think, is better than "factory"option stuff. It is the best money and biggest bang for my buck that I have spent in a long, long time.
Thanks again, Billy Joe. Keep the shiny side up.
Jim A.
Girard,Pa.

Keep in mind that we do offer discounts for those who are disabled.
It is a sizeable investment but worth the money in our opinion. No one has sent one back yet.

ISCI Billy

[MarkLawson]

As I understand it, Billy, your hand brake is absolutely first rate. I've never seen a complaint on the quality of the product's design, manufacturing, nor in it's installation. It will certainly be on my list of most desirable options. If I buy it, I'll also have to get Magic Man to send me a left side 4" riser for the SM5 to go on the right side too...

[Bersquack]

I like the ISCI's hand brake option. But at $1250, its too rich for me.

Ouch!

[MizMuffet]

I find myself wishing for more braking power and I think it's just that sometimes your foot just isn't positioned right to get enough force on it. But it's too late to reposition it.

That has happened to me.
Having broken my right leg, toe-in and toe-down movements are weaker than they should be and cause me some pain.
I found myself in the middle of an intersection one day when the light changed and I tried to get my whole foot on the pedal instead of just my toe, and it got hung up on something and I couldn't reposition it, and couldn't get enough pressure to stop faster. Really scared me, I was lucky there was nothing in front of me.
There have been other times when I had my feet on the highway pegs and needed to stop suddenly, and had trouble finding the pedal. It's got me afraid to even use the highway pegs.

I'm trying to save for the handbrake before my luck runs out. I really feel it's needed.

[HD2CANAM]

As I have stated previously, I have been riding "motorized" two wheelers for over sixty years. The only reason I went to the Spyder was because of my wife. . I believe I have bought everything ISCI makes because of their comfort and quality, but the handbrake was a necessity as far as I am concerned and it works fantastic. They are also a dealer for Givi. I didn't realize this until I was talking with Billy asking if the bags would fit with their passenger boards. I have also read about problems connecting the taillights. At that time he told me they were a dealer and also were making a bracket setup where you could toss a lot of Givi's setup and would be much easier to install. I received the bags yesterday and am supposed to receive ISCI'S portion today or tomorrow.

[rnet]

The single foot-brake works magnificently on all 3 wheels. Unless you have a health reason, the natural simplicity of the (single) foot-brake seems to me the best way to go.

I think there are some that are so ingrained to the 2-wheel/2-brake system that they think the Spyder way is inferior. I think not!

It is safer and simpler and it integrates with the computer safety controls.

I cannot speak for the BRP mindset.

Unfortunately you could be dead wrong for me. I'll take my chances on two methods to apply the brakes. It sounds like you don't understand how the ISCI handbrake works. Maybe this sounds a little over the top, but I consider this the best safety mod that I have made.

[bone crusher]

BRP responded to this a loooong time ago...something to do with not being allowed to use a hand brake with ABS or something to that effect...it is a gov't decision, not theirs...

There are aftermarket companies who don't care about regulations as they don't have to...so there you have it...

[Tom in NM]

BRP responded to this a loooong time ago...something to do with not being allowed to use a hand brake with ABS or something to that effect...it is a gov't decision, not theirs...

There are aftermarket companies who don't care about regulations as they don't have to...so there you have it...

Bonecrusher, that is strange, do you have more details or links to where that is? My motor cycle has ABS brakes and I know others do to. I am missing something on this.

The ISCI hand brake allows the hand to substitute for the foot. It does not change anything in the braking system. If I needed a hand brake, this would be the one I would get ( it is the only one I know about ).

Tom

[Roaddog2]

Bonecrusher, that is strange, do you have more details or links to where that is? My motor cycle has ABS brakes and I know others do to. I am missing something on this.

The ISCI hand brake allows the hand to substitute for the foot. It does not change anything in the braking system. If I needed a hand brake, this would be the one I would get ( it is the only one I know about ).

Tom

[Saluda]

Ouch! $1250,00 is too much for me.
Again !

You guys want them, God bless. I've never had a better braking system on any bike I've ever owned.

[Neez]

The lack of a hand brake for those who truly need this accessory in addition to those expect it to be there is why we (ISCI) have had this for sale for several months. We ship these out almost everyday. There has been lots of postive feedback on this item. If anyone is interested please look at my web page at www.industrialspecialty.com at any time. I will be happy to help in any way possible on this or any other Spyder item that we offer.

ISCI Billy

Billy, your product looks great, and given the engineering and limited market, the price seems fair. With replacement knees, I would love to be able use my highway pegs more, without worrying about reaction time. The only thing bothering me is this: in the event af an accident, am I going to be accused of "tampering" with a proven braking system? I realise that your system is completely independant and will not prevent the stock brake from working, still legal minds being what they are......... Any comments?