Hand Break??

[View from behind]

We are thinking of adding the hand break to our 2015 RT LTD and are looking for feedback from anyone who may have one on their bike.

Thanks to all who took the time to give us your feedback on this very important issue......I think we will be among those that end with the quote "better safe than sorry"

[jaherbst]

We are thinking of adding the hand break to our 2015 RT LTD and are looking for feedback from anyone who may have one on their bike.

Do you mean hand BRAKE not break. Break is something my wife does then asks me to fix it.

Jack

[finless]

Unless you are handicapped... NO...
It adds nothing you need.
Just learn to use only the foot brake.
Unlike a MC, you cannot control the front and back brakes...
So really this is of no use other than really expensive.

Bob

[View from behind]

We are thinking of adding the hand break to our 2015 RT LTD and are looking for feedback from anyone who may have one on their bike.

You are correct I do mean "brake" thanks for the catch😀

[SpyderAnn01]

Finless is correct in that it doesn't add any additional braking power but if you truly want one ISCI sells them http://www.industrialspecialty.com/i...er%20parts.htm

[stewartj239]

The ISCI hand brake is totally worth the money. The foot only brake does do the job but try running through a tight right hander then finding that you need to get your right foot on the brake. What I like about the hand brake is that I always ride with a finger on it just like I did with the motorcycle. Your response in a braking situation is greatly enhanced. I also use it for 90% of all braking situations. Lastly, it is expensive, but it is a very high quality product. To each his own, but I would not own a Spyder without installing one.

[4 MARIE]

I agree with StewartJ, that reaction times are greatly enhanced.

I also agree that it IS expensive, but dang I would like one I think.

[Chupaca]

it will only add a way to apply the brakes but not as well as the foot brake. unless needed it is pricy for that option. I did finally get used to the single foot brake..

[nakerr]

I really thought that I would miss the hand brake lever after 45 years on a 2 wheeler. I did have a couple of panic situations when I got the Spyder where I reflexively reached for the hand brake ... however, I have gotten used to the foot brake and no longer think that I would spend the money to get the hand brake.

YMMV

[vstrommer]

..........

[iSpyder]

Unless you are handicapped... NO...
It adds nothing you need.
Just learn to use only the foot brake.
Unlike a MC, you cannot control the front and back brakes...
So really this is of no use other than really expensive.

Bob

I have to disagree. I have one from ISCI on my 2014 RTS and, although I can hit the brake with my foot just fine, I actually find it more enjoyable to use the hand brake. I also like options. For example, on the road, I sometimes like to put my heals on the passenger foot boards to stretch. That would be too dangerous without the handbrake. With the handbrake, I can do more stretching with my feet without fear of not being able to hit the foot brake fast enough. So for me it does add something. Do I need it...no...but it has made my ride much more enjoyable and worth the investment.

Good luck on your decision!

Ed

[YPILOT]

The ISCI hand brake is totally worth the money. The foot only brake does do the job but try running through a tight right hander then finding that you need to get your right foot on the brake. What I like about the hand brake is that I always ride with a finger on it just like I did with the motorcycle. Your response in a braking situation is greatly enhanced. I also use it for 90% of all braking situations. Lastly, it is expensive, but it is a very high quality product. To each his own, but I would not own a Spyder without installing one.

I have to disagree. I have one from ISCI on my 2014 RTS and, although I can hit the brake with my foot just fine, I actually find it more enjoyable to use the hand brake. I also like options. For example, on the road, I sometimes like to put my heals on the passenger foot boards to stretch. That would be too dangerous without the handbrake. With the handbrake, I can do more stretching with my feet without fear of not being able to hit the foot brake fast enough. So for me it does add something. Do I need it...no...but it has made my ride much more enjoyable and worth the investment.

Good luck on your decision!

Ed

The hand brake system from ISCL is a safety feature that every Spyder owner should experience. IMHO the hand brake used in conjunction with the foot brake does increase stopping power! I initially wanted the hand brake and highway pegs from ISCL as a package deal. I wanted/needed the highway pegs in order to stretch my legs so I needed the hand brake in order to get to the brake if my foot could not. The added benefit that I found was during quick runs thru the twisties my Spyder could handle great with my feet on the highway pegs using my legs and my hand on the brake. Now we have the F3 with that seating position. For me the riding experience has been greatly enhanced with the addition of the hand brake and highway pegs from ISCL. The cost of these products are a direct reflection of the quality materials, engineering and manufacturing from ISCL. They are designed for a high quality machine with the safety of the rider in mind.

[cuznjohn]

i love mine

[stewartj239]

I sometimes like to put my heals on the passenger foot boards to stretch. That would be too dangerous without the handbrake. With the handbrake, I can do more stretching with my feet without fear of not being able to hit the foot brake fast enough.

I wanted/needed the highway pegs in order to stretch my legs so I needed the hand brake in order to get to the brake if my foot could not. The added benefit that I found was during quick runs thru the twisties my Spyder could handle great with my feet on the highway pegs using my legs and my hand on the brake.

Both of these are great advantages of the hand brake that I have never even thought about. I have an SM5 transmission, so all I know is having foot pegs on both sides. Having the running boards gives you the freedom to stretch and relax a little which can add even more justification for making the purchase. It makes the price a little easier to swallow .....

[Bob Denman]

Once you get used to having all of the stopping power under your right foot; you'll be fine.
The ONLY time that I ever wished for a lever:
I was moving the bike around (Standing on the left-hand side...), and it got away from me on an incline!
Since then; I stand to the right, when doing such things.
The handbrake doesn't give you the same amount of stopping power as the pedal. It could NEVER be considered as a replacement for it; it's just a supplement.
Using a stronger dose of "Situational Awareness" works just as well, and saves you a bunch of money.

[stewartj239]

The handbrake doesn't give you the same amount of stopping power as the pedal. It could NEVER be considered as a replacement for it; it's just a supplement.

Yes, I do use mine as a supplement and yes, your right foot is stronger than your hand, but people who have a real disability do use it solely as a replacement. It actuates the exact same braking system used by the rear foot pedal .....

[Bob Denman]

It actuates the exact same braking system used by the rear foot pedal .....

It does actuate the same system; only it's difficult to exert the same amount of pressure on a brake lever, as can be stomped down into a brake pedal.
That having been said... ISCI DOES offer a different lever, that does allow for some easier actuation, and quicker stopping!

[robmorg]

Unless you are handicapped... NO...
It adds nothing you need.
Just learn to use only the foot brake.
Unlike a MC, you cannot control the front and back brakes...
So really this is of no use other than really expensive.

Bob

Essentially you are correct, Bob.

After the first 1000 miles on my RT, I never missed having a handbrake. That is ...until I added highway pegs. Now I wouldn't mind having the ISCI brake installed just so that I could enjoy using the highway pegs more. I know I would enjoy a handbrake if I had one, but I find it difficult to justify that expense.

It all comes down to money.

[PW2013STL]

The hand brake system from ISCL is a safety feature that every Spyder owner should experience. IMHO the hand brake used in conjunction with the foot brake does increase stopping power! I initially wanted the hand brake and highway pegs from ISCL as a package deal. I wanted/needed the highway pegs in order to stretch my legs so I needed the hand brake in order to get to the brake if my foot could not. The added benefit that I found was during quick runs thru the twisties my Spyder could handle great with my feet on the highway pegs using my legs and my hand on the brake. Now we have the F3 with that seating position. For me the riding experience has been greatly enhanced with the addition of the hand brake and highway pegs from ISCL. The cost of these products are a direct reflection of the quality materials, engineering and manufacturing from ISCL. They are designed for a high quality machine with the safety of the rider in mind.

The very reason I got ours. I need to stretch out my legs due to knee issues and felt unsafe doing so with only the foot brake. Now I am aware that the foot can provide more force on the brake, but you have to be able to get your foot on the pad in able to do that. The hand brake gives me the time to do that.
Expensive - Yes, but for me worth it for the extra safety and enjoyment in my rides.

[jaherbst]

I have to disagree. I have one from ISCI on my 2014 RTS and, although I can hit the brake with my foot just fine, I actually find it more enjoyable to use the hand brake. I also like options. For example, on the road, I sometimes like to put my heals on the passenger foot boards to stretch. That would be too dangerous without the handbrake. With the handbrake, I can do more stretching with my feet without fear of not being able to hit the foot brake fast enough. So for me it does add something. Do I need it...no...but it has made my ride much more enjoyable and worth the investment.

Good luck on your decision!

Ed

Took a short 200 mile lunch ride to Patagonia for lunch at the Velvet Elvis yesterday. Was pondering on this post about needing a handbrake when feet are on the highway pegs for quicker reaction than pulling your right foot back to the brake. Mmmmmmmm

My carefully thought out and scientific deduction was this: If you need to react this quick you are either riding way to fast or are following way to close!

I have been using highway pegs for many years both on Spyders and Leaners and with my feet on the "pegs" never felt I was in any danger by having to move my foot back to the brake.


Give this some thought and possibly change your driving habits a bit.

Brought to you by "Jack's Organization to Keep Safety on Leaner's and Spyders".

​Jack

[robmorg]

Jack,

I believe that your hypotheses , to some extent , is influenced by the fact that, unlike we poor suckers who live in the Northeast, you live in a state with plenty of open space.

I was pondering the very same thing on my ride to and from Spyderquest last fall. The trip involved a good bit of interstate riding, and I was wishing I could use the foot pegs more . While riding the speed limit, and leaving a good bit of space between me and the car ahead, my "thoughtful and scientific" brain deduced that it was not as much my own driving habits that I was concerned about, as much as those of the drivers in the cars around me.

That's the thought that kept my foot closer to the brake pedal, and my knees more cramped than I would have liked.

[jaherbst]

Jack,

I believe that your hypotheses , to some extent , is influenced by the fact that, unlike we poor suckers who live in the Northeast, you live in a state with plenty of open space.

I was pondering the very same thing on my ride to and from Spyderquest last fall. The trip involved a good bit of interstate riding, and I was wishing I could use the foot pegs more . While riding the speed limit, and leaving a good bit of space between me and the car ahead, my "thoughtful and scientific" brain deduced that it was not as much my own driving habits that I was concerned about, as much as those of the drivers in the cars around me.

That's that thought that kept my foot closer to the brake pedal, and my knees more cramped than I would have liked.

Rob, many of my trips are through LA, San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Your traffic is no worse believe me. I have driven on Leaners and Spyders in most of our major cities including New York. Of course when traffic is extremely heavy I seldom use the "pegs". If it is light I usually rest my heels on them and keep my distance safely when following other traffic.

If you slow 5 mph and let traffic pass you it is much safer than riding over the limit and having to pass others or compete with them. Try it some time, the fatigue factor is much much less.

Getting back to the handbrake if you feel more comfortable with it then stick with it. My own feeling is that it is not necessary on the Spyder and I am quite comfortable without it. (even with my feet on the "pegs")

Jack

[stewartj239]

My carefully thought out and scientific deduction was this: If you need to react this quick you are either riding way to fast or are following way to close!

What about situations that are out of your control? How about a dog, deer, raccoon or wild animal that jumps out in front of you? How about debris that gets kicked into your lane on a multi-lane highway? How about items that get kicked up in your path from the vehicle in front of you? ALL of these things I have experienced without riding way too fast or following too closely .....

[PW2013STL]

What about situations that are out of your control? How about a dog, deer, raccoon or wild animal that jumps out in front of you? How about debris that gets kicked into your lane on a multi-lane highway? How about items that get kicked up in your path from the vehicle in front of you? ALL of these things I have experienced without riding way too fast or following too closely .....

I also had all that + a car passing me in the left lane of a 4 lane highway come over into my lane and hit his brakes.

Appently Jack he has never had those issues.

[BruceA]

I also had all that + a car passing me in the left lane of a 4 lane highway come over into my lane and hit his brakes.

Appently Jack he has never had those issues.

Finding the foot brake with riding boots on in an emergency is not easy. The hand brake could save your life. All Spyders should come with one.