Hand Brake Poll

[NautiBrit]

I've been a Spyder owner since 2008 and have put almost 30K miles on it. Having ridden 2 wheeled bikes for over 40 years before "graduating" to the Spyder, I would still prefer that my Spyder had a hand brake instead of or in combination with a foot brake.

Since we now have a sizable group with a wide variety of experiences, I would be interested (and maybe BRP would also like to know) if current and potential owners would prefer to buy their Spyders with a hand brake as standard equipment. I'm not interested in retrofit as I know there are very good systems available.

Thanks for your input.

 

[tobor9]

I've never rode a two wheeler so never used a hand brake,except on bicycles as a kid but got my :spyder2:with the SE5 because I was not sure how much longer I could use my hands(I'm having Trigger finger problems) and although my feet are numb, i'm better able to use them for braking,it might be useful to have both hand and foot brakes and someday I may have to add it to my RS.

 

[ARtraveler]

I still drive a two wheeler so I still get to use the handbrake.

My feeling with :spyder2:, is that a handbrake would be redundent with the operating system that is being used.

3/4 of the stopping power in a two-wheeler is supplied by the handbrake--so problems can happen with inexperienced riders in panic stop situations.

The :spyder2: system takes care of the above problem. The ABS kicks in and keeps you straight during panic stops. For me, it is no different than panic stopping with a car. No handbrake needed. You want or need to stop quickly--stomp on the footbrake.

 

[SteveMac]

I wanted one bad enough that I invested in the ISCI hand brake.

Having a disabled right leg it was imperative for me and I would assume having the option would be helpful for others as well.

 

[dave01]

Love my ISCI handbrake option. I think its a good idea and would love to see it as a BRP installed option for those that have issues with only having a footbrake.

 

[DougB]

Would like both hand and foot

 

[Saluda]

Happy the way it is.

 

[dancogan]

To first time ryders I think a hand brake adds a degree of complexity, confusion and maybe another obstacle to overcome. For experienced ryders from the 2 wheel world or those who need a handbrake for physical reasons it's something we won't do without. However, so many ryders are first timers and I think this is the largest part of the market and probably the target for Can Am, so I doubt they'll add a hand brake as standard equipment.

 

[rnet]

No check in the poll for both, wouldn't leave home without them.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: I'd prefer both... Too bad that the poll didn't offer that choice.

 

[Kinderhook]

If one suffers from a physical shortcoming preventing normal braking, a hand brake makes sense. With the addition of ABS a hand brake is redundant. Most drivers are comfortable with foot brakes via their automobile. Motorcycle riders have grown accustomed to using the front brake to ease balance while stopped and because they have "always done it that way". Neither makes sense with a three wheel vehicle sporting computerized braking. I see no reason why BRP would increase the cost of their vehicle by adding a useless hand brake. Hand brakes fall into the same area as loud mufflers, stick on decal decoration, chrome covers of all types, etc. If you want to waste money on these items, go for it, but don't advocate them as standard equipment adding to an already high purchase price.

 

[rcdurango]

I would like hand brake for a backup if using Hwy. pegs. other than that I like foot brake.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that this is a good topic to explore; How many of us came off of motorcycles and would be more comfortable with familiar controls versus those of us who got out of station wagons and like stomping on pedals like the Church organist?
I've found myself in 2 situations where a handbrake would have been almost as welcome as a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. As with most motorcyclists; I find myself wanting to move my Spyder from the left side... No Brakes!! :shocked: Once it starts rolling, you're in TRUBBLE! :yikes: pps:
While I think that I've adjusted to the pedal for riding; I worry that if things get dicey I might grab for a lever that isn't there... Having both might make a difference...
...But that's just me...

 

[ThreeWheels]

I also would like both brakes. When I first got the Spyder, it took me a while to stop trying to use the hand brake and I miss it.

Here's another advantage to the handbrake. When rolling the Spyder around in the garage, it's nice to have the handbrake to stop it.

 

[3Willie]

Both are handy

I added my own hand brake that works in conjunction with the existing integrated braking system. It is really nice to use either or both options. Also makes the transition back and forth from 3 wheels to 2 wheels much easier.

 

[boborgera]

Coming from 40+ years on Two wheelers also, [still have one] I missed the hand brake from day one, I've read all the reasons why BRP didn't think it was necessary, But it still doesn't make sense to me:dontknow:
As most of you know i sold my Spyder and now have a Tri Glide, Which comes standard with a hand brake [front wheel] And i very rarely use the foot brake, Like wise i almost never use the foot brake on my two wheeler. Your hands are always close to the brake lever, not always so with your floor brake pedal i.e. foot boards, high way pegs, etc.

 

[BajaRon]

First, I agree with those wondering where the most obvious selection went. 'Both hand and foot brake'. I think this omission is skewing the results in favor of the foot brake option.

I certainly don't want to trade my foot brake for a hand brake. 2 wheelers have both so that's the way I'd go. I added a cable mounted hand brake on my Spyder and I use it all the time.

Here is what I don't understand. If you don't want a hand brake then just don't use it. I've known several 2 wheel riders that never touch their hand brake. They aren't confused or intimidated by the existance of a hand brake. It's not very smart as 70% of your stopping ability is lost when you don't use the hand brake (unless your brakes are integrated as on the Spyder). But that's another discussion.

My point is, if you don't want to use the hand brake, then don't. But for those of us who want a hand brake, there it is. My gut feeling is that many of those who think they don't want a hand brake would discover that they like it, once they had one.

 

[NancysToy]

I agree pretty much with what Ron said. Having both may be a good idea, then a person can use whichever suits them...or both. I personally have no preference. When I ride the Spyder, I use my foot. When I ride the bikes, I use both. Athough one bike in the fleet has partially integrated brakes, so the hand lever works both brakes, I never use just the hand lever. Most of my bikes have separate front and back brakes...and using just a front brake can result in some severe road rash under certain conditions, so it is not a good habit to get into.

I don't see anything wrong with BRPs approach to this. As Dan said, it is probably easier for novices this way. Having the hand brake as an aftermarket option allows those that wish to have one, to spend the extra money and do so, while the rest of us get a bit of a break on the price of the Spyder as a result.

 

[eddieshep999]

I have not voted as the Option to have both is not available to vote on maybe the Poll could be amended to include this option

I would vote for both

The only time I've missed the Front brake leaver was on my first Demo Ride Spyder RT-S SES 2010 Model
- A Lorry pulled out in front on me and I had to do an emergency stop - Automatic reaction having ridden Motorcycles for 30+ Years was to go for both a Front Brake and the Foot Brake
Because the Brakes are linked on the Spyder via the Foot brake it stopped fine
After 4,000 Miles on the Spyder I don't even think about the loss of a Front brake lever


I have to agree with ThreeWheels I push my Spyder into my Garage due to limited room and I can control it easier but because of my
disability I do so from the RHS - It would be much easier to stop the Spyder rolling forward or backwards using a front brake than having
to lift my foot to use the Foot brake

I don't consider I need to fit a Front Brake leaver to my Spyder RT - S SES (Yes I purchased the Demo one)
but it maybe an Option in the future should the need arise

Thanks

Eddie Sheppard
Reading UK


Spyder – RT-S SES (AUTO 2010 Model)


List of Mods :-
Added Zuno 660 -Garmin kit as supplied on the Spyder RT Limited
Digital Voltmeter and Digital Clock to replace Fuel and Temp gauge – Fuel and Temp now
displayed in Cluster Display
LED Bulbs Reversing Lights,Front position lights
HMT - Brake Light
LED – Running lights
LED - Mud Flap lights
Rear extended Mud Flap
LED Light in Rear Trunk
Sport Tall Wide Clear Windshield
Chrome 2011 Front Lower Wind deflecors
Utopia Backrest
S/S Seat Prop
S/S Handlebar Weights
S/S Grills both sides matching
Bottom Panel S/S Protection
S/S stronger Funk Lid brackets
S/S Bracket for RBNS Hood for Zumo 660 GPS + TourTech Lockable Mount
Rubber Tank protector on glove box
Grip Puppies
Power Socket in Switch Cluster and at Rear passenger Handrail
Rear Speaker Switch for passenger On/OFF
Upgraded Front Marine Speakers
Bluetooth On board Radio to Sena SMH10 Headsets

 

[Dragonrider]

My choice is also not available - I have installed two ISCI hand brake systems (TOP quality products) - one on an RS and one on a RT. BOTH were SM 5s. If I had a SM 5, I would have a hand brake system. However, with my SE 5, I don't have a hand brake, nor want one. So my option would be Clutch + Brake, or neither...