ISCI Handbrake improves braking overall
Had several issues with OEM brakes not being up to snuff. Tech at dealership bled brakes and hooked up to computer as per shop manual as I watched. When it came time to measure braking pressure at master cylinder I had to STAND on brake pedal to bring all my 160 pounds to bear on it to generate the prescribed 508 psi at the pressure sensor. Tech did everything thoroughly using the manual, this was his first time at it and next time he will be faster. I road tested the brakes afterward, had harder (less spongy) pedal but no improvement in stopping distance (got it up to 60 by speedo on back road straightaway, applying brakes at reference mark, a "bridge ahead" sign, and measuring results, it was all I could do to stop within 210 feet). Took Spyder home, removed front pads and scuffed with sandpaper, took back to test site, improved braking registered 189 feet -- that's a balls-out full panic stop on a recently-resurfaced tarmac surface -- that SUCKS, that brake/tire/weight combo should stop in much less that 140 feet.
Installed ISCI handbrake system, complicated by my BRP extended passenger pegs, windshield clearance issues and Parkinson's-related spazziness, but I got it done all by myself, took me a full day but I'm no longer a professional mechanic, though I have a great selection of tools from my long-ago (30 years) former career as a heavy equipment mechanic.
Now when I put all my weight on the brake pedal, applying the handbrake afterward with average effort from a medium-sized right hand forces the foot brake down even further, VASTLY IMPROVING STOPPING DISTANCE. To be honest, I haven't had a chance to get back to my secret test area, the road was having its shoulders trimmed back today, but I'm sure my stopping distance will be much better. Most heavy cruisers (which out-brake sport bikes in 60-0 tests due to longer wheelbases and more weight proportionately over the back brake) can stop in 130 feet or much less from 60 mph, as can sport bikes risking "stoppies" and most cars with four-wheel disk brakes.
Showed setup to techs at shop, all of whom are much heavier than I, and they, too, observed the added pedal travel afforded the brakes using the hand lever. Part of this is ergonomic: Someone with a 36-inch inseam will have his lower leg at a sharper angle, allowing him greater ankle movement and ability to press down on the brake pedal regardless of weight, so the improvement noticed will not be as much as me with my 29-inch trousers. My dentist, who rides, is a REALLY big guy, probably 300 pounds, managed to move the pedal pretty far with his size-14 right foot, but he still liked the handbrake addition. Everyone was impressed by the neat factory-installed look of the setup.
This is by far the most expensive addition to my 2009 SE5. Worth every cent, my biggest complaint is that it had to be done at all, which I lay at BRP's feet. "I don't see why they didn't do this at the factory," said my tech.
