BRP Hand Brake?

[NancysToy]

Scotty,

You scare me. You know too much!

One can look up almost anything on the Internet these days. I used to have to travel to a Depository Library to sneak a peek at the Federal Register. This all came from a thought that occured to me that maybe there were some rules involved. Not necessarily smart...just curious!
-Scotty

 

[Donzo]

I have highway pegs and like to use them on long rides - I am so paranoid about my foot being away from the brake that it is hard to relax while stretching out on the highway - if there were a handbreak "just in case".....it would make highway riding more pleasant.

Want a hand break -- someone can/will make some coin if they come up with a well designed kit :thumbup:

 

[LDFIREWORKS]

should be one but thats one of things that makes the :spyder:different from all the rest , so if you want a hand brake buy a bike not a :f_spider::spyder::ani29::spyder2:

 

[bplummer]

Hope for us hand brake folks...

Daytona had some interesting things to see. One was a hydraulic master cylinder and slave cylinder that added the hand brake to a Spyder. It's simple to install (no holes to drill), and DOES NOT compromise the factory system.

The company ISCI showed their prototypes and I took some pics that I will post later. They say expect to see web site ordering information within a couple of weeks and shipping within a month or so.

http://www.industrialspecialty.com

 

[bplummer]

should be one but thats one of things that makes the :spyder:different from all the rest , so if you want a hand brake buy a bike not a :f_spider::spyder::ani29::spyder2:

You may be right, but I'm an OLD biker that needs all the safety that BRP has built into the Spyder. My first reaction is to grab the "front" brake lever in an emergency stop. No one can predict if retraining my brain will also retrain my panic reactions, so I'm going for a hand brake ASAP. My two cents...

 

[draboo]

I remember my first demo ride back in May of 07. The first corner I came I grabbed for the front brake and...well, it got my heart pumping. Also kept putting my foot down at stops.:shocked:

I ve been on two wheels with two seperate brakes(except for my Venture, which were linked) for 40 years. Since the Spyder purchase, I ve gotten used to the pedal only system just fine. I went for the WA state trike driving test a week ago and stopped much faster than the tests called for and without reaching for the phantom front lever!:thumbup:

I cannot remember the last time I reached for the front brake.

But...I would think it a good thing for the option to be out there, especially for those who ride both the Spyder and a motorcycle. A linked system would be ideal.

 

[Sara]

Why Not!!!!!!!!!

With so many people, identified here in this forum, with serious handicapps and disabilities, is this even a question for BRP and us rideres with a "fully functional body?" Get the Damn handbrake on all new modles and on all sold before hand. It can only help more people and make BRP more money-----the word is "inclusive" not "exclusive"----a principle cannon in economics-----I understand that government does not understand this "law of economics," but it's inexcusible for industry and business. Go for it Lamonster----and if you need us to carry pickforks and torches, give a call......SSSS

 

[bone crusher]

Sara,

Did you read Scotty's post several back?

There is apparently a reason why it cannot be offered stock...

I understand that many have physical handicaps...in my profession, I treat many patients with handicaps...you have to remember, however, that the bike was not made for those with handicaps.

Those who have such need to find after-market means of addressing their problems. Can you imagine if a company had to make standard or provide options for any and all physical handicaps? It's impossible.

An emotional plea is nice but IMHO it's not the correct way to go about this. I think it's great that those here with disabilities are finding ways to make the Spyder functional for them. At least the bike itself lends itself to more stability and after-market options...thus enabling those who can't ride 2 wheelers to adapt to a 3 wheeler. After-market manufacturers can do their part here to help our fellow riders who need modifications.

 

[fastfraser]

BRP Hand Brake

Give me a hand brake any old day just like the old days. Or at least make it an option.:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

I am still a bit confused about all the emotion about this. The safest way to stop the fastest on a motorcycle is to use both brakes at once. I get the impression here that some folks are used to using only the front brake. :yikes: Say it isn't so! Nobody should ever use the front by itself. For non-handicapped people riding a Spyder, that merely means you may grab some air sometimes if you forget what you are riding. That should be absolutely no problem. Much more difficult if you get used to the Spyder way, and neglect the front lever on your two-wheeler. That I understand.

I switch from bikes to the Spyder, and back, regularly. I also switch to a Triumph with a left hand footbrake, and some bikes with different shift patterns. I even had an Indian with the throttle on the left side. My wife's Trail 90 has a darned brake handle where the clutch lever should be. None has caused any issues, although all require some thought and practice when you first get on. I hit the brakes hard several times before the end of the street, then also a few times while riding, when I am in the clear to do so. Within a very short while, I become accustomed. I have never had a close call that made me want to get rid of the "oddities". In fact, to be safe, you can press down with both feet, and pull both levers (if equipped) I promise you will stop...even if you feel like a fool.
-Scotty

 

[Star Cruiser]

The footbrake gives me all the stopping power that I need. I would use a handbrake when I am not sitting on the bike but would like to release the parking brake wile beside it (the parking brake is difficult to release while seated on the Spyder). If there were a hand brake, I would be able to hold the Spyder on a hill while standing and swing my leg over to sit on the bike. Otherwise, as long as I am riding it "no problem". A fellow biker would automatically grab for a handful of binders (as MOST of us have done until we were accustomed to the Spyder). I prefer not to allow others to ride my ryde anyway.

 

[bone crusher]

I am still a bit confused about all the emotion about this. The safest way to stop the fastest on a motorcycle is to use both brakes at once. I get the impression here that some folks are used to using only the front brake. :yikes: Say it isn't so! Nobody should ever use the front by itself. For non-handicapped people riding a Spyder, that merely means you may grab some air sometimes if you forget what you are riding. That should be absolutely no problem. Much more difficult if you get used to the Spyder way, and neglect the front lever on your two-wheeler. That I understand.

I switch from bikes to the Spyder, and back, regularly. I also switch to a Triumph with a left hand footbrake, and some bikes with different shift patterns. I even had an Indian with the throttle on the left side. My wife's Trail 90 has a darned brake handle where the clutch lever should be. None has caused any issues, although all require some thought and practice when you first get on. I hit the brakes hard several times before the end of the street, then also a few times while riding, when I am in the clear to do so. Within a very short while, I become accustomed. I have never had a close call that made me want to get rid of the "oddities". In fact, to be safe, you can press down with both feet, and pull both levers (if equipped) I promise you will stop...even if you feel like a fool.
-Scotty

:agree: I think the on two wheelers the hand brake is about 75% of the braking and the foot brake is 25%...then again, you use based on need and conditions.

With the Spyder, the brakes are not a concern...the braking power is amazing and the machine handles everything for you...no way to skid your bike by only using the foot brake, as you can easily do on a two wheeler. I wouldn't give up the Spyder braking system (and the ABS) for anything.

As far as the emergency brake, it's a bit of a pain but the headache is manageable.

 

[jarhd3]

handbrake ques.gotten lively

Abs sys.are very efficient.The reason BRP did't incl.it on the spyder is because they developed a sys.that as tested worked just fine.ABS sys.have proven themselves time and time again.The spyder is a multiwheeled vehicle w/3 wheels to stop-not 2.If the ABS is used properly(ie.not pumping the pedal in panic stops)the sys.works fine.I drive emer.veh.40-50hrs a wk.and all have ABS sys.Driving at high speeds in a controlled manner using even pressure on the pedal provides all the stopping power thats needed to avoid gettig into trouble.Same w the SPYDER.Ponder this,in your auto w/ABS,do you grab for the handle on your left or right in a panic situation?You use the ONE pedal in the veh.to make you stop.It may take some practice w/the spyder and maybe a few adjustments but the brake sys. works just fine.I switch back and forth fm. 2whls to 3whls w/no problems adjusting.But do what you must to make the ride safe for you and your passenger and enjoyable too.Its a free country!:2thumbs::chat:

 

[spickus]

"If a motorcycle is equipped with self-proportioning or antilock braking devices utilizing a single control for front and rear brakes, the control shall be located and operable in the same manner as a rear brake control"

Honda Goldwings have had ABS and 2 brake controls for at least several years.

 

[bone crusher]

"If a motorcycle is equipped with self-proportioning or antilock braking devices utilizing a single control for front and rear brakes, the control shall be located and operable in the same manner as a rear brake control"

Honda Goldwings have had ABS and 2 brake controls for at least several years.

:bdh:

 

[92lt]

Here's what I did

I have some experience making custom brake setups. After battling leukemia, I was left with a condition in my hands that didn't allow me to use the lever controls found on handlebars- I can't fully extend my fingers open. So the SE5 with no clutch lever and no hand brake is perfect for me.

I didn't want to give up my other rides. Here is what i did on my XT225 dual sport bike. I replaced the rear mechanical drum brake with a hydraulic disc brake. I replaced the front brake caliper with a 3 piston caliper from a Honda Goldwing. What is unique about this caliper is that it has two independent inputs- one actuates the center piston. The other input actuates the two outer pistons of the caliper.

I linked the front and back brakes so the foot lever controls both. (bias proportioned) I connected the unused front caliper input to the master cylinder on the handlebars for emergency use.

The reason I am posting this is so that maybe BRP could use dual input calipers that would allow a set-up like I have that utilizes both a linked foot brake as well as a front-only hand brake.

 

[jarhd3]

handbrake my final op.

Somehow I'm getting the impression that some of us are getting brow beaten into making BRP put a front handbrake on the rest of the spyders being manufactured or are trying to persuade the rest of us to put one on our current rides.Americans have always embraced new technologies,ie,digital tv,cell phones,cd,dvd,laptopcomputers,.etc.,and the spyder is the latest in the category of a new type motorcycle/transportation.The research has been done and tested and the veh.manufact.orgs and the DOT have approved the current config.as a viable and safe sys.It is truly different in a motorcycle but this is not a "normal mc".The spyder is developed as it is.When we all purchased one we knew what the nature of the beast was.If it was not to the liking of the individuals taste or ergonomics then why buy one?I bought one because it is a different mc then any thing on the market and it looked like nothing else I ever had or built myself.It is our nature to tinker or toy w/ technology and try to improve it but sometimes the outcome is not so good.The saying"becarefull what you wish.you just might get it ..." could apply here.Every opinion should be respected and there are alot of them here,some of them the most informative I've sen on any site.There will probably be no definitve answer as we are all individuals.Do what you must to make youself safe and happy and your passenger or loved one safe too.Look at all the different spyders on this site.Lets not lose our uniqueness and revert back to a 2 wheel mentality.For myself,I enjoy both and adjust accordingly.

 

[aubierules]

Sara,

Did you read Scotty's post several back?

There is apparently a reason why it cannot be offered stock...

I understand that many have physical handicaps...in my profession, I treat many patients with handicaps...you have to remember, however, that the bike was not made for those with handicaps.

Those who have such need to find after-market means of addressing their problems. Can you imagine if a company had to make standard or provide options for any and all physical handicaps? It's impossible.

An emotional plea is nice but IMHO it's not the correct way to go about this. I think it's great that those here with disabilities are finding ways to make the Spyder functional for them. At least the bike itself lends itself to more stability and after-market options...thus enabling those who can't ride 2 wheelers to adapt to a 3 wheeler. After-market manufacturers can do their part here to help our fellow riders who need modifications.

i do have a handicap, and I find no reason why one shouldnt be offered... not only disabled people want it, but so do alot of abled bodied people....its not a handi versus non handi issue and shouldnt be, its simply a good idea, imo, thats all:thumbup:

 

[Firefly]

BRP didn't put one on the Spyder because of the extra cost - plain and simple. They didn't feel it was needed - which it isn't - but it would have been a nice touch. Legally they could have done it. The posted "S5.2.1 Control location and operation" information is being intrepreted incorrectly in trying to say you cannot have a tandem control on the handlebars. Obviously it can be done as Honda & HD have bikes with ABS that have both foot & hand brakes. You also have to remember that these bikes ship out all over the world, so BRP isn't just looking at US rules and regulations.

As soon as someone has a well made kit to do this I will buy one so I can feel safer when using the highway footrests.

 

[bplummer]

I am still a bit confused about all the emotion about this. The safest way to stop the fastest on a motorcycle is to use both brakes at once. I get the impression here that some folks are used to using only the front brake. :yikes: Say it isn't so! Nobody should ever use the front by itself. For non-handicapped people riding a Spyder, that merely means you may grab some air sometimes if you forget what you are riding. That should be absolutely no problem. Much more difficult if you get used to the Spyder way, and neglect the front lever on your two-wheeler. That I understand.

I switch from bikes to the Spyder, and back, regularly. I also switch to a Triumph with a left hand footbrake, and some bikes with different shift patterns. I even had an Indian with the throttle on the left side. My wife's Trail 90 has a darned brake handle where the clutch lever should be. None has caused any issues, although all require some thought and practice when you first get on. I hit the brakes hard several times before the end of the street, then also a few times while riding, when I am in the clear to do so. Within a very short while, I become accustomed. I have never had a close call that made me want to get rid of the "oddities". In fact, to be safe, you can press down with both feet, and pull both levers (if equipped) I promise you will stop...even if you feel like a fool.
-Scotty

Scotty,

I agree with you that I use both front and rear brake when a quick stop is required. However, I grab the front brake first, then my foot finds the rear brake pedal. I've never been able to grab both brakes the same instant in a panic situation.

While at Daytona this week I took a few pics of the hand brake offered by ISCI. The shots are included for anyone interested and they told me order information should be on their web site shortly.

http://www.industrialspecialty.com