Can we have a reasonable discussion about this?

[RotaxDuramax]

I've had several four wheelers, currently I have two BRP units even, that use both a hand lever and a foot lever to actuate the rear brakes. Granted they are not ABS systems, but it's more then doable.

I believe the brakes on the Spyder should say connected as one computer controlled unit, but they should have both options to activate the system.

 

[PistonBlown]

I agree with Supermax's comments on this.

Also I find a handbrake gives me more control and feel. The foot brake is too binary (off or on) and you have less feeling because of the hard soles of motorcycle boots.

I've tried to get used to it but still miss the handbrake all the time.

Problem for me is the cost of the ISC unit otherwise I would have got one long ago, if you think it's expensive in the US well you wouldn't believe how much it is here.

At some point I'll be having a go at doing something like this setup:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ndbrake-Alternative-And-Alternative-to-Cables

 

[Bfromla]

Nanny

Another manual control would be hectic on the nanny's balance system. Yes people would abuse it quickly, but for the over all functon: 1 primary system allows more inexpieranced ryders to learn safely quickly. Most are still trying to counter steer. Maybe most requested , but not an option BRP is likely to change considering all added programing & risk to them.

 

[PW2013STL]

When I'm riding on the highway I often have my feet on the highway pegs. I'd like a hand brake just so I'd have a faster way to the brake when I'm riding like that. It wouldn't be my primary means of getting to the brake...that would remain the foot brake. But having a hand brake, too, would just make me feel a little more safe while I'm on the highway.

OTOH, I'm having a hard time convincing myself to spend north of $1000 to have one installed.

That's reason I have one :2thumbs:

 

[Bob Denman]

You know when I REALLY miss a handbrake?

When I'm rolling the bike around (from the left side of it), and have to stop it! :shocked:

 

[jScotD]

L
ower right leg missing...hard to find that little lever with my heel...I do plan on getting the brake and parking brake extension from a vendor here eventually ..I too have the ISCI

 

[Blade]

Handreak or not

I have been riding motorcycles for about 35 years. I have always enjoyed what the differences of each of the motorcycles I have owned. It did not take me long to get use to my RT-S and what it has for a brake. Reading this thread is not going to change the design of the Spyder either. So I say enjoy your spyder as is and if you want a bike with a handbrake get another motorcycle that has a handbrake.

Just my two cents.

Blade

 

[Firefly]

I'd love to have a handbrake as well as the foot pedal. Riding with highway pegs is one reason. Another is.. for those of us that like to push the envelope in the twisties... sometimes you're in a position (hanging off the side like a monkey) where hitting the foot pedal with very much force is difficult... been in that position plenty of times. Sometimes you just need a light tap while cornering.

This might not be the case on the F3 as it seems you're not leaning and hanging off the side to hold her down as much....

The ISCI is a great option.

 

[rjs]

Hand Brake

For myself and many others who ride Spyders a Hand Brake is not a choice
that we get to make (have one or not) without a hand brake there is no riding

a motorcycle or driving a car/van my drivers licenes even states that I must have a hand orerated brake and an automatic transmisson and my motorcycle
endorsement is only for a Three Wheeled Motorcycle.Maby BRP could offer a
Mobility Rebate like many of the auto manufactures do most offer a $1000.00
rebate I wouldnt expect Brp to match that but a few hundred wouldnt hurt:f_spider::f_spider::f_spider::f_spider::f_spider::f_spider:
Ric

 

[Willy057]

It is ironic to see this thread. I am in Redding, CA getting a Day-Long seat put on the RT. A gentleman stopped me and asked if a hand brake could be put on a Spyder. He was an amputee, and would like to ride. He had lost his right leg. Nice to know it is possible so handicapped folks could ride.

Sure appreciate this forum ....thanks to all for all the good info.

 

[stewartj239]

I installed the ISCI hand brake on my RT. The main reason was for reaction time. I ride with a finger on the front brake all of the time. You can't do that with your foot. In general, when I brake, it is 80% with the front lever and 20% with the rear pedal. I have also found that going around right hand turns, it is very difficult to get on the rear brake pedal quickly if necessary .....

 

[iSpyder]

I am on my second Spyder now. Did not have a hand brake on my 2012 RTS but I have the ISCI hand break on my 2014 RTS. Riding experience is much better with the hand brake than without. Sure I wish the ISCI brake was cheaper but still worth it to me at the price paid. They make a quality product and I wouldn't want cheapo parts on something like a brake. I don't think a BRP provided brake would necessarily be needed with third party vendor(s) available. If their other accessory price levels are any indicator it probably wouldn't be any cheaper than the ISCI option anyway...just sayin'

 

[tehrlich]

In a hard left turn, I think it would be more difficult to activate the handbrake. Your right arm would be extended and at an angle to the handbrake.

I'm perfectly adapted to the foot brake, and don't even think of a hand brake.

 

[missouriboy]

Left foot pedal!

It is ironic to see this thread. I am in Redding, CA getting a Day-Long seat put on the RT. A gentleman stopped me and asked if a hand brake could be put on a Spyder. He was an amputee, and would like to ride. He had lost his right leg. Nice to know it is possible so handicapped folks could ride.

Sure appreciate this forum ....thanks to all for all the good info.

Has anyone thought of this option (available on the SE modes only): the same braking system, but with the foot-pedal on the left side. This would solve your gentleman's problem, as well as all others with a good left foot/leg but lacking the right-side counterpart.

Perhaps the mechanical requirements of such a device might be much simpler and less costly than the handbrake option?

 

[stewartj239]

In a hard left turn, I think it would be more difficult to activate the handbrake. Your right arm would be extended and at an angle to the handbrake.

Correct. In that situation I would use the rear brake pedal. For me, it is the hard right turns where the hand brake would be the one to use. IMO, having both options is the best of both worlds for all riding situations - just like on a motorcycle.

 

[forgiven1823]

Well as for me I didn't even know they made a hand brake system for the Spyder,I have a 2012 RT and would have love to have had one,I have adapted pretty well sense I used to use both on the Harley's I had own,my Knees have gotten bad and I couldn't make them oh **** saves I once could so I tried a Harley Three Wheeler and didn't like it at all,to expensive anyway,I tried the Spyder and loved it,it was a bit different going from a two Wheeler to a Spyder the first few hundred miles,yeah the Brakes and learning to lean yourself into the curve sense you can't the Spyder,it was like I was fighting the Spyder before I caught on about leaning,I love the ride now.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[latony007]

First few times a road a spyder (my brothers) i would reach for the handbrake. After that it never bothered me. Not i have my own spyder and i still have my yamaha sport bike and i have no problem going back and forth between the two without reaching for the brake thats not there on the spyder or using all rear brake on my yamaha because i forget the hand front brake. Its just a matter of getting used to it. I think they kit is great for people that have issues with their right leg and cant brake with it. Same wit the automatic for people who cant shift with their left leg. I co workers husband lost his left leg and i have been trying to get him to look at a spyder since he has been riding for 20 years and now can't. But he is one of these brainwashed people who say its a harley or nothing. His loss as now he doesnt ride at all.

 

[Habib]

To each his own, I would prefer 2 wheels but medically its not possible. Nor is operating the foot brake on the right side. Research on my problem tirned up the $1250.00 kit. Cant even think about that without taking out a second mortgage. Started looking at options and found a couple of write-ups that would work. A bit more looking turned up the SX m/c and the slave that works with it. Second day shipping and the parts came to $195.00 and that is retail, no mfg. discount. Only thing left is a hydraulic line and a bit of bracket/clevis fabrication. I figure the whole thing will be less than $350 and bit of my time
Yeah it might not be modern nor Can Am nor "kit" but its a mod I need to be able to ride in a way I can afford it.

 

[Habib]

OMG that was harsh. Hopefully you will live long enough to be old and confused.

Your starement is confusing and makes no sense. Have you thought of seeing a shrink?

 

[cuznjohn]

i have said from my first spyder, that the bike needs a option for a hand brake to add on along with the foot brake. so i have installed one on each spyder i have had. my dealer wouldn't install it, so i did it by myself, and love it.