Hand Break??

[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. :shocked:

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

 

[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. :shocked:

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

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.

 

[larryd]

Hand Brake

I have one on my 2014 RTS SE6 and like it VERY much...larryd

 

[Peter Aawen]

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.

So following that logic, shouldn't anyone who drives their car wearing boots... only drive vehicles fitted in the factory with a hand brake too!! :yikes: :banghead:

 

[flaggerphil]

I would love to have one when I'm cruising with my feet on my hiway pegs. Just not sure I want to spend the $$$$.

 

[BruceA]

So following that logic, shouldn't anyone who drives their car wearing boots... only drive vehicles fitted in the factory with a hand brake too!! :yikes: :banghead:

If yourcar had a small slot in a bunch of Tupperware that you had to put your boot in, then yes. Use your head and God forbid if you let the facts get in the way of your pre-conceived ideas.

 

[spacetiger]

Noone mentioned swapping between bikes. I have 7 and swap out riding them most of them throughout the year. They are all 2 wheelers except for the ST. I do get used to using only the right foot, but there has been a time or two after coming off a 2 wheel bike that I go for the handle on the Spyder. Having one on the Spyder would be a good thing. If I could get a top of the line model with manual and hand brake I would do it.

Jerry