I Just put an ISCI Handbrake on my 2018 Spyder RT, and just wanted to provide my thoughts of my purchase. To summarize though, I absolutely LOVE it, and feel much more comfortable with it......coming from a 2 wheel background of 40 years. I understand all the argument about "not needed, etc", but a significant improvement IMO approach a necessity for me....although pricey.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: While it is expensive, it is extremely well made and packaged. As others have noted, it starts with a Harley Davidson master cylinder, and from there all of the parts appear custom fabricated. Excellent finish on all the parts, and was as fully assembled as it possibly could be straight from the box….no IKEA here. Everything needed for install was in the box, sans tools, all the way down to locktite. Came with color directions that were accurate and straightforward to follow.
INSTALL: It took me nearly 4 hours at a very leisurely pace, and spending time reading the directions over and over. It can easily be done on the ground, and no single part was beyond a moderate difficulty for a lone individual. Everything fit PERFECTLY, and all needed parts were there. I would estimate you could complete an install in 2.5 hours if you really worked through it, and were a little better at crawling along the ground. One caution I learned, the slave cylinder comes with a bleeder valve designed to bleed by yourself. The instructions CLEARLY stated to loosen it ¼ to ½ turn. Being myself, I went about a full turn. After 30 minutes pumping the brake handle, and making no progress, I tightened the valve back down to half a turn. It bled PERFECTLY then, about a 10-15 minute job. Too far open = bad.
PERFORMANCE: It is harder to use alone than most motorcycles wrt to handle pull, but not really difficult. In fact, the effort reminded more of some larger scooters I’ve ridden. You have to mean to pull it, but I could easily do an emergency stop with just the handbrake (although I do not advise that). Per the directions, they are no longer using the “extra Spring” allot of people talked about, that very well could be why the pull is very acceptable. Was great in town, really made it easy to ride
HOW I USE IT: In town, I found myself relying on just the handbrake for slow speed stops at red lights etc. At speed, I pulled the handbrake while immediately transitioning my foot to the footbrake. A huge benefit, pulling the handbrake lowers the footbrake pedal, making it seem far less like I had to lift my foot. I was far more comfortable moving my foot around the floorboard, including onto highway pegs, knowing I could start braking with the hand and catch up quickly with my foot. As one with a bad knee/Hip, this makes me feel much more comfortable (safe) on the Spyder.
WOULD I BUY AGAIN: Yes, it would be my first add on, and Can Am should have as an option IMO. I wish it was a little less expensive, but when you compare it’s cost to the RT Limited floorboards if you bought them, it really is not bad, Clearly allot of thought went into a safe and functional design, and it shows.
I know above is a little long winded, but in case anyone else is considering the handbrake……
