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HYDRAULIC HAND BREAK WORTH ADDING?

Motza

New member
I was asked by a question from a local custom bike shop.
He was putting a hand break on a Spyder for a handicap rider, ask me if I would like one too. I never thought about it, but thought... wow what a good idea. It would be hydraulic breaks.
Any thoughts out their? Lamonster...etc...:dontknow:
 
For me, no. I adapted to the foot-brake-only without any problem. I prefer having to use only my foot to have all the braking power I need. If someone has a special need, then it should be available. If someone just wants one, then it should be available. Is it worth adding just to have one? That's up to the individual.
 
For me, no. I adapted to the foot-brake-only without any problem. I prefer having to use only my foot to have all the braking power I need. If someone has a special need, then it should be available. If someone just wants one, then it should be available. Is it worth adding just to have one? That's up to the individual.
:agree:

Great to have available for those who may require it due to a disability.


You do get used to it not being there fairly quick even after years of using it on a bike. The only time I miss it is when walking the Spyder out of the garage. It would be nice to be able to just hold the front brake till you saddle up and put your foot on the brake. But thats what the parking brake is for, it is just a PIA to release after being saddled up.

basically, there are so many other things you could put the money towards that are more useful. For me, that was risers and mirror extentions.

What was the cost of the front brake?
 
:agree:

Great to have available for those who may require it due to a disability.


You do get used to it not being there fairly quick even after years of using it on a bike. The only time I miss it is when walking the Spyder out of the garage. It would be nice to be able to just hold the front brake till you saddle up and put your foot on the brake. But thats what the parking brake is for, it is just a PIA to release after being saddled up.

basically, there are so many other things you could put the money towards that are more useful. For me, that was risers and mirror extentions.

What was the cost of the front brake?

I sprayed some oil on the key/spring part of the parking brake (what hooks into the part of the brake that looks like a winch). Works wonders. Brake now is a no-effort operation. Had to retrain myself in working it. The release takes just a touch with your heel and it jumps up and disengages the warning light, and you're ready to go!
 
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Thanks Dudley,

I should clarify. The parking brake works and releases as it should, I just have a hard time getting my clown shoes to hit it after I am already on the bike.

:joke:
 
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For me, no. I adapted to the foot-brake-only without any problem. I prefer having to use only my foot to have all the braking power I need. If someone has a special need, then it should be available. If someone just wants one, then it should be available. Is it worth adding just to have one? That's up to the individual.

:agree:
 
Thanks Dudley,

I should clarify. The parking brake works and releases as it should, I just have a hard time getting my clown shoes to hit it after I am already on the bike.

:joke:

I have the same problem. Even drew blood one day trying to disengage the brake. The pressure it took before I oiled it took a lot of downward push, and when the heel slipped off, the leg got it from the footpeg. I don't say you gotta, but if you haven't, consider the spray oil. If you don't like it, you can always wash it off.
 
:agree:

Great to have available for those who may require it due to a disability.


You do get used to it not being there fairly quick even after years of using it on a bike. The only time I miss it is when walking the Spyder out of the garage. It would be nice to be able to just hold the front brake till you saddle up and put your foot on the brake. But thats what the parking brake is for, it is just a PIA to release after being saddled up.

basically, there are so many other things you could put the money towards that are more useful. For me, that was risers and mirror extentions.

What was the cost of the front brake?
under $400 not installed
 
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That's a hefty sum to spend if all one wants is a hand brake without a need for one. I don't think, though I am not sure, that it will give you any more braking power. The brakes won't lock, so no matter how hard you press past a certain point, it won't stop any faster. That is they way I understand anti-lock brakes. If I misunderstood, please correct me.
 
:agree:

Great to have available for those who may require it due to a disability.


You do get used to it not being there fairly quick even after years of using it on a bike. The only time I miss it is when walking the Spyder out of the garage. It would be nice to be able to just hold the front brake till you saddle up and put your foot on the brake. But thats what the parking brake is for, it is just a PIA to release after being saddled up.

basically, there are so many other things you could put the money towards that are more useful. For me, that was risers and mirror extentions.

What was the cost of the front brake?

I start mine in the storage, back it out, reset the parking brake, and while it warms up I finish dressing up.
 
I no longer grab for it!

I was asked by a question from a local custom bike shop.
He was putting a hand break on a Spyder for a handicap rider, ask me if I would like one too. I never thought about it, but thought... wow what a good idea. It would be hydraulic breaks.
Any thoughts out their? Lamonster...etc...:dontknow:

If I still owned and rode a bike at times I would want a hand brake so that I did NOT get out of the habit of using it. Using both hand and foot MUST remain natural for someone that rides two wheels! Of course I am spoiled now with the anti-lock though could wish for a bit shorter stop. I just have to remember it won't stop any faster than my Forester.
 
If I still owned and rode a bike at times I would want a hand brake so that I did NOT get out of the habit of using it. Using both hand and foot MUST remain natural for someone that rides two wheels! Of course I am spoiled now with the anti-lock though could wish for a bit shorter stop. I just have to remember it won't stop any faster than my Forester.


You would be surprised who quickly you adapt from one to the other. Still have my 2 wheeler, took it out the other day just to keep it running till I sell it. The whole different braking and steering thing came right back. I have to admit tho, I was apprehensive.
 
Several years ago>>>>>

You would be surprised who quickly you adapt from one to the other. Still have my 2 wheeler, took it out the other day just to keep it running till I sell it. The whole different braking and steering thing came right back. I have to admit tho, I was apprehensive.

>>>>>, '97 actually, I kept the CB-750 Nighthawk for a few months after I got the Pacific Coast. Even between two similar sized bikes there were distinct differences in handling. At least with the Spyder I have very similar ergonomics, weather protection, and nearly as much cargo space to my favorit PC.
 
That's a hefty sum to spend if all one wants is a hand brake without a need for one. I don't think, though I am not sure, that it will give you any more braking power. The brakes won't lock, so no matter how hard you press past a certain point, it won't stop any faster. That is they way I understand anti-lock brakes. If I misunderstood, please correct me.
I was just thinking reaction time with a hand break would be an extra bonus for emergency braking, correct me if I'm wrong.
What if you can't get to the foot break but can use the hand break quicker than the foot break...so on and so on....
 
I sprayed some oil on the key/spring part of the parking brake (what hooks into the part of the brake that looks like a winch). Works wonders. Brake now is a no-effort operation. Had to retrain myself in working it. The release takes just a touch with your heel and it jumps up and disengages the warning light, and you're ready to go!

It certainly would not hurt to lube it up. can you please desribe where that is located? (explain to me like I am a mechanical idiot, because I can be)
 
I was just thinking reaction time with a hand break would be an extra bonus for emergency braking, correct me if I'm wrong.
What if you can't get to the foot break but can use the hand break quicker than the foot break...so on and so on....

If you have unliited funds, sure, why not have a redundant system.

It would be very useful if you like to keep your feet up on the highway pegs. Be able to start slowing down right away with out readjusting your feet, or if you just want to tap the brakelights to warn drivers behind you.
 
I think its a good idea if needed

I plan on the addition because over the years of wear and tear on my ankles (military), they hurt like hell from time to time. I'm feeling a lot of discomfort from having to keep my foot on the peg at an angle so as to reach the brake when riding in traffic. Which is always a problem the closer you are to DC. So hand brakes will bring me much relief. ken :clap::thumbup:


I was asked by a question from a local custom bike shop.
He was putting a hand break on a Spyder for a handicap rider, ask me if I would like one too. I never thought about it, but thought... wow what a good idea. It would be hydraulic breaks.
Any thoughts out their? Lamonster...etc...:dontknow:
 
I plan on the addition because over the years of wear and tear on my ankles (military), they hurt like hell from time to time. I'm feeling a lot of discomfort from having to keep my foot on the peg at an angle so as to reach the brake when riding in traffic. Which is always a problem the closer you are to DC. So hand brakes will bring me much relief. ken :clap::thumbup:
I'm on your wagon, thanks
 
It certainly would not hurt to lube it up. can you please desribe where that is located? (explain to me like I am a mechanical idiot, because I can be)

With the parking brake released, and the Spyder in an imobile position, get flat on the ground and look at the brake pedal. Follow it forward. You will notice a spring and what BRP calls a key. The key is what latches into the notched plate to set your brake. Spray oil liberally on the key/spring area. No worries if it hits anything else. Then, when you try the brake, you will note the ease of the push needed. When releasing it, it will take just a tap, nothing more. Happy Trails and Ryde Safe.
 
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